Chelsea announce plans that could lead to Stamford Bridge expansion

Blues desperate to expand to 60,000 seats

Stamford Bridge (Getty Images)

Chelsea have announced plans that could lead to an expansion of Stamford Bridge, despite previously being told that it would have 'little chance of acceptability'.

Hammersmith and Fulham council have in the past kyboshed proposals to expand the stadium to 60,000 seats but Chelsea hope that new plans could meet their approval.

The club have failed with attempts to buy the freehold to their ground as well as attempts to relocate to Battersea Power Station and Earls Court.

However they are now said to be looking at alternative plans to expand their current SW6 ground to 60,000 seats, something that would help them meet their Financial Fair Play guidelines.

The club have previously been accused by the Chelsea Pitch Owner, the fan-group who own the land beneath Stamford Bridge, of not properly exploring the possibility of staying at their current West London home.

Stamford Bridge currently has a capacity of 41,837 and with attempts to move locally to Battersea and Earls Court no longer possible, expanding the current site seems the only remaining option.

Using decking over the District line railway tracks near the ground, Chelsea believe they could expand their current ground and have commissioned a new study.

If the study is a success, it could lead to reduced pedestrian traffic along the Fulham Road on matchdays.

Expanding to 60,000 seats would make Stamford Bridge the 3rd largest ground in the league.