Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk are set to play their
Champions League home matches at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge in London this
season, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals.
Shakhtar have been unable to use their Donbas Arena in
Donetsk since 2014, following Russia’s annexation of the region. The club have
since been forced to stage their domestic fixtures in cities including Kyiv and
Lviv, while their European matches have been hosted in several countries across
the continent.
The move to Stamford Bridge will provide Shakhtar with
a temporary home in London as they prepare for another Champions League
campaign.
Chelsea, who did not qualify for European competition
last season, confirmed that they are looking forward to welcoming the Ukrainian
club and their supporters to west London.
The Premier League side said it would work closely
with Shakhtar to ensure that the matches are organised safely and smoothly for
both teams and supporters.
Shakhtar also expressed their appreciation for the
agreement, describing the opportunity to play at Stamford Bridge as a special
moment for the club.
The Ukrainian side had reportedly considered
Brentford’s stadium as another potential venue for their European home matches
before reaching an agreement with Chelsea.
For Shakhtar, the arrangement represents another
chapter in the club’s long search for a stable home since being displaced from
Donetsk.
Playing at one of England’s most historic football
grounds will also give Ukrainian supporters a chance to experience Champions
League football in London while the club continues to deal with the
consequences of the ongoing conflict.
Shakhtar said they were confident that their matches
at Stamford Bridge would create memorable experiences for both Ukrainian and
English fans.
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