Shakhtar Donetsk will host their Champions League group stage matches at Chelsea‘s Stamford Bridge this season, the two clubs confirmed on Friday. This arrangement marks a significant change for the Ukrainian side, who have been unable to play at their home ground, the Donbas Arena, since 2014 due to ongoing conflict in the region.
Following the initial incursion of Russian-backed forces into Donetsk, and the escalation of war in 2022, Shakhtar have been forced to relocate their home fixtures. Domestic matches have taken place in cities such as Kyiv and Lviv, while their European fixtures have been staged across multiple venues including Hamburg, Warsaw, Gelsenkirchen, Krakow, and Ljubljana.
Stamford Bridge: A New Home for Shakhtar’s European Campaign
The decision to move to London comes after Chelsea finished tenth in the Premier League last season, missing out on European competition. This left Stamford Bridge available to accommodate Shakhtar’s Champions League fixtures.
In a statement, Shakhtar Donetsk expressed their gratitude towards Chelsea for the opportunity to play at such a prestigious stadium. They highlighted Stamford Bridge’s esteemed history and vibrant atmosphere, emphasizing their belief that hosting matches there will create memorable experiences for both Ukrainian and English supporters.
Previously, Chelsea was owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who faced sanctions by the UK government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These sanctions led to the sale of the club to a consortium led by American investors.