Todd Boehly facing new headache as Chelsea stadium plans hit by big blow
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.
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.
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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