Chelsea's new 60,000 seater stadium plans hit by more delays due to 'spiralling' construction costs in fresh setback for Todd Boehly and Co.

The Sun has reported that Chelsea Pitch Owners chair Chris Isitt has confirmed in an email to fans that the club has yet to present any concrete stadium plans. Inflation and rising construction costs have emerged as a key stumbling block, with estimates far exceeding the £1.75 billion ($2.3b) originally set aside. The West London side are said to remain in talks with local authorities but have yet to decide between rebuilding Stamford Bridge or moving to a new site.

A stadium with a larger seating capacity is seen as essential for Chelsea to compete financially with domestic and European heavyweights. Stamford Bridge’s current capacity of just over 40,000 lags far behind rivals like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham. With gate receipts falling well short of competitors, the club risks losing ground in the revenue race.

Chelsea had previously secured planning permission under their former majority owner, Roman Abramovich, in 2017, but the project was shelved due to the Russian billionaire's visa-related issues in the United Kingdom. The current ownership has bigger ambitions for the Blues, including an entertainment complex alongside the stadium.

Boehly and Blue Co. must first finalise their decision on redevelopment versus relocation before submitting formal plans. Cost control and funding will be critical, with industry-wide inflation showing no signs of easing. Until then, Stamford Bridge’s limitations will remain a competitive disadvantage for the Club World Cup champions.