Sources have told ESPN FC that the London club are in discussions with MLS club New England Revolution to play a match in America, as part of their Say No to Antisemitism initiative.
And Revolution owner Robert Kraft has suggested the game could happen as early as spring 2019 – though that’s hardly likely to come as good news to Chelsea’s players, who could still be in the thick of fighting for trophies in three competitions.
The Blues have worked hard to build up a significant following in North America, having made several pre-season trips to the continent, and could be confident of attracting a large crowd if the match goes ahead.
Billionaire Kraft – who also owns NFL side New England Patriots – told the World Jewish Congress last week that he was in talks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich about the game.
He added: "I have been privileged to see the power of sports and the effect it can have in bringing people together from all different backgrounds and to break down barriers."
As well as the ticket revenue raised by the match, both men would donate $1 million (approx. £780,000) to the cause, he said.
Abramovich took Israeli citizenship in May after his British investor’s visa was not renewed, and has expressed the desire to eradicate any lingering antisemitism among the Stamford Bridge fanbase.
Chelsea announced the Say No to Antisemitism campaign in January, and worked alongside other clubs, football authorities and Kick It Out to produce The Y-Word, a short film about anti-Jewish language.
Representatives from the club attended the annual March of the Living between the Auschwitz and Birkenau death camps in April, while 140 staff and supporters returned to Auschwitz on a fact-finding trip in June.
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