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 |