Chelsea ‘set to INCREASE ticket prices to fund Todd Boehly’s £1bn-plus transfer spree’ – despite lying tenth in table

CHELSEA are set to increase their ticket prices next season following Todd Boehly’s £1BILLION spending spree, according to reports.

The Blues have splashed a remarkable amount of cash since the American, 50, took over from Roman Abramovich last year.

Todd Boehly has spent more than £1billion on transfers since taking over last yearRex

But it has failed to amount to much on the pitch as they finished 12th in the Premier League last season, just 10 points above the relegation zone.

And new manager Mauricio Pochettino has struggled since arriving in the summer, with Chelsea sitting 10th after just seven wins from 19 matches.

Yet the on-field difficulties are not the only aspects of the club that will anger Blues fans.

That is because The Standard are reporting the club are preparing to increase ticket prices ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

No “firm decisions” have been made, but talks in recent meetings with elected fans and club officials have left supporters expecting a price rise.

It comes after Boehly and Clearlake froze ticket prices last season.

Revenue streams such as matchday income need to be increased to ensure a sustainable business model following their seismic spending across the last three transfer windows.

Inflation is another major reason why Chelsea need to raise ticket prices as the cost of maintaining and operating Stamford Bridge has increased by 31 per cent over the past five years.

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The Blues have the lowest operating margin out of the tradition top six clubs in the Premier League.

The club’s general admission tickets have not risen since the 2011/12 season.

This means they have effectively reduced by 32 per cent over the past 11 years.

Chelsea have the second-lowest ticket prices out of the top six after Manchester City.

Just three of the 20 Premier League clubs did not choose to increase their ticket prices ahead of the new season.

Earlier this month, a survey conducted by the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust revealed most supporters would accept a four per cent increase in ticket prices.

However, most also believe the existing prices to be fair, while the club has also been criticised by the CST after they opted to remove coach subsidies for away travel.

And the Chelsea Women Supporters Group slammed the decision to raise ticket prices to watch the league champions.