Chelsea ‘open talks with Rugby Football Union to move to Twickenham for one year while Stamford Bridge is re-developed’

Twickenham Stadium could house Chelsea for one season (Picture: Getty Images)

Chelsea have reportedly opened talks to move to Twickenham for one year while Stamford Bridge is re-developed.
According to The Times, The Blues are considering playing their games at the home of English rugby union to allow for the capacity at their current stadium to increase from 41,800 to 60,000.
Negotiations for Chelsea to use Twickenham Stadium temporarily have been confirmed by The Rugby Football Union (RFU), who revealed that both parties had held initial talks about the prospective move.
The discussions are believed to have revealed Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich’s desire to want to build a new stadium for the club – although the Russian is thought to have now abandoned that dream in favour of re-developing Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea want to increase spectator numbers at Stamford Bridge to 60,000 (Picture: REUTERS)

The RFU commented on the talks when they said: ‘We are regularly contacted by a variety of organisations, within and outside sport, on a wide range of opportunities concerning the use of what we believe is a world-class stadium. We have had an enquiry from Chelsea FC but have not had any discussions of any substance.
‘While we don’t comment on any specific confidential conversations, each request is taken on its merit, assessing a variety of factors, such as the effect on the pitch, availability, transport and local considerations and other important implications.’
Twickenham can hold up to 82,000 spectators although it has never been used to showcase a football match before.
The earliest that Chelsea would be able to play at the stadium – should they be given permission – would be during the 2016/17 season as Twickenham is set to host the Rugby World Cup next year.