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The leader of Richmond council has vowed to stand against 'the threat' of Chelsea's 'Russian money' moving into Twickenham.
Chelsea have earmarked the rugby stadium as a possible venue in the future should they go ahead with plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge into a 60,000 stadium and first contacted the RFU about the plan three months ago.
The nature of the rebuild required at the home of the current League leaders, who are owned by Russian multi-billionaire Roman Abramovich, would require the team to play elsewhere for at least one season.
It has already been met with fierce opposition from Twickenham MP Vince Cable, while a petition against the motion organised by North Twickenham councillors has collected 1000 signatures.
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Now Richmond's council leader Lord True has voiced his determination to prevent the switch.
Speaking at a council meeting, he said: "We face Russian money potentially with deep pockets and we need to leave the other side guessing. I hope we will stand united against this threat."
