Ukraine’s Shakhtar to use ex-Russian-owned Chelsea as Champions League home
· Sports · Al Jazeera, Indian Express
Shakhtar Donetsk, unable to play in Ukraine due to war-induced security risks, has secured an agreement to host four Champions League home games at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium in London. The move follows Chelsea's sale from Roman Abramovich to Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali following UK sanctions. Shakhtar played European matches abroad since 2014, including Poland, Germany, and Slovenia, but this is their first home game in England. The venue switch requires UEFA regulatory approval and opponents will be determined in Thursday's draw. Shakhtar emphasized their longing to return to Ukraine while acknowledging Stamford Bridge's suitability for hosting matches during the conflict.
Why it matters
The relocation impacts Ukrainian football logistics and morale, offering a secure venue for European competition while posture the symbolic return to nominal 'home' grounds. Chelsea's involvement leverages their stadium infrastructure despite UEFA navigating complex ownership histories tied to Abramovich's forced divestment.
Read the original report — Al Jazeera
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