Chelsea could make Twickenham their temporary home

Chelsea could play their home matches at Twickenham should Stamford Bridge undergo redevelopment in the coming years.

Chief Executive of the RFU Bill Sweeney told The Guardian that he is not ruling out the potential of Chelsea playing at Twickenham in the future.

Sweeney was asked about the possibility of hosting games if there is a situation where Stamford Bridge undergoes redevelopment.

Sweeney confirmed that the RFU's current license allows them to host Premier League games before saying, "There have been conversations previously about possible Premier League clubs coming here. Richmond council, Richmond borough is more concerned about that.

"I just think in terms of impact on local residents, numbers of fans and so on they’re a little bit more sensitive. It may depend on which club it is.

"It would be a big financial number, I know Richmond borough would definitely have a conversation about that though."

The 82,000 capacity stadium is the second-largest in England and is currently home to both the England Men's and England Women's Rugby Union teams.

Reports in 2017 suggested that Chelsea considered Twickenham as a possible venue all the way back in 2017 when similar redevelopment conservations were being had.

Chelsea plans up in the air

Stamford Bridge has been the home of Chelsea Football Club ever since its inception in 1905.

Discussions surrounding its future have been a key theme of Todd Boehly's tenure as owner so far.

Plans are still in the very early stages but it seems that a decision will be made between redevelopment of the current site or a move away from Stamford Bridge altogether.

Earl's Court had been the earmarked as a potential location for a new ground but talks have been on hold since early 2025.

The Blues currently have the smallest stadium capacity of any top six Premier League club and Boehly has been keen to stress the need, in his view, for redevelopment.

In a March interview with Bloomberg the 51-year-old said: "Stadium development is definitely a theme. You’re going to see the NBA go to Europe, they need stadiums, they need arenas.

"You know, sporting infrastructure. We’re just on the very front end of the sporting wave and sporting infrastructure is going to be a big thing about it."

On the pitch, Chelsea face a battle to secure a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League.

Enzo Maresca's side currently occupy the all-important Premier League fifth spot but still have to play three of the current top six in what looks a difficult run-in.

William Dobbie

• Chelsea F.C.
• Premier League
• • 
  •