Why are Chelsea hosting Shakhtar Donetsk’s Champions League matches?

Shakhtar Donetsk are hosting their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League home matches at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge due to their ongoing displacement from the Donbas Arena caused by the war in Ukraine. The temporary stadium-share agreement, reached in August 2026, was made possible because Chelsea failed to qualify for European competition after finishing 10th in the Premier League, leaving the London venue free of midweek fixture clashes.

Framed as a solidarity-driven, non-commercial partnership, the deal guarantees at least four league-phase fixtures at Stamford Bridge. Shakhtar debut at the stadium against AEK Athens, with additional upcoming matches scheduled against Sporting CP, Fenerbahçe, and Real Madrid.