Chelsea’s estranged owners in rare agreement as they make major Stamford Bridge stadium decision
CHELSEA’S estranged owners are united in their mission to demolish Stamford Bridge.
Chairman Todd Boehly has called for solidarity in the boardroom over plans for the club’s cramped stadium.
SunSport can reveal co-owner Behdad Eghbali has put aside his business differences with Boehly to favour a total reconstruction job over redeveloping the existing stadium.
American Boehly prefers a complete rebuild of the 40,173 capacity West London ground.
He said: “I think we’re going to be building something new.”
Stamford Bridge has been the Blues’ home since 1905 and options are so limited that staying put may emerge as the only viable plan.
But a club insider said: “A remodel of Stamford Bridge is impossible. It could only be a full rebuild.
“That would mean between five and seven years away — and where could they play?”
Chelsea have looked at moving temporarily to Wembley as Tottenham did for nearly two seasons between 2017 and 2019.
Nearby Earl’s Court has also been mooted as a possible relocation site as well as the Allianz Stadium at Twickenham, England’s rugby union HQ.
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Chelsea’s board purchased flats behind the West Stand recently but are still stuck in a rut over how to bring their ground up to date.
One end backs on to a Tube line and the famous Shed End is bordered by two hotels.
Our club source added: “Earl’s Court is one of the few places in the area that has available land but there are multiple organisations with stakes in that.”
Dan Silver, board member of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, said: “If Stamford Bridge is to be demolished, I hope it is done in a reasonable timeframe. The club needs to increase revenue.”