Shakhtar Donetsk has relocated its UEFA Champions League home matches to London this season amid ongoing security challenges in Ukraine caused by the conflict with Russia. The Ukrainian champions will host their four group stage fixtures at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, marking a significant shift as they continue to navigate the impact of the war on their operations.
The decision comes after a series of attacks that have disrupted the club’s usual activities. Just two weeks ago, a Russian missile struck near Shakhtar’s office in Kyiv, damaging a nearby building, while in August their kit manufacturer Puma lost a warehouse in the Ukrainian capital to missile strikes. These incidents underscore the persistent threat the club faces on its home ground.
Shakhtar’s chief executive, Serhii Palkin, expressed optimism about playing their Champions League games in London, where the club expects strong support not only from Ukrainian expatriates but also from neutral fans. Tickets for the matches, including a high-profile game against Real Madrid in January, will be priced among the most affordable in the competition, reflecting an effort to attract a broad audience. Palkin anticipates crowds of 25,000 to 30,000, with the potential for a sellout at Stamford Bridge for major fixtures.
“London is the football capital of the world, Stamford Bridge is a legendary stadium, and for our players it is extra motivation to represent Ukrainian clubs at this level,” Palkin said. The move also aims to create positive morale for Ukrainians during a challenging time, as domestic matches have been limited to small crowds of around 3,000 due to ongoing conflict.
Since being displaced from their home city of Donetsk in 2014 following Russian-backed separatist attacks, Shakhtar has played their domestic matches in Lviv, with an earlier temporary relocation to Kyiv. However, the situation in Kyiv has grown increasingly dangerous due to intensified Russian strikes. Palkin noted that Lviv now offers significantly improved safety and easier access to European travel, given restrictions on flights within Ukraine.
Palkin voiced frustration with FIFA’s response to the club’s plight, saying the organisation has failed to engage with Shakhtar or the broader Ukrainian football community despite claims of solidarity. “From the beginning, we tried many times to contact FIFA to resolve these issues, but all doors have been closed,” he said. In contrast, he acknowledged UEFA’s ongoing support since the outset of the conflict.
Shakhtar’s first home game in London is scheduled for Wednesday against AEK Athens, with kick-off at 8 p.m. The matches will be broadcast on TNT Sports. The club continues to navigate the uncertainty wrought by war while seeking to maintain a presence on Europe’s premier football stage.