Sydney FC will host three time English Premier League Champions Chelsea FC in a huge one-off clash at ANZ Stadium in June.
Blues Head Coach Jose Mourinho is set to bring a star-studded line-up to the Harbour City including leading goalscorer Diego Costa, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, Spanish World Cup winner Cesc Fabregas and captain John Terry.
The match, on June 2nd, will take place just days after the end of the Premier League season when the English League Cup winners look set to wrap up their fifth English title.
Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow said: “This is a historic announcement for Sydney FC and for football in Australia.
“Chelsea are one of the world’s biggest football clubs with millions of fans around the globe and this will be a huge occasion for the game in our country.
“I am delighted that Sydney FC will again be representing Australian football on a global stage. The game is a must see for all Australian fans and I am expecting a sellout crowd at ANZ Stadium.”
Chelsea are currently sitting ten points clear at the top of the Premier League table with only five games remaining and are favourites to take out the title.
Chelsea chairman, Mr Bruce Buck, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Australia for the first time in many years and look forward to playing at the iconic ANZ Stadium.
“Australia is unchartered territory for the modern Chelsea, and I can’t wait to see our many fans there as we show our appreciation for their long-distance support of the club.
“We are sure the team will put on an entertaining display as we end what has been a memorable campaign.”
The game will be Chelsea’s only match in Australia and will be played just days after the Sky Blues meet another English Premier League giant in Tottenham Hotspur at ANZ Stadium on Saturday 30 May.
The blockbuster double header will be the highlight of the winter sporting calendar in Sydney.
In announcing the Chelsea exclusive for Sydney, NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said: “Chelsea FC has a playing squad full of world-class international players including John Terry, Cesc Fabregas, Oscar, Eden Hazard, Diego Costa – not to mention their legendary manager Jose Mourinho.
“This announcement is a major win for Sydney and is yet another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to building a world-class calendar of events to drive visitation to our State.
“With over 509 million Chelsea FC fans around the world, we expect not only visitors from around Australia but from our neighbouring countries to make the trip for the match.
“Chelsea FC v Sydney FC will be a must-see for all football and sporting fans, and is expected to contribute more than $8 million in visitor expenditure to the NSW economy.”
Tickets for the Chelsea FC v Sydney FC football classic go on sale to the general public at 11am Wednesday 6 May.
Sydney FC Members will be advised shortly of an exclusive pre-sale ticket window with seats for the 83,000 capacity stadium expected to be in high demand.
