Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin has explained why the Ukrainian club selected Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge as the venue for its European fixtures, describing London as an important platform to keep international attention focused on the situation in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian champions have been unable to play at their home ground, the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, since 2014. Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 created further difficulties, forcing the club to stage European home matches in other countries, including Poland, Germany and Slovenia.
Despite the logistical challenges associated with travelling for European competitions, Shakhtar have decided to bring their campaign to London. Stamford Bridge will host their matches against AEK Athens, Sporting, Fenerbahce and Real Madrid, giving the team an opportunity to compete in a famous football venue while reaching a wider audience.
Palkin revealed that Brentford and Fulham were also considered before the club settled on Chelsea’s home ground. The decision followed discussions with Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali, who responded positively to the proposal.
According to Palkin, London’s large Ukrainian community and its reputation as a major centre of world football made the city an attractive destination. He also believes that playing at Stamford Bridge will inspire Shakhtar’s young players and provide valuable exposure at the highest level.
The arrangement is understood to be non-commercial for Chelsea, while Shakhtar hope to attract an average attendance of approximately 30,000 supporters across the four fixtures.
Shakhtar Plan Activities for Ukrainians in London
The club’s plans extend beyond football. Shakhtar intend to organise school visits, provide opportunities for supporters to attend their UEFA Youth League matches at Kingsmeadow and open training sessions to Ukrainians living away from their homeland.
The team will also use its Champions League campaign to promote the message “Invest in Ukraine”, displayed alongside the club’s sponsor, System Capital Management (SCM).
Palkin stressed that Shakhtar remain financially stable, but acknowledged the serious human consequences of continuing to operate during wartime.
He recalled a disturbing incident involving a drone strike near the club’s senior women’s team during a televised match, which led to the broadcast being suspended. The conflict has also affected the club’s youth setup, with its under-12 and under-13 teams relocated to western Ukraine as security concerns intensified.
Stamford Bridge Becomes a Platform for a Bigger Message
For Shakhtar, the London fixtures represent much more than an opportunity to compete in European football. They provide a chance to maintain international visibility for Ukraine, connect with displaced supporters and remind the wider world of the challenges facing the country.
Palkin emphasised that the club wants to use its presence in London and other European cities to encourage international solidarity and support.
His message underlines how football can serve a purpose beyond the pitch, bringing communities together and providing a platform for countries facing difficult circumstances.
By choosing Stamford Bridge, Shakhtar Donetsk hope to combine their European ambitions with a wider appeal for continued attention and support for Ukraine.
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