Shakhtar Donetsk to Play Champions League Home Games at Stamford Bridge
Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk will play their home matches in this season’s UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge, the home ground of Chelsea.
The arrangement comes after Chelsea failed to qualify for European competition following a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, leaving Stamford Bridge available for Shakhtar’s Champions League home fixtures.
Chelsea confirmed the agreement, saying the club was pleased to provide Shakhtar with the opportunity to host their European matches in London.
“Given Chelsea FC’s disappointing 2025/26 season and failure to qualify for European football, the club is pleased to provide FC Shakhtar with the opportunity to play in London,” Chelsea said.
The Premier League club added that Shakhtar had previously played their home matches in different countries across Europe and said it looked forward to welcoming the Ukrainian side to London for their Champions League campaign.
Chelsea also said it would work closely with Shakhtar in the coming weeks to ensure that matchdays are conducted safely and smoothly for both the Ukrainian club and its supporters.
Shakhtar welcomed the agreement, describing the opportunity to play their Champions League home fixtures at Stamford Bridge as a special one.
“Playing our Champions League home matches at Stamford Bridge is a special opportunity for Shakhtar. We are grateful to Chelsea Football Club for the opportunity to host our games at this special venue,” the Ukrainian club said.
Shakhtar added that Stamford Bridge’s history and atmosphere would provide a memorable experience for both Ukrainian and English supporters.
“Stamford Bridge is one of the most famous stadiums in world football, with an incredible history and atmosphere. We are convinced that Shakhtar’s matches in London will provide unforgettable emotions for Ukrainian and English fans,” the club said.
The decision continues Shakhtar’s long-running search for suitable venues outside Ukraine amid the ongoing war, which has prevented the club from regularly hosting European fixtures at its traditional home.
Stamford Bridge will therefore provide the Ukrainian champions with a high-profile London base as they begin their latest Champions League campaign.