Chelsea rule out Fulham ground-share

Chelsea chief Ken Bates has ruled out a Stamford Bridge ground-share with Fulham next season - after being advised they could ruin their new 1.5 million pound (2.3 million dollar) pitch.

"The pitch we are laying down now is not suitable for 50 games (a season.) It is only suitable for 25," Bates said.

It is a big blow for Fulham who are unhappy with their present ground-sharing arrangements with QPR at Loftus Road.

Fulham owner Mohammed Al Fayed took the club out of their traditional Craven Cottage home - a site coveted by housing developers - early this season amid promises of building a brand new all-seater stadium.

They moved in with QPR because planning permission could not be immediately obtained for a similar arrangement at Stamford Bridge.

However, Bates said Fulham could still share with Chelsea at a later date once they had won planning permission from the local authorities.

"The local council have indicated it could take six months to get new permission," he said.

"We know that ground-sharing would not find favour with all Chelsea fans or all Fulham fans come to that, but what do you do if your neighbours are homeless."