The Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief denies Chelsea FC to use Twickenham as its home ground for matches.

Earlier this week, there were reports suggesting RFU Chief Executive Officer, Bill Sweeney, was considering Allianz Stadium as a temporary home ground for Chelsea FC while Stamford Bridge undergoes redevelopment.

Talks about the possibility first surfaced in 2017, but Chelsea are now believed to be reassessing their options.

Speaking to the media, Sweeney commented on the idea of Chelsea hosting matches at Twickenham.

He said: "It would allow it to happen. There have been conversations previously about possible Premiership clubs coming here.

"Richmond Council, Richmond borough, is more concerned about that. I just think in terms of impact on local residents, numbers of fans and so on, they're a little bit more sensitive.

"It may depend on which club it is. It would be a big financial number. I know Richmond borough would definitely have a conversation about that though."

However, the RFU boss has since written to Richmond Council leader, Councillor Gareth Roberts, to "clear up any misunderstanding".

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Sweeney clarified that while discussions took place eight years ago, there are currently no ongoing talks, and any future proposals involving the use of Allianz Stadium by Chelsea would involve the council from the outset.

In a letter to Cllr Roberts, Sweeney wrote: "I wanted to drop you a line to clear up any misunderstanding regarding coverage you may have seen today which implies that the RFU are opening the doors to Chelsea Football Club relocating to Allianz Stadium during any possible redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.

"This emerged from some questions I received during a media briefing this week, where I was asked about this prospect.

"In this, I stated that Chelsea had approached us before, a number of years ago, but I was also clear that there were no discussions about this taking place; that we had had no recent approaches, and that any such discussions would involve a much wider conversation with stakeholders including the council.

"Unfortunately, some of the stories that have run today suggest that this is something we are actively looking at, so I want to reassure you that this is absolutely not the case.

"We are extremely pleased with the ongoing consultation process around the potential addition of non-sporting events here at Allianz Stadium, and of course I would not want there to be any confusion whereby this process is considered to include additional sporting events, when it is not.

"I am mindful that this is a sensitive time, so I hope you can appreciate the clarity I want to offer here. I am very happy for you to circulate this letter as necessary."

The letter comes as the RFU and Allianz Stadium held in-person consultations last month on plans to potentially increase the number of non-sporting events at the venue.

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