Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk are reportedly planning to use Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge as their home venue for Champions League matches during the 2026/27 season.
The club have been unable to play European home matches in Donetsk for more than a decade because of the security situation linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Shakhtar’s Donbas Arena was damaged by shelling in 2014, forcing the club to move its home matches to other cities and countries.
Stamford Bridge has emerged as Shakhtar’s preferred option because of its capacity of about 40,000 spectators. Other London venues, including Fulham’s Craven Cottage and Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, were also considered but have smaller capacities.
The proposed move is reportedly not driven by commercial interests. Instead, Shakhtar and Chelsea have developed a good relationship in recent years, particularly following Chelsea’s signing of Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk in January 2023.
The two clubs were also involved in the Game4Ukraine charity match, which was organised to raise funds and awareness for the reconstruction of schools affected by the war in Ukraine.
There could also be a strong Ukrainian connection in London. Reports indicate that the city has a sizeable Ukrainian community, which could give Shakhtar an opportunity to play in front of supporters with a connection to the country.
The proposal would also allow Stamford Bridge to host Champions League football even though Chelsea will not compete in European competition during the 2026/27 season.
However, the plan has not yet been finalised. Shakhtar still require approval from Hammersmith & Fulham Council and UEFA before they can officially use Stamford Bridge for their European home fixtures.
