Shakhtar Donetsk to stage Champions League home games at Stamford Bridge

Shakhtar Donetsk will play their UEFA Champions League home fixtures at Stamford Bridge this season, with Chelsea confirming the arrangement is in place subject to regulatory approvals.

The Ukrainian club have been displaced from their Donbas Arena since Russia annexed the Donetsk region in 2014, forcing them to stage domestic matches in Kyiv and Lviv and European ties across Germany, Slovenia and Poland. Stamford Bridge represents their latest — and most high-profile — temporary home.

Chelsea, who did not qualify for European competition last season, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the club and their supporters in west London. “Shakhtar have played in countries across Europe and we look forward to welcoming them to London for their Champions League campaign this year,” the club said in an official statement. “We will be working with the Shakhtar team closely over the coming weeks to ensure that matchdays run safely and smoothly for their team and supporters.”

Shakhtar acknowledged the significance of the move. “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 club said. “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 agreement underlines the ongoing disruption to Ukrainian football caused by Russia’s invasion, with Shakhtar now entering their second decade of exile from their home city. The club have continued to compete at the highest level of European football throughout that period, and Stamford Bridge — with a capacity of around 40,000 — will provide a stable and prominent base for their 2025-26 Champions League campaign.