
Chelsea Football Club, founded in 1905, is one of the most iconic football clubs in the world. While most fans are familiar with their modern-day dominance in English and European football, there are several fascinating stories and facts about the club that may surprise even the most ardent supporters. Here are ten things you probably didn’t know about Chelsea FC:
1) Chelsea Were Founded for Stamford Bridge
In 1904, Gus Mears, an English businessman, purchased the Stamford Bridge athletics stadium in London with the vision of converting it into a football ground. His initial plan was to lease the stadium to nearby Fulham FC, but the proposal was rejected. Determined to bring his vision to life, Mears decided to create his own football club.
Naming options such as Kensington FC, Stamford Bridge FC, and London FC were considered. However, the club ultimately took its name from the adjacent borough of Chelsea, marking the birth of Chelsea Football Club in 1905.
2) Declining the Inaugural European Cup
Chelsea had the opportunity to compete in the very first European Champions’ Cup after winning their maiden League Championship in the 1954-55 season. However, pressure from The Football League and the FA led the club to withdraw before the competition began.
This decision remains one of the great “what-ifs” in football history. The inaugural European Cup was eventually won by Real Madrid, who defeated Stade Reims in a thrilling 4-3 final.
Blue is love and as a result I claimed to be BLUE member for life (in anything where love is out of reach enemity persists)