“Shakhtar” is moving to “Stamford Bridge”: What Fans Need to Know
22 August 04:20
Donetsk’s “Shakhtar” has agreed to play four nominal home matches of the 2026/27 Champions League group stage at London’s Stamford Bridge stadium. The agreement with Chelsea still requires the approvals stipulated by the regulations, and the Ukrainian champion’s opponents will be determined on August 27.
The choice of the new European competition venue was announced on the official website of FC Shakhtar. The information was also confirmed by London’s Chelsea, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The agreement still needs to be approved
A key point to note is that hosting the matches is contingent upon obtaining regulatory approvals. According to UEFA Champions League rules, a club may, under exceptional circumstances, use a stadium located within the territory of another national association; however, the venue must be approved by UEFA.
If approval is granted, Stamford Bridge will serve as the Miners’ home stadium for the entire Champions League campaign.
The parties have not disclosed the financial terms of the lease.
Why Did Shakhtar Choose Chelsea’s Stadium?
The London club did not qualify for European competitions in the 2026–27 season, which made it possible to use available international match dates. Chelsea itself acknowledged that the team’s absence from UEFA tournaments made the partnership with Shakhtar possible.
Stamford Bridge is located in west London and, according to official Chelsea figures, has a capacity of 40,022 spectators. It is a much better-known venue than the other London options mentioned prior to the announcement—Fulham and Brentford’s stadiums.
An additional advantage is the large Ukrainian community in the United Kingdom. The club expects both Ukrainian and English fans to attend the matches.
When will Shakhtar find out its opponents?
The draw for this stage of the league will take place on August 27, 2026. According to UEFA regulations, each participant will play eight matches against eight different teams: four at home and four on the road.
UEFA has set the following match windows:
- September 8–10, 2026;
- October 13–14;
- October 20–21;
- November 3–4;
- November 24–25;
- December 8–9;
- January 19–20, 2027;
- January 27.
The specific four dates on which Shakhtar will play at home will be determined after the draw and the approval of the Champions League schedule.
What We Know About Tickets
As of August 22, neither Shakhtar nor Chelsea has announced:
- when tickets will go on sale;
- how much tickets will cost;
- whether season ticket holders will have priority;
- what section of the stadium will be allocated to Ukrainian fans.
Sales will most likely begin after the draw and final approval of the venue. Until the clubs make an official announcement, you should not purchase tickets through unauthorized resellers.
Do Ukrainians Need a British Visa?
Ukrainian citizens traveling on a Ukrainian passport who do not have valid UK immigration status need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Ukraine is included in the list of visa-required countries published by the British government.
As of August 2026, a short-term Standard Visitor visa costs £135. Applications can be submitted no earlier than three months before the trip. The standard estimated processing time is three weeks.
A Ukrainian biometric passport or a Schengen visa does not replace a British visa. The exception is for fans who already have lawful status or a residence permit in the United Kingdom.
How Much Might the Trip Cost
Since the clubs have not yet announced ticket prices, it is impossible to determine the total budget. Expenses should include:
- £135 for a UK visa;
- travel to London;
- an airport transfer;
- accommodation;
- public transportation;
- a ticket to the match.
Therefore, it is risky to book non-refundable flights or hotels before the exact schedule is announced. The British government also notes that it is not necessary to purchase transportation tickets before a visa decision is made.
Since the start of the full-scale war, the Ukrainian club has played its home European Cup matches in Warsaw, Hamburg, Krakow, and Gelsenkirchen. London will be the next stop on this itinerary.
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