Chelsea’s reported move from Stamford Bridge to Earls Court has been “categorically” denied.
Blues supporters have expressed concern about the prospect of leaving their home, where they have played since the club was founded in 1905.
Although a move away from Stamford Bridge has not been ruled out, the most likely scenario remains the knocking down and expansion of the current 42,000-seater stadium.
There has been much speculation, however, that a £750million derelict 40-acre site in between the Earls Court, West Kensington and West Brompton tube stations could become the new home of Chelsea.
The Earls Court Development Company, who are drafting plans for the redevelopment, have denied any talks with Chelsea's Boehly-Clearlake owners.
A statement read: “We categorically deny that there are any talks taking place with Chelsea FC about a stadium relocation to the Earls Court site.
"We have recently launched a draft masterplan for a transformative mixed use scheme to bring the wonder back to Earls Court.
"Our masterplan proposals will deliver 4,500 homes, 15,000 jobs, acres of public space and cultural facilities in an ambitious zero carbon development. There is no football stadium in our masterplan.”
The Blues would not be able to leave Stamford Bridge and keep the name ‘Chelsea FC’ without a vote taking place with the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO). A yes vote from 75 percent of shareholders would be needed to approve any move away from the club’s historic home.
This unique 30-year arrangement was put in place by former owner Ken Bates, who gifted fans the freehold to the stadium to give them future leverage in certain matters relating to the club.
