Media reports indicate Chelsea face a crucial choice regarding their stadium future, with a decision between relocating or rebuilding Stamford Bridge still pending.
Kensington and Chelsea Council approved a £10 billion housing and retail development plan by Earls Court Development Company this Tuesday, a scheme that does not include space for a football stadium.
In response, local London figures have urged Chelsea to "put up or shut up," calling on the club to decide quickly whether to bid for the site—land value has soared to £750 million following the planning permission approval.
While Earls Court Development Company has not yet secured construction funding, this does not mean Chelsea are entirely out of the running. However, strong local support for the existing development plan and potential sovereign wealth fund competitors have increased the difficulty of Chelsea’s involvement.
Additionally, tensions between major shareholders Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital within the club have hindered the decision-making process. To relocate to Earls Court, Chelsea not only needs to act swiftly and find partners but also obtain approval from the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), which holds the freehold of Stamford Bridge.
If Chelsea abandons the Earls Court option, the alternative is to rebuild and expand Stamford Bridge—a task with significant challenges—potentially forcing the team to rent a temporary home ground for an extended period.
