Shakhtar Donetsk has announced measures to limit the number of away supporters at their upcoming UEFA Champions League matches held in London, aiming to recreate a home-game atmosphere despite playing outside Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Shakhtar has been unable to host matches in their native Donetsk and is using Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium for their home fixtures this season.

The Ukrainian club will face high-profile opponents, including a notable fixture against Real Madrid. While UEFA regulations stipulate a minimum allocation of five percent of tickets for visiting fans, there is no cap on the maximum number. In contrast to what could be a large demand from Spanish supporters for the Real Madrid match, Shakhtar plans to restrict away fan tickets to approximately 10 percent of the stadium capacity, which translates to just under 4,500 seats.

This decision aligns with the club’s intention to prioritize Ukrainian supporters currently residing in London. With an estimated 200,000 Ukrainians living in the city, Shakhtar’s sporting director, Darijo Srna, emphasized the importance of catering to this community. “We want this to be a game for all our fans who now live in the UK,” he said, underscoring the club’s effort to foster a home-like environment for displaced fans during a challenging period.

The move reflects both logistical considerations and a focus on solidarity with the Ukrainian diaspora amid ongoing conflict. Shakhtar’s use of Stamford Bridge for their “home” matches marks a continuation of arrangements made since the outbreak of war, allowing the club to participate in European competitions despite their inability to play on domestic soil.