Shakhtar want to play Champions League ties at Chelsea

Shakhtar Donetsk has formally requested permission to host their UEFA Champions League home fixtures at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium this season, seeking an alternative venue due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Donetsk-based club, which has won 12 Ukrainian Premier League titles and reached the Champions League quarter-finals on four occasions, faces significant logistical challenges staging international competitions at home. This arrangement would allow the club to participate fully in Europe's premier club competition while maintaining their competitive status during an unprecedented period of displacement.

The decision reflects Shakhtar's continued commitment to European football despite years of operational difficulties stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The club has previously utilized neutral venues across Europe, having played matches in Poland, Germany, and other nations during past campaigns. Stamford Bridge, with a capacity of 40,389 and UEFA's elite stadium standards, provides the necessary infrastructure to host high-profile European matches. Chelsea's historic ground has hosted numerous continental competitions and meets all contemporary broadcasting and security requirements mandated by European football's governing body.

UEFA's approval of such arrangements remains pending, though the governing body has shown flexibility in accommodating Ukrainian clubs facing exceptional circumstances. Should the request succeed, Shakhtar would join a select group of clubs who have temporarily relocated their home venues while maintaining full Champions League participation. The arrangement would enable the team to generate crucial revenue from gate receipts and hospitality, providing financial stability as the club continues operating amid regional instability. This season's Champions League campaign represents an opportunity for Shakhtar to maintain their European presence and demonstrate organizational resilience during an exceptionally challenging period.