Shakhtar Donetsk will play their home matches in the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge, the home stadium of Chelsea FC.
The unusual arrangement is primarily a consequence of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Shakhtar cannot safely host major European fixtures in their own country and has therefore reached an agreement with Chelsea to use the London stadium, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.
Why Can’t Shakhtar Play Champions League Games in Ukraine?
Shakhtar have been displaced from their traditional home in Donetsk since 2014, when conflict began in eastern Ukraine. The club’s former home, the Donbas Arena, is located in Russian-occupied territory and has not hosted Shakhtar for more than a decade.
The security situation became even more serious following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Although domestic football continues under strict safety measures, UEFA matches require extensive security, travel and operational arrangements that cannot currently be guaranteed in Ukraine.
As a result, Shakhtar have staged European home games in several other countries, including Poland and Germany.
Why Did Shakhtar Choose Stamford Bridge?
Stamford Bridge became available after Chelsea failed to qualify for European competition for the 2026/27 season. With no Chelsea matches scheduled on Champions League nights, the two clubs were able to reach a ground-sharing agreement.
The stadium offers several advantages for Shakhtar:
- It is an established UEFA-standard venue.
- London has strong transport links for visiting clubs and supporters.
- The city is home to a substantial Ukrainian community.
- Stamford Bridge can attract larger crowds and generate more matchday revenue than many alternative venues.
- Chelsea’s absence from European competition reduces the risk of scheduling conflicts.
Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin has previously explained that the club wants to expand the geographical reach of its European matches. Millions of Ukrainians have left the country because of the war, meaning Shakhtar supporters are now spread across Europe.
Is Shakhtar Moving Permanently to London?
No. Shakhtar are not relocating permanently, and the agreement does not represent a merger, takeover or ownership relationship with Chelsea.
Stamford Bridge will simply serve as Shakhtar’s designated home venue for the league phase of the 2026/27 Champions League. The arrangement allows the Ukrainian club to compete in a safe, high-quality stadium while remaining unable to return to Donetsk.
Shakhtar still hope to play at the Donbas Arena again in the future when conditions permit.
What Does the Agreement Mean for Chelsea?
Chelsea will receive additional use from Stamford Bridge during a season without men’s European football. The arrangement also brings Champions League matches back to the stadium despite Chelsea’s failure to qualify for the competition.
Chelsea have said they will work closely with Shakhtar to make sure the fixtures operate safely and smoothly for players and supporters.
For London football fans, the agreement creates an opportunity to attend Champions League matches involving Shakhtar and some of Europe’s leading clubs.
Where Have Shakhtar Previously Played Their European Home Games?
Shakhtar have become accustomed to playing European matches away from their traditional home. Since their displacement from Donetsk, the club has used several temporary venues.
Recent European home cities have included:
- Warsaw, Poland
- Hamburg, Germany
- Kraków, Poland
- Other temporary locations across Ukraine and Europe
Stamford Bridge is the latest temporary home in a long period of displacement caused by the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Shakhtar Donetsk playing at Stamford Bridge?
Shakhtar cannot safely host Champions League fixtures in Ukraine because of the ongoing war. They have agreed to use Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge for their 2026/27 league-phase home games.
Are Shakhtar and Chelsea owned by the same company?
No. Shakhtar Donetsk and Chelsea are separately owned clubs. Their agreement concerns the temporary use of Stamford Bridge.
Will Chelsea play in the 2026/27 Champions League?
No. Chelsea did not qualify for European competition, which made Stamford Bridge available on Champions League matchdays.
Is Stamford Bridge now Shakhtar’s permanent stadium?
No. It is a temporary European venue. Shakhtar remain a Ukrainian club and hope eventually to return to Donetsk.
Can Shakhtar play domestic games in Ukraine?
Yes. Ukrainian domestic football continues under significant security restrictions. European fixtures involve different logistical and safety requirements, however, so Shakhtar must stage them abroad.
The Bottom Line
Shakhtar Donetsk are playing Champions League home games at Stamford Bridge because the war makes hosting UEFA fixtures in Ukraine unsafe. Chelsea’s absence from European competition created an available, UEFA-approved venue in London with strong transport connections, commercial potential and access to Ukrainian supporters.
It is another temporary solution for a club that has been displaced from Donetsk since 2014—but it will also bring Champions League football to Stamford Bridge during the 2026/27 season.