Todd Boehly facing new stadium dilemma as ‘extraordinary’ Chelsea situation emerges
Chelsea are yet to decide on their stadium plans after the situation has been ongoing for several years.
The matter was understood to be a key issue for Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghabli’s Clearlake Capital when they bought the Blues 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.
However, Chelsea have been dealt a major stadium blow after Hammersmith and Fulham Council and Kensington and Chelsea Council have both green lighted an alternative plan for the site.
The proposal, which has been put forward by the Earl’s Court Development Company (ECDC), is for a £10billion housing and retail project.
Chelsea stadium issue revealed ahead of Leeds United clash
Given the current state of play, an expansion of Stamford Bridge is the most likely option for Chelsea at this moment in time.
There have been questions raised around whether that is necessary after the London giants have failed to sell out the 40,173-capacity stadium at times this season.
Photos have emerged on social media showing there are still tickets available for Chelsea’s Premier League game against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday (10 February).
Responding to one of the posts, Bloomberg journalist David Hellier said it’s “extraordinary” there are still tickets left, adding he is “not sure” if Stamford Bridge is “too small”.
The clash against Leeds is a big game for Chelsea as they look to extend their winning streak in the Premier League to five matches.
Liam Rosenior’s side currently sit fifth in the top-flight table, with five Champions League places potentially on offer again this season.
Why Chelsea are considering expanding their stadium capacity
The ticketing situation is an issue for chairman Boehly and the rest of the Chelsea hierarchy as they consider options to expand Stamford Bridge.
While demand has rarely been an issue for the Blues, it’s clear there is a reason why tickets remain on sale, and that is a dilemma for the board to figure out.
However, finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider Boehly could leave the stadium issue to Chelsea’s next owners if the current group are unable to reach a definitive decision on their plans.
A key reason behind expanding the stadium is to ensure Chelsea are not left behind by their Premier League rivals, with Stamford Bridge currently the 11th-largest ground in the top flight.
Deloitte’s 2026 Money League revealed the Blues’ overall revenue stood at £491million last season, but matchday income only contributed £87m to that figure.
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