Why Shakhtar Donetsk are playing Champions League games at Stamford Bridge

According to a report by Football London on Wednesday, 14 October, 2026, Shakhtar Donetsk will play their Champions League home fixtures at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge this season because the ongoing war in Ukraine has made it unsafe to host European matches in their own country.

Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge this season because the ongoing war in Ukraine has made it unsafe to host European matches in their own country.

The Ukrainian club will use Chelsea’s west London stadium for all four of their league-phase home matches, beginning with Wednesday’s meeting against AEK Athens.

Shakhtar have been unable to host European opponents in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began in 2022.

Consequently, their European fixtures and Ukraine’s national team matches have been staged abroad because of security concerns.

The arrangement also reflects the growing relationship between Chelsea and Shakhtar, which developed further following the transfer of Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk to the Premier League club in 2023.

Shakhtar will also welcome Sporting CP on 3 November, Fenerbahce on 25 November and Real Madrid on 27 January at Stamford Bridge.

Ahead of the AEK Athens encounter, Shakhtar manager Arda Turan spoke emotionally about the difficulties of playing away from Ukraine and the human cost of the conflict.

“We are not trying to make a drama, but we will underline this,” Turan said.

“We are living at war and children are dying in Ukraine. We are living with this, but we don’t accept it. We are looking on the positive side of being (in London) but we are dreaming of the day that we can play in Ukraine again.”

Turan, who took charge of Shakhtar in 2025, guided the club to the Ukrainian league title in his first season after they finished behind Dynamo Kyiv in the previous campaign.

The former Turkey international also praised his players and staff for continuing their work despite the difficult circumstances affecting their country.

Asked how he kept his squad focused on football, Turan said: “Me, I’m doing nothing because my players taught me how to live at war without showing excuses, always going on with the fight.”

He added: “I have an excellent group, not just the players but the staff, everyone in Ukraine. We are carrying the hopes of people. It’s not just for football purposes.”

Chelsea confirmed the agreement in August, promising to work closely with Shakhtar to ensure matchdays run safely and smoothly for players and supporters.