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Tom Hamilton
Multiple Authors
According to sources, Shakhtar Donetsk has chosen Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge as their preferred venue for this season’s Champions League matches.
The Ukrainian champions have previously staged their “home” European games in Germany, Slovenia, and Poland, but are keen to play in London this season.
As of now, no agreement has been reached regarding the club’s home ground for next season.
Shakhtar has identified three potential options: Fulham’s Craven Cottage, Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium, and Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.
Pending the finalization of the agreement, Shakhtar is anticipated to play their European matches at Chelsea’s 40,000-seat stadium in west London, continuing their search for a temporary home away from the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
The last game held at their Donbas home was on May 2, 2014. After Russian-backed separatists seized control of the area, the club has led a nomadic existence, playing domestic “home matches” in Lviv, Kharkiv, and Kyiv.
Following the extensive Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Shakhtar’s European fixtures were moved out of the country, with “home” games held in locations including Poland (Warsaw or Krakow), Slovenia (Ljubljana), and Germany (Hamburg and Gelsenkirchen).
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Each match has necessitated extensive coach travel out of Ukraine, and sometimes further flights—this has also applied to away games. This season, the club intends to establish a base in London.
Since Chelsea’s men’s team did not qualify for European competition this season, Stamford Bridge is available during the required Champions League match windows.
Information from ESPN’s James Olley contributed to this report.