Chelsea is "confident it will be granted planning permission" to build a new 60,000-seat stadium at a local council meeting next week. The club wants to redevelop Stamford Bridge, which currently has a capacity of just under 42,000, to "ensure" it keeps up with its Premier League rivals. Local residents have been given the chance to offer their views, with more than 70% of the 800 people who responded "giving their blessing." Significantly, a report to Hammersmith and Fulham's planning committee, which is set to give its verdict on the new ground at a meeting next Wednesday, "has also recommended that the scheme goes ahead" (London EVENING STANDARD, 1/1).
Northern Ireland Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said that investment in stadiums included in a cross-border bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup "will only follow if the bid is successful." Hamilton "was asked about the NI Executive’s planning for the 2023 World Cup by Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty." McNulty asked the minister to “outline any plans or preparations the Executive has made to help host a potential 2023 Rugby World Cup by Ireland." Hamilton: "Costs associated with any upgrades to stadia as a result of a successful bid have been factored into the Rugby World Cup costings. Kingspan, Casement Park and Celtic Park are all included on the long list of possible stadiums" (NEWS LETTER, 1/5).
La Liga side Villarreal announced it will reveal its new stadium name on Sunday during its match against Barcelona. A series of events are scheduled to start at 6:30pm on the south side of Estadio El Madrigal featuring the presence of Club President Fernando Roig, La Liga President Javier Tebas and Villarreal Mayor José Benlloch. The club will then hold a press conference in which it will disclose all details of the project (MARCA, 1/4).
