London club Chelsea lost their bid to buy back the freehold of their Stamford Bridge Stadium after an extraordinary meeting between the club and the Chelsea Pitch Owners Association (CPO) failed to convince 75% of the shareholders on the club’s plans for the piece of land.
The proposal would have ultimately led to the Blues erecting a 60,000 seater stadium on the piece of land. During the emotionally charged meeting, the CPO chairman Richard King revealed how 61.6% of the 700 voters shot down Chelsea’s plan with only 38.4% supporting the plan.
This move stops the club from regaining ownership of the land they sold to a supporter in the 90′s to avoid them going ‘homeless’. So where does this plan leave the Blues? Well, to be honest, Chelsea will have to make due with their current 45,000 seater stadium and hope that the matter is resolved quickly as their large fan base continues to grow very quickly.
Of course, the Blues were very confident that their proposal would get the nod and this latest set back was unexpected. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Chelsea chairman, Bruce Buck admitted that the outcome took him back and that he did not expect the club to revise its proposal any time soon.
” I don’t think we’re in a position in this meeting to revise our proposals.” Bruce said.
Meanwhile, Chelsea Captain John Terrycontiues to suffer the repercusions of his alleged racist remarks. It is reported that Terry made racist remarks to Queen’s Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand in their slim 1-0 loss.
The FA are said to be investigating the matter and will release their findings soon. This weekend Chelsea prepare to face Arsenal in a league meeting that will be very vital for both clubs.
The Blues are 5 points off the pace set by Man City while Arsenal who lie in 7th position 12 points behind City. Chelsea will host the Gunners and many believe that their home advantage will be of great help.
Arsenal boogie man Didier Drogba is a doubt for the match, however, should he begin, a lot of pressure will be on him to continue his impeccable scoring record against Arsenal.
It will be tough one to call however, i predict a slender 2-1 win for the Blues, however, this is not guaranteed. You only have to look at the United-City fixture to know that anything is possible.
Photo Credit © ColinRGlasgow
