Chelsea could be "forced to find a new home for up to three years if the club push ahead with plans to expand Stamford Bridge," according to Matt Law of the London TELEGRAPH. The Blues will reveal their proposals at a consultation meeting to local residents and supporters at a Stamford Bridge exhibition running from June 30-July 2. Among the ideas under consideration is for Chelsea to "dig down below street level to increase the capacity of the stadium from 41,798 to 60,000." Early predictions estimate that it could cost £500M ($780.4M) and take up to three years to complete, meaning Chelsea would have to "play away from Stamford Bridge." Twickenham has previously been "touted as a potential temporary home for the Premier League champions," while Wembley would be another option (TELEGRAPH, 5/15). In London, Tom Dutton wrote the Premier League champions are "inviting 'local stakeholders, neighbours, season ticket holders and club members' to an exhibition." In an email to fans, the club said, "The process now enters a further local consultation phase. This will include an explanation of the rationale for expansion, driven by spectator demand for more seats and the need to increase stadium revenue to remain competitive with our major rivals, this revenue being especially important under Financial Fair Play rules" (EVENING STANDARD, 6/15). Also in London, Oliver Todd wrote Chelsea has already "conducted a study of the area," ordered by Owner Roman Abramovich, that included the feasibility of building decking over the restrictive railway lines to the east and north of the ground. The club said that its "need to expand is driven by huge demand for tickets and the need to improve stadium revenue figures" in the era of UEFA's FFP rules. Earls Court and Battersea Power Station have been "looked at as potential sites for a new stadium but after initial plans fell through thoughts turned back" to its home of the last 110 years. Chelsea has previously "claimed that any plans to expand Stamford Bridge would have 'little chance of acceptability' with the local council but there appears to have been a u-turn from that position" (DAILY MAIL, 6/15).
WEIGHING OPTIONS: In London, Dominic Fifield wrote Twickenham has been "mentioned as a venue and discussions have taken place" with Rugby Football Union CEO Ian Ritchie, though there are likely to be objections from residents at the prospect of regular matches at the stadium. Wembley is another option the club "would explore, though it would not be feasible under Brent council's existing policy." Chelsea is "aware this remains a long-term project which could take years to come to fruition" (GUARDIAN, 6/15).
