After that, Chelsea Pitch Owners plc. was set up to own the freehold of the stadium, controlled by the fans to protect it from falling in to private hands. It was a fantastic idea, and not one many expected to see on this list. With hindsight, the CPO seems to be a mistake. When it was made it was a brilliant idea, giving the keys of the Bridge to the fans. Like telephone boxes, it was great in the nineties but needless today. With Chelsea currently owned by a billionaire and consistently placed as one of the most valuable football teams in the world, there isnt a need to worry about someone muscling in on the clubs turf. It may be a controversial choice, but the CPO is currently getting in the way of the Blues hopes of moving to a bigger stadium. Without CPO approval, the club would have to change its name if it were to move elsewhere. In 2011 over 61% of CPO shareholders agreed to sell the freehold to the club, but it fell short of the required 75%. Today, despite all it has done, the CPO is no longer protecting the club, its holding it back.
I'm Aaron, I'm a Journalism graduate from the University of Sunderland, where I spent most of my time watching sports, films and TV. Hoping that can go to good use on here.
