Wenslus Murape
CHELSEA will remain at Stamford Bridge and expand the stadium capacity to 55,000 — if Behdad Eghbali wins the boardroom battle with Todd Boehly.
Blues’ co-controlling owners are at loggerheads and want to buy each other out — and the outcome will have a huge effect on the stadium plans.
Eghbali favours a £1.5billion renovation to stay at the Bridge, while Boehly wants a new 60,000 ground in nearby Earl’s Court.
A source said: “There is a growing realisation that Earl’s Court can’t be done, while Boehly could be out of the club soon.
“If Todd Boehly leaves, then the club are expected to push forward on plans to remain at Stamford Bridge and work towards a solution for a 55,000-capacity stadium.”
An expansion would see Blues move away from the ground for just two years while work takes place.
Plans include modernising the West Stand, building concrete decks over a neighbouring railway line and using land that the club purchased from veterans’ charity Stoll.
Eghbali’s preferred option does not involve a complete demolition of the club’s 42,000-capacity home.
Construction of a completely new stadium on the Stamford Bridge site is expected to take at least FIVE YEARS — meaning the club would have to find a new home for that time.
But it is understood that Eghbali is not in favour of being away from the Bridge for such a long period.
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League under new boss Enzo Maresca.
Last time out, the Blues’ drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will return to action next Sunday when they face Liverpool at Anfield. — Sun.
Online Reporter