Chelsea Football Club Ltd.

Chelsea were founded on 14 March 1905 and were elected to the Football League shortly afterwards. In 1982 Chelsea were struggling financially and the stadium freehold had been sold to property developers, meaning the club faced losing its home. At this point it was acquired by Ken Bates for the nominal sum of £1. Bates then formed Chelsea Village plc which was floated on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), but after the 2003 close season purchase by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich (for £140 million) the club was de-listed.

Chelsea were founded on 14 March 1905 and were elected to the Football League shortly afterwards. In 1982 Chelsea were struggling financially and the stadium freehold had been sold to property developers, meaning the club faced losing its home. At this point it was acquired by Ken Bates for the nominal sum of £1. Bates then formed Chelsea Village plc which was floated on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM), but after the 2003 close season purchase by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich (for £140 million) the club was de-listed. Chelsea FC plc is the company which owns Chelsea Football Club. The ultimate parent company of Chelsea FC plc is Fordstam Limited and the ultimate controlling party of Fordstam Limited is Roman Abramovich.

The club play at Stamford Bridge (capacity: 41,663).

Turnover and pre-tax profit figures are in millions. Figures from 2007/08 and before relate to Chelsea FC Ltd. except where indicated * = Chelsea Village plc. Figures after 2007/08 are for Chelsea FC plc.

Financial Overview

Year
Turnover
Pre-tax profit
Wages / Turnover ratio (%)
Employees
2015/16 329.100 -69.800 68.0  
2014/15 314.300 -21.300 69.0  
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
2007/08 190.082 -70.397 84.5 195
2006/07 165.341 -66.779 74.3 183
2005/06 130.410 -78.297 79.5 160
2004/05 122.657 -132.854 78.6 133
2003/04 118.032 -75.895   124
2002/03 75.136 -15.277   105
2001/02 75.248 -10.477 63.5  
2000/01 51.326 -5.962 84.7  
1999/00* 59.246 2.311 68.6 131
1998/99* 44.076 3.499 56.5 108
1997/98* 37.109 3.067 62.8 105
1996/97* 23.729 -0.513 63.9 99
1995/96* 15.948 -2.045 58.5 104
1994/95 13.500 3.395 44.4 88
1993/94 10.900 -1.362   88
1992/93 7.891      

Average Match Attendances

Season
Ave. No. Spectators
2015/16 41,500
2014/15 41,546
2013/14 41,482
2012/13 41,462
2011/12 41,478
2010/11 41,435
2009/10 41,423
2008/09 41,590
2007/08 41,395
2006/07 41,542
2005/06 41,900
2004/05 41,870
2003/04 41,235
2002/03 39,785
2001/02 39,072
2000/01 34,700
1999/00 34,532
1998/99 34,750
1997/98 32,900
1996/97 27,615
1995/96 25,598
1994/95 21,025