Shakhtar Donetsk's Champions League prospects
Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk is exploring the possibility of using Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium as their home ground for the 2026/27 Champions League campaign. Negotiations for the lease of the 17,000-seat venue are already underway, with London emerging as the preferred host city for their fixtures.
The club is also considering options in Poland and Germany. However, a proposal to play at Wisła Kraków's stadium has been rejected. Wisła president Jarosław Królewski explained:
'Hosting matches for other teams requires significant resources, time, and money, and under current circumstances, it is not feasible for Wisła.' — Jarosław Królewski
Królewski added that 'the club's priority is developing its own brand, marketing, communications, and preparing for the Polish league after returning to the top division.' During last season's Europa Conference League, Shakhtar played their home games in Kraków at the Henryk Reyman Stadium.
Best option for matches
As a result, Shakhtar continues to search for the ideal venue for their European competitions, with Brentford's stadium now a key candidate.
Choosing the right stadium for Champions League matches is critical for Shakhtar, as it directly impacts their performance on the international stage. Amid ongoing uncertainty about hosting games in their home country, the club must find an arena that offers strong fan support and proper playing conditions. London, one of Europe's largest cities, could provide a strategic advantage for attracting spectators and commercial opportunities.
As Shakhtar Donetsk navigates the challenges of securing a suitable venue for their Champions League matches, the recent rejection by Wisła Kraków adds to the urgency of their search. The club's need for a reliable stadium is compounded by the complexities of hosting international games amidst ongoing uncertainties in their home country.