Ukrainian champions FC Shakhtar Donetsk will host their 2026-27 UEFA Champions League league phase matches at Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge stadium in London.
Key facts
- •Shakhtar Donetsk will host its 2026-27 Champions League league phase home games at Stamford Bridge.
- •The agreement is currently subject to regulatory approvals.
- •Shakhtar has played European home matches in countries including Germany and Poland since 2014.
- •Chelsea FC finished 10th in the 2025-26 Premier League and is not in European competition this season.
- •Arda Turan led Shakhtar to their 16th Ukrainian Premier League title last season.
FC Shakhtar Donetsk announced on Friday that it has reached an agreement to play its 2026-27 UEFA Champions League home fixtures at Stamford Bridge. The arrangement, which is subject to regulatory approvals, was confirmed by both Shakhtar and Chelsea FC. The move allows the Ukrainian club to host its European matches in London for the upcoming season.
By the numbers
Logistics and Cooperation
Chelsea FC stated that it will work closely with the Shakhtar team in the coming weeks to ensure that matchdays are conducted safely and smoothly for both the players and supporters. While Shakhtar will utilize the venue for European competition, Chelsea FC will not participate in European tournaments this season following a 10th-place finish in the 2025-26 Premier League.
Club Background and Venue History
Shakhtar Donetsk has been unable to play home matches in Donetsk since 2014, when the city came under the control of Russian-backed separatists. Since then, the club has hosted European fixtures in various countries, including Poland and Germany, while playing domestic matches in Lviv and Kyiv. Shakhtar enters the competition as the current Ukrainian Premier League champions, having secured their 16th title last season under manager Arda Turan.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Anadolu Agency Sport.
