Ukrainian Premier League team FC Shakhtar Donetsk will play their UEFA Champions League league phase home matches at Stamford Bridge for the 2026/27 season.
Chelsea said that given its own disappointing 2025/26 season and failure to qualify for European football, the club is pleased to provide FC Shakhtar with the opportunity to their Champions League campaign in London.
Shakhtar Donetsk is a Ukrainian professional football club from the City of Donetsk (Ukraine) which plays in the Ukrainian Premier League, the highest division of the Ukrainian annual football championship.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Shakhtar have played in cities across Ukraine and Europe, including in Lviv, Hamburg in Germany and Warsaw in Poland. This coming season, FC Shakhtar will play in London at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Football Club is a professional association football club based in Fulham, West London, England (UK). They compete in the Premier League, the top tier of English football, and are one of the most successful clubs in English football history.
Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in Fulham, in the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, in West London (UK). It is the home of Chelsea FC. With a capacity of 40,044 it is the 12th-largest football stadium in England.
Coliseum Summit EUROPE 2027 will be hosted at Stamford Bridge, March 23-24
Chelsea said in a statement: “FC Shakhtar have played in countries across Europe and we look forward to welcoming them to London for their Champions League campaign this year.
“We will be working with the Shakhtar team closely over the coming weeks to ensure that matchdays run safely and smoothly for their team and supporters.”
FC Shakhtar said: “Playing our Champions League home matches at Stamford Bridge is a special opportunity for Shakhtar. We are grateful to Chelsea Football Club for the opportunity to host our games at this special venue.
“Stamford Bridge is one of the most famous stadiums in world football, with an incredible history and atmosphere. We are convinced that Shakhtar’s matches in London will provide unforgettable emotions for Ukrainian and English fans.”
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