With the Blues developing plans to renovate Stamford Bridge to push the capacity to 60,000, the Rugby Football Union confirmed Chelsea has contacted them about using Twickenham Stadium for a season during work.
Due to England hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the move would likely not be possible until the 2016 season, according to the Sunday Times. Twickenham is scheduled to host the final of that event.
As it stands, with a capacity of just under 42,000 Stamford Bridge is the eighth-largest stadium in the Premier League. No surprise an annual title favorite would want to push their stadium capacity higher.
Twickenham, on the other hand, doubles up on Stamford Bridge at 82,000 and is essentially the Wembley of rugby. Soccer has never been played on its ground.
“We have had an enquiry from Chelsea FC but have not had any discussions of any substance,” the Rugby Football Union confirmed. “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 Stadium is just under eight miles down the road from Stamford Bridge, a little farther from the center of London.
It was reported this summer that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was looking into leaving Stamford Bridge but those plans were soon abandoned after options were exhausted, and he is now hoping to boost the capacity numbers at their current home.
An expansion of match-day revenue by increasing ticket sales and the like would help with Financial Fair Play, which only allows clubs to spend a proportion relative to its income.