The initiative, which will launch next spring, will offer a range of incentives to fans, including merchandise, access to exclusive content and events such as team tours.
According to Chelsea director Paul Smith, the club will offer something 'different to the traditional UK membership by providing fans with evidence of their affiliation to Chelsea'.
The membership programme will be supported by the global roll-out of Chelsea magazine. The club is in negotiations with several local media partners to introduce the title into markets such as the US, the Far East and Russia. About 50,000 copies are currently sent out to UK fans.
Smith has quashed rumours that Chelsea is to build a global network of branded superstores, saying that it 'wouldn't rely on bricks and mortar'.
He hinted that the club would use its recently relaunched website as its main retail channel.
Chelsea is searching for a new team sponsor after deciding not to renew its long-standing partnership with Emirates. Smith said the club was hopeful of securing a sponsor by Christmas and was targeting global brands across sectors such as telecoms and finance.
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