Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Why Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge Will Host Champions League Matches
Chelsea did not qualify for European football after finishing 10th in the Premier League.
However, its stadium, Stamford Bridge, will still host Champions League matches.
The matches will be home games for Shakhtar Donetsk.
Shakhtar are the champions of Ukraine.
Their usual home city is Donetsk.
They have not been able to play there since the War in Donbas began in April 2014.
Because of this, they have played matches in other Ukrainian and European cities.
Chelsea said the 2026/27 arrangement still needs regulatory approval.
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and did not qualify for European football.
Stamford Bridge will host Shakhtar Donetsk’s Champions League home matches in 2026/27.
The arrangement remains subject to regulatory approvals, according to Chelsea.
Shakhtar have been unable to play in Donetsk since the War in Donbas began in April 2014.
The Ukrainian club has used venues in Kyiv, Lviv and several European cities for home fixtures.
- Who
- Chelsea and Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk.
- What
- Stamford Bridge will serve as Shakhtar Donetsk’s home venue for Champions League league-phase matches during the 2026/27 season.
- When
- The 2026/27 season; the War in Donbas began in April 2014.
- Where
- Stamford Bridge in London, instead of Shakhtar’s traditional home in Donetsk.
- Why
- Shakhtar have been unable to play in Donetsk because of the War in Donbas.
- Chelsea’s league finish
- 10th in the Premier League last season
- Chelsea’s European qualification
- The club finished two places outside the eight spots available for qualification to continental European tournaments.
- Temporary venue
- Stamford Bridge, London
- Hosting club
- Shakhtar Donetsk
- Competition
- The UEFA Champions League league phase
- Season
- 2026/27
- Approval status
- The arrangement is subject to regulatory approvals.