(Credit: Getty Images/Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)
(Credit: Getty Images/Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)
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Todd Boehly facing new headache as Chelsea stadium plans hit by big blow

James Murray
James Murray

James holds a degree in Sports Journalism and Communications (MA) from the Real Madrid Graduate School. He has experience working for a number of local news outlets as well as the Sunday Mirror and Real Madrid TV. James is from Scunthorpe and has an affinity with Scunthorpe United, but is also a huge West Ham supporter and an expert on all things to do with the Hammers. He started working for Breaking Media in July 2023, initially writing on the Club Sites, where he specialised in West Ham content, before moving to Football Insider – where he is now an expert in football finance, speaking regularly with Stefan Borson and Keith Wyness to generate high-quality content in all things related to finance in the Premier League, Football League, and Scottish Premiership.

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Chelsea’s hierarchy are considering the best option for their future stadium plans. 

The matter was understood to be a key issue for Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali’s Clearlake Capital when they bought the club in May 2022. 

Chelsea's owners are debating over whether to leave Stamford Bridge or expand their existing stadium, with Earl’s Court viewed as a possible location for a new facility. 

There is currently no timeline for when a decision will be reached, with Boehly even admitting it could be 2042 before Chelsea can build a new stadium.

However, the Blues have now been handed a fresh blow after a new update has emerged in west London.

Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter at the Club World Cup
Todd Boehly is keen for Chelsea to complete a move to Earl's Court (Credit: Imago)

Todd Boehly's Chelsea future in doubt after stadium twist

It has been widely known Chelsea’s Earl’s Court proposal would face opposition due to its prime location in London’s richest borough. 

Hammersmith and Fulham Council – one of the local authorities involved in the decision-making process – green lighted an alternative plan for the site at a meeting on Wednesday (26 November). 

The proposal, which has been put forward by the Earl’s Court Development Company, is for a £10billion housing and retail project.

Chelsea
Stamford Bridge is the 11th-largest stadium in the Premier League (Credit: Getty Images)

The Telegraph reported on Thursday (27 November) Chelsea are still considering their stadium options, including a potential move to Earl’s Court despite the latest update.

However, the newspaper noted Boehly is believed to favour a move to Earl’s Court, potentially raising questions around his future at Stamford Bridge if that avenue is no longer possible. 

Boehly owns close to 39 per cent of Chelsea, but that is split between himself, Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss. 

Chelsea's most likely stadium option revealed

There are few alternatives for the Premier League giants if a move to Earl’s Court is off the table. 

Given the current state of play, an expansion of Stamford Bridge is the most likely option for Chelsea at this moment in time.

However, that brings forth another issue around where the Blues would play if they decide to improve their existing home. 

It was revealed earlier this year Twickenham is a potential option for Chelsea if they need to play elsewhere while they upgrade Stamford Bridge. 

Twickenham can host up to 82,000 spectators, while Stamford Bridge, which is currently the 11th-largest stadium in the Premier League, has a capacity of 40,173. 

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