Ukraine’s Shakhtar to use ex-Russian-owned Chelsea as Champions League home

Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk has agreed to play its home Champions League matches at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium in London. This arrangement comes after the club has been unable to host games in Ukraine since 2014 due to the ongoing conflict in the Donbas region, which began when Russia annexed parts of eastern Ukraine. The decision follows the Russian military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which further restricted Shakhtar’s ability to conduct home matches within the country. Shakhtar will play at least four home games during the Champions League group stage, starting next month. These matches will take place at Stamford Bridge, a venue that was previously owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich for nearly two decades. Abramovich sold his stake in Chelsea in 2022 under pressure from British authorities following sanctions imposed over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The new owners of Chelsea include American businessman Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali of Clearlake Capital. The move marks a significant shift for Shakhtar, which has had to relocate its home games multiple times since the conflict began. From 2014 to 2021, the club played its European fixtures in other cities across Ukraine. Since 2022, they have hosted matches in Poland, Germany, and Slovenia. This latest agreement ensures that Shakhtar can continue competing in the Champions League without facing logistical challenges related to safety and security. Shakhtar expressed its hope to return to playing in Ukraine as soon as possible, stating that its true home is Ukraine. In a statement released on Friday, the club emphasized its desire to play in front of its own fans once conditions allow. “But while the war makes this impossible, Stamford Bridge is an exceptional place for us to call home in Europe,” the club added. Chelsea has confirmed its support for the arrangement, noting that it will work closely with Shakhtar to ensure the matches are conducted safely and comfortably for both teams and their supporters. The club’s current squad includes former Shakhtar player Mykhaylo Mudryk, who joined Chelsea in 2022. However, Chelsea did not qualify for any UEFA competition this season, so there will be no direct fixture clashes with Shakhtar. The Champions League group stage draw will take place in Monaco on Thursday, where the matchups for the upcoming rounds will be finalized. The exact opponents for Shakhtar’s home games will be determined at that time. While the club has yet to play a home match in England, this agreement represents a strategic solution to the ongoing challenges posed by the war in Ukraine. The situation highlights the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on sports organizations. As international competitions continue, clubs must navigate complex political landscapes to maintain their participation and competitiveness. For Shakhtar, the choice of Stamford Bridge reflects both practical necessity and a symbolic connection to a former owner whose influence has significantly diminished.