Shakhtar Donetsk have reached an agreement to stage their Champions League home fixtures at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge this season, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.
The Ukrainian club have been unable to play at their Donbas Arena since 2014, when Russia annexed the Donetsk region. Since then, Shakhtar have used venues in Kyiv and Lviv for domestic matches, while their European fixtures have been hosted by clubs in Germany, Slovenia and Poland.
The move to west London would give Shakhtar a regular base for their Champions League campaign and provide the club and its supporters with a new home for European matchdays. Chelsea did not qualify for European competition last season and are therefore able to make Stamford Bridge available to their Ukrainian counterparts.
“Shakhtar have played in countries across Europe and we look forward to welcoming them to London for their Champions League campaign this year,” Chelsea said in a statement on Friday.
“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.”
The agreement remains dependent on approval from the relevant authorities. Chelsea and Shakhtar will now work together on arrangements intended to ensure that matches can be staged safely and efficiently for both teams and visiting supporters.
Shakhtar had also reportedly considered Brentford, another west London club, as a possible venue for their European home matches. However, Stamford Bridge has now been selected as the preferred location.
The Ukrainian club welcomed the prospect of playing at one of English football’s most recognisable grounds.
“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.”
Shakhtar’s use of Stamford Bridge continues the club’s search for a suitable European home away from Ukraine. Their inability to return to Donbas Arena has forced them to move their home fixtures between different countries and cities over the past decade.
The arrangement with Chelsea would allow Shakhtar to welcome opponents and supporters to the same stadium throughout their Champions League campaign, provided the deal receives regulatory clearance.
