Stefan Borson: Todd Boehly facing ‘massive headache’ after Chelsea stadium latest
Chelsea are one of several Premier League clubs looking to add more seats at their stadium.
The Blues’ future stadium plans were understood to be a key issue for Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali’s Clearlake Capital when they bought the club in May 2022.
Chelsea are considering plans to leave Stamford Bridge or expand their existing stadium, with Earl’s Court viewed as a possible location for a new facility.
BBC Sport’s journalist Nizaar Kinsella reported on 13 October expanding Stamford Bridge currently looks to be the most likely option for Chelsea.
It comes after Boehly previously revealed it could be 2042 before Chelsea can build a new stadium.
Chelsea have ‘very big’ stadium problem
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider the stadium situation is a “massive headache” for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Twickenham has emerged as an option for Chelsea if they need to play elsewhere while they upgrade Stamford Bridge or build a new stadium.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “It’s just a massive headache for them either way really.
“Either you’ve got the issues with Earl’s Court, and the window may well have passed anyway in terms of Earl’s Court and redeveloping Earl’s Court, so you’ve got that very big problem anyway.
“Then if you’re going to just try and expand Stamford Bridge, you’ve got the issues of clearly planning in the most expensive part of London or the UK.”
Stamford Bridge is currently the 11th-largest stadium in the Premier League, with a capacity of 40,173.
Chelsea could face £10m blow after stadium latest
Chelsea could have to pay around £10million a season if they agreed to play at Twickenham while they complete their stadium development.
“You’ve also got the issue of where you play while you’re redeveloping, and that is not an insignificant issue,” said Borson.
“I mean, maybe they could arrange to play at Twickenham. But if not, the Wembley situation looks like it’s got a queue of clubs that might want to take Wembley. It’s not particularly convenient for Chelsea. It’s on the other side of London.”
Arsenal are eyeing Wembley Stadium as a potential destination for them to play if they decide to expand the Emirates Stadium.
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