Chelsea set to spend a season at Wembley in 2018 after RFU reject Twickenhan move as Stamford Bridge is renovated

CHELSEA are on course to play home games at Wembley during the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.

Hammersmith and Fulham council granted the Blues planning permission to build a new 60,000 capacity stadium.

Getty Images

Wembley and Twickenham were considered by Chelsea as temporary homes while the new stadium is being built.

---

Keep up to date with ALL the Chelsea news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary

---

SunSport revealed last year Chelsea and Spurs had earmarked Wembley while their stadiums were being built.

However, the local residents living close to Twickenham have opposed Chelsea using the home of rugby due to fears of increased traffic and anti-social behaviour.

Alamy

Twickenham local residents opposed plan for Chelsea to use RFU headquarters for home games[/caption]

PA

The London Evening Standard reported RFU chief Ian Ritchie confirmed “there is no intention” to host matches at the home of Rugby.

A letter from Twickenham MP Dr Tania Mathias to Ritchie last week, read: “Following the decision by Hammersmith and Fulham council to approve plans for Chelsea’s new stadium, I am writing to you to re-state my position that I do not support Chelsea FC being based, temporarily or otherwise, at Twickenham.

“My opposition to more non-rugby fixtures at Twickenham is based on concerns regarding increased problems for local residents such as match-day traffic, an increase in litter, public urination and other anti-social behaviour.

“I would appreciate reassurance from yourself that my fears are unfounded, as hosting regular football matches at the RFU Stadium is clearly the wrong decision for Twickenham.”
Wembley now looks set to host Chelsea matches for three seasons from 2018 onwards as work takes place at Stamford Bridge.

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Tottenham struggled using Wembley for Champions League home games[/caption]

Tottenham will play at Wembley next term while their ground is rebuilt but Spurs expect to be in their new home for the 2018-19 season.

Premier League clubs have struggled when using Wembley at their home in the past.

The Gunners has two disastrous Champions League seasons at the home of football losing three of their six games.

Times Newspapers Ltd

Chelsea have a good recent record at Wembley[/caption]

Spurs tried it this season in losing two of their three home games in the Champions League and failed to qualify for the knockout phase.

Chelsea's record at Wembley is much better winning eight and losing four since Wembley was reopened in 2007.