Twickenham Stadium Considered as Temporary Home for Chelsea FC
In a recent statement, Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive, Bill Sweeney, revealed that Twickenham Stadium could potentially host Chelsea FC matches on a temporary basis if the Premier League club is seeking a new home. According to The Guardian, Sweeney acknowledged the financial benefits of hosting an elite football team, stating that discussions had previously taken place between the RFU and Chelsea.
The possibility of Chelsea relocating to Twickenham is not new, with the idea being floated in 2017 as a temporary solution while the club upgrades Stamford Bridge or explores other options. However, Chelsea ultimately decided to stay at their current home and are still considering their options, including a potential move to Earl’s Court or redeveloping Stamford Bridge. As The Guardian reports, Sweeney believes that the local council, Richmond borough, would likely attempt to block any plans to host Chelsea at Twickenham due to concerns over the impact on local residents and the number of fans.
The RFU is currently planning a £660m redevelopment of Twickenham Stadium, which would ensure the venue’s future as a premier sports destination. However, Sweeney has stated that it would be a “very difficult call” to stay at Twickenham if Richmond council does not grant a licence to host more concerts and events. The RFU is currently permitted to host three non-rugby events per year at a limited capacity of 55,000, which has led to the union missing out on staging high-profile concerts, including those by Beyoncé. As quoted in The Guardian, Sweeney said, “We’re making really good progress with Richmond. The conversations with them have been positive, it’s a cooperative process.”
The RFU is lobbying Richmond council to increase the number of non-rugby events that can be hosted at Twickenham to 15 per year at a capacity of 75,000. Sweeney expressed optimism about the prospects of an agreement, stating that the council “sees the value that we bring to the area and they understand why we need to have more non-rugby events.” As The Guardian notes, the RFU’s preference is to remain at Twickenham, citing cultural and historical reasons, as well as the importance of the location to the union’s revenue.
In other news, England’s summer tour will be broadcast on Sky Sports after a TV deal was reached, ending fears that Steve Borthwick’s side would be overlooked by a major broadcaster. The team will play two Tests against Argentina and one against the USA in Washington, with Bath’s Lee Blackett and Sale’s Byron McGuigan joining the coaching staff for the tour. According to The Guardian, Blackett will oversee the attack, while McGuigan will assist with defence.
As the RFU continues to navigate its plans for Twickenham Stadium, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will consider the venue as a temporary home. With the club’s future plans still uncertain, one thing is clear: Twickenham Stadium is a highly sought-after destination for major sports events. As Sweeney noted, hosting Chelsea would be a “big financial number,” and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops in the coming months.
The development plans for Twickenham and its significance to both rugby and football fans alike, ensures that this story will continue to unfold, and The Guardian will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Source link
