Chelsea

Chelsea slammed for removing away travel support

By Darren Plant, Senior ReporterPublished: 29 August 2023 3:12 PM

The Chelsea Supporters Trust hit out at the Premier League club for withdrawing their financial support towards domestic away matches.

The Chelsea Supporters Trust has hit out at the club's owners for withdrawing their financial support towards the attendance of domestic away matches.

Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have embarked on an unprecedented spending spree since their arrival in 2022, with the outlay currently reaching in the region of £900m.

That includes breaking the British transfer record on two occasions, initially signing Enzo Fernandez in January before committing to a £115m deal for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo earlier this month.

However, despite being prepared to spend vast amounts of money on some of the world's top prospects, Boehly and Clearlake have cut back on the financial support offered to away travel.

Breaking the British transfer record twice in a year is fine, but a £10 subsidised coach is where Chelsea draws the line

▪️ Chelsea to remove domestic away coach subsidy

▪️ CST to subsidise coach for #BOUCHE to highlight the appalling decision & urges CFC to reconsider cutback pic.twitter.com/ta1uZYksYS
— Chelsea Supporters' Trust⭐️⭐️ (@ChelseaSTrust) August 29, 2023

Chelsea had offered a £10 subsidy to each fan who travelled to Premier League away matches or ties in either the EFL Cup or FA Cup.

The Supporters Trust suggests that a budget of £250,000 was in place for the entire season, money which they say helped young and older fans as well as those who are disabled and vulnerable.

Despite discussions that were held between the relevant parties, it has become apparent that Boehly and Clearlake had moved themselves away from contributing to the costs involved.

In response, Chelsea's Supporters Trust have moved to keep the previous subsidy in place for the next away top-flight fixture, which comes against Bournemouth on September 16.

Chelsea are yet to respond to the statement released by the Supporters Trust.