India, June 1 -- The plans to keep the Chicago Bears in Chicago, a long-standing demand of local fans amid the franchise's potential plan to move to Hammond, Indiana, faced a major setback this week.

The Chicago Senate failed to pass a bill that would secure the Chicago Bears a deal for lower property taxes lasting 40 years. Capitol News Illinois reported that lawmakers are now planning a new, emergency legislation that will allow local governments to form stadium authorities and manage stadiums. It would enable the Bears to evade property taxes completely.

As the row between the Bears and the Chicago city authorities unfolds, Bears fans, most of whom are from Chicago and would have to travel long distances to attend games if the Bears ...