Chelsea will stay at Stamford Bridge with new capacity, but only on one condition

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Chelsea are reportedly looking increasingly likely to stay at Stamford Bridge in greater capacity.

The Blues have been desperately trying to expand or relocate their stadium for years.

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Chelsea have greatly outgrown their west London homeCredit: Getty

Co-owners Todd Boehly He and Behdad Eghbali are believed to be at odds over a solution.

Boehly is understood to want a new 60,000-seat ground to be built at Earl's Court, while Eghbali is in favor of the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.

Now, according to the sunChelsea are getting closer and closer to Eghbali's plan.

A source told the newspaper: “There is a growing recognition that Earl's Court is a no-go, while Boehly could leave the club soon.

“If Boehly leaves, the club is expected to press ahead with its plans to remain at Stamford Bridge and work to find a solution for a 55,000-capacity stadium.”

Boehly and Eghbali recently attended ChelseaThe 3-0 victory at West Ham together, showing signs of peace after widespread rumors of a “civil war” in the boardrooms.

Relations between Clearlake co-founder Eghbali and American businessman Boehly have become increasingly strained over the Blues' transfer policy, results and lack of progress on building a new stadium.

In September, it emerged that majority shareholder Clearlake Capital was actively considering ways to buy Boehly.

Despite Chelsea's status as one of the biggest clubs in world football, their current stadium only seats just over 40,000 spectators.

Stamford Bridge is located right in the center of west London, surrounded by widely spaced buildings, a dense population, main roads and train lines.

The location of Stamford Bridge greatly complicates the expansion

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The location of Stamford Bridge greatly complicates the expansionCredit: Getty

Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) control the freehold, meaning the club would potentially have to change its name from 'Chelsea Football Club' if it ever moved away from Stamford Bridge.

To this day, that hampers any relocation plans, meaning venues such as Earl's Court Exhibition Centre, White City, Imperial Road Gasworks and Chelsea Barracks have been considered but ultimately ruled out.

Chelsea attempted to buy the derelict Battersea Power Station in May 2012, hoping to sort out logistics with the CPO and build an “iconic” stadium with the famous four chimneys, but their bid was rejected.

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In 2015, Chelsea announced a new plan to build a 60,000-capacity stadium at Stamford Bridge.

In 2017, they had full planning permission from Hammersmith and Fulham Council, along with the Mayor of London.

But a year later, after a series of logistical obstacles, former owner Roman Abramovich disconnectedand his sudden sale of Chelsea in 2022 meant the project was never completed.



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