Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ‘under consideration’ to host foreign Champions League matches after rivals rejected

Chelsea's Stamford Bridge could become the latest Premier League stadium to host Champions League football for another club next season.

Shakhtar Donetsk are reportedly considering the west London ground as they continue their search for a temporary European home due to ongoing restrictions in Ukraine.

Shakhtar Donetsk considering Stamford Bridge and Craven Cottage for Champions League fixtures

Shakhtar Donetsk have been without a permanent home for European matches since being forced to leave the Donbass Arena in 2014 following the outbreak of conflict in eastern Ukraine.

The Ukrainian giants have since played their European fixtures across several countries, including Poland, Germany and Slovenia, as UEFA safety restrictions have prevented them from hosting games at home.

Ahead of next season's Champions League campaign, Shakhtar are once again searching for a suitable venue, with reports suggesting two London stadiums are now under consideration.

According to Ukrainian journalist Ihor Burbas, Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium has already been ruled out due to its capacity, leaving Chelsea's Stamford Bridge and Fulham's Craven Cottage as potential options.

“As far as I have heard and understand, the stadium is too small for them at Brentford, which only holds 17,000 people,” Burbas said.

“And now, as far as I understand, Shakhtar is choosing between two stadiums. This is Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s home stadium, and Craven Cottage, Fulham’s home stadium.”

Stamford Bridge has a capacity of around 40,000, while Craven Cottage can hold approximately 25,000 supporters, making both venues more suitable than Brentford for Champions League fixtures.

The move would provide an unusual scenario for Chelsea supporters, with the Blues missing out on European qualification next season despite winning the Champions League in 2021.

However, renting out the stadium could provide Chelsea with an additional revenue stream through hosting fees, ticket income and hospitality opportunities on unused midweek evenings.

Groundshare arrangements are common in European football, with clubs typically agreeing commercial deals that see the stadium owner receive a fixed payment or a percentage of matchday revenue, while the visiting side usually covers matchday costs.

Local rivals Tottenham have previously benefited from hosting additional events at their stadium and also spent a season playing at Wembley when their new ground was being built.

Hamburg's Volksparkstadion has also generated revenue by welcoming Shakhtar for European fixtures in recent seasons.

A final decision on Shakhtar's Champions League venue has not yet been confirmed.

FGG says: Stamford Bridge hosting Champions League football without Chelsea would be a strange sight

Chelsea fans may find it unusual to see another team playing Europe's biggest club competition at Stamford Bridge next season, especially after the Blues' recent Champions League history.

However, with Shakhtar still unable to return home, a temporary move to London could provide the Ukrainian side with a practical solution while giving Chelsea the chance to benefit financially from their unused stadium.