LONDON: Chelsea is taking the first steps toward building a new stadium.
Chelsea announced Monday that it has made an offer to buy back the parts of Stamford Bridge sold to supporters in the 1990s.
That would enable the west London club to redevelop the site if it finds a new location.
The incentives for selling up include a guarantee that Chelsea would only relocate within a three-mile radius of Stamford Bridge if the club did decide to move before 2020.
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck says the club had explored the possibility of redeveloping its near-42,000-capacity stadium but that every idea had been impractical or too expensive.
Chelsea hasn’t given up on that but Buck says “we’re doubtful that we could do something at a reasonable cost.”
Meanwhile, former Chelsea captain Ron Harris who has played more games at Chelsea’s 106-year home said he would support a move away from Stamford Bridge if it was in the best interests of the club.
Chelsea said this did not mean the club would definitely be relocating but added that buying back the freehold removed a potential hurdle ”should a suitable (alternative) site become available in the future”. (Agencies)
