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Stamford Bridge could be set for Champions League return amid Shakhtar Donetsk talks

Written by Ellis Stevens
Last Update: August 15, 2026
Stamford Bridge could be set for Champions League return amid Shakhtar Donetsk talks
A general view of Stamford Bridge - Photo via IMAGO / NurPhoto

Stamford Bridge could be set to host Champions League football in 2026-27 despite Chelsea's failure to qualify for European competition.

Shakhtar Donetsk have identified Chelsea's Stamford Bridge as their preferred home base for this season's Champions League, with the Ukrainian champions still forced to play their home matches outside of Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict in the country.

Talks are reportedly ongoing between both clubs, with Stamford Bridge available during the required Champions League match windows after the Blues finished 10th in the Premier League last season, meaning they failed to qualify for any European competition.

Shakhtar remain in talks for Stamford Bridge agreement

View inside Stamford Bridge, London
Stamford Bridge could become Shakhtar Donetsk's temporary Champions League home next season as the Ukrainian side continue their search for a European venue. – Photo by IMAGO / Every Second Media

Shakhtar Donetsk have previously played their ‘home' European matches in Germany, Poland and Slovenia since being forced out of Ukraine due to the ongoing conflicts.

Ahead of the 2026/27 Champions League season, the Ukrainian champions reportedly decided they wanted to play their home fixtures in London, with three stadiums shortlisted as potential home venues.

Fulham's Craven Cottage, Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium and Chelsea's Stamford Bridge were all supposedly targeted, and it now appears Shakhtar Donetsk are set to play at the Blues' home ground pending the final agreement.

Negotiations are still ongoing between Shakhtar Donetsk and Chelsea for the permission to use Stamford Bridge in 2026/27, but an agreement could take place between two teams that are understood to have strong relations.

Chelsea dealt with Shakhtar Donetsk during the agreement to sign Mykhailo Mudryk in January 2023, while the Blues have also had involvement in the Game4Ukraine.

FGG Says: Surprise Champions League return at Stamford Bridge

Stamford Bridge looked set for at least a year without any European football after Chelsea's lacklustre 2025/26 campaign, but the stadium now appears likely for a surprise Champions League return with Shakhtar Donetsk appearing set to come to an agreement with the Blues to use their home ground.

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Ellis Stevens

Ellis has been working as a freelance sports writer since graduating from University in 2023. He is especially passionate about football, with a particular love for Manchester United.

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