Why Chelsea Football Club don’t own a stadium and can’t build one

Chelsea Football Club could be forced to change their name if they leave their current home at Stamford Bridge due to a complicated stadium arrangement, according to reports. The club is believed to be seeking a move away from the Bridge, following in the footsteps of London rivals Arsenal, Tottenham, and West Ham United, who have all found new homes in recent years. However, there are obstacles to overcome.

Stamford Bridge is owned by thousands of fans in shares through the Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC (CPO), which means that the CPO has a major say on whether the team can move and continue to use the name “Chelsea.” If the club wants to continue using their historic name, the group must approve the move from Stamford Bridge.

In addition, the CPO also owns the freehold to the ground, and the current club bosses would have to acquire it from the group to gain control of the stadium. However, this process could prove difficult, as former owner Roman Abramovich tried to buy the land in 2012, but CPO shareholders rejected the offer.

The idea of moving away from Stamford Bridge, which has been Chelsea’s home since 1905, has split the fanbase. Some fans are content to stay at the current site, while others are keen to upgrade their home to keep up with the likes of Arsenal and Spurs.

The club’s current stadium situation is causing a headache for current owner Todd Boehly, as well as Behdad Eghbali, who are trying to get plans underway for a new home.

Chelsea’s stadium situation is ongoing, and the club has had a difficult campaign this season, occupying a spot in the bottom half of the Premier League table and being knocked out of the FA Cup. However, they remain in the Champions League and face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

Former player Frank Lampard has been brought back as the caretaker manager until the end of the season following the dismissal of Graham Potter. The future of the club’s stadium remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether the team will be able to secure a new home while keeping their historic name.