Shakhtar to play home Champions League matches at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge

[p]The Ukrainian ‌champions have been unable to use their Donbas Arena ‌since Russian-backed forces entered the region in ‌2014 and were further displaced by Russia's full-scale invasion ‌of Ukraine in 2022.[/p][p]Since leaving Donetsk, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/shakhtar/4ENWX2OA/"]Shakhtar[/a] have played domestic matches in Kyiv and Lviv, while hosting European fixtures in Hamburg, Warsaw, Gelsenkirchen, Krakow and ‌Ljubljana.[/p][p]The move to London comes after [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chelsea/4fGZN2oK/"]⁠Chelsea[/a] failed to ‌qualify for European competition following a 10th-placed Premier League ​finish last season, leaving Stamford Bridge available for Shakhtar's Champions League campaign.[/p][p][b]"We are grateful ​to Chelsea Football Club for the opportunity to host our games at this special venue," [/b]Shakhtar ⁠said in ​a statement.[/p][embed guid="60565960-992a-451f-a095-9a03d7b2b8b4" url="https://x.com/FCShakhtar_eng/status/2090820847015436347" social-type="twitter" /][p][b]"Stamford Bridge is one of the most famous stadiums in world football, with an incredible history and atmosphere.[/b][/p][p][b]"We are convinced that Shakhtar's matches in ‌London will provide unforgettable emotions for Ukrainian and English fans."[/b][/p][p]Chelsea were formerly owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the UK government following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, triggering the sale of the club to a group led by American investor Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.[/p][p]Stamford Bridge has a capacity ‌of around 40,000.[/p][p][b]"Shakhtar have played in countries across ​Europe and we look forward to welcoming ‌them to London for their Champions League campaign this year," [/b]Chelsea said.[/p][p][b]"We will be working closely with the Shakhtar team over the coming weeks to ensure that matchdays run safely ⁠and smoothly for ⁠their team and ‌supporters."[/b][/p]