Stamford Bridge set for Champions League matches in Chelsea’s absence
By Joel Masibo, August 15, 2026Stamford Bridge could once again be the setting for the UEFA Champions League football this season, even though home team Chelsea will not be involved in Europe’s top club competition.
Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk are reportedly in discussions over the possibility of staging their Champions League home fixtures at the famous west London stadium.
Shakhtar explore Stamford Bridge option
Shakhtar are looking for a suitable venue outside Ukraine where they can host their European matches, with Stamford Bridge emerging as a leading candidate.
The club have been unable to use their Donbas Arena since 2014 following the conflict in the Donetsk region. Since then, Shakhtar have had to move their European fixtures between stadiums in countries including Poland, Germany and Slovenia.
Now, the Ukrainian club are considering London as their next temporary base. If an agreement is reached, Stamford Bridge would host Champions League matches involving Shakhtar despite Chelsea missing out on the tournament.
According to Ben Jacobs, discussions between the two sides are progressing and the Chelsea stadium is currently among the strongest options for Shakhtar’s European campaign.
Chelsea and Shakhtar share growing ties
The two clubs have developed closer links in recent years, particularly following Mykhailo Mudryk’s move from Shakhtar to Chelsea in 2023.
Their connection also expanded through the Game4Ukraine charity initiative, which brought the clubs together in support of humanitarian efforts connected to Ukraine.
A move to Stamford Bridge could additionally give Shakhtar access to a sizeable Ukrainian community in London and elsewhere in Britain. Around 32,000 people born in Ukraine are estimated to live in the capital, while the wider UK is home to more than 100,000 people with Ukrainian heritage.
UEFA approval still required
Chelsea’s 10th-place Premier League finish last season means the club will not have its own Champions League commitments to contend with, potentially making the use of Stamford Bridge easier to arrange.
However, the proposal is not yet complete. Approval from UEFA and Hammersmith and Fulham Council would reportedly be required before the additional matches can be staged at the ground.
For Chelsea supporters, seeing another club host Champions League fixtures at Stamford Bridge would be an unusual sight. Nevertheless, the proposed arrangement reflects the strong relationship between Chelsea and Shakhtar and the wider support for Ukraine.
Shakhtar decision approaching
Negotiations are understood to be entering their final stages, with matters such as security arrangements and ticketing still being addressed.
Should the agreement go through, Stamford Bridge could welcome some of Europe’s biggest clubs as Shakhtar’s opponents, potentially including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Shakhtar are expected to reveal their decision next week as the club finalises plans for its Champions League home fixtures.