Shakhtar Donetsk Owner Attends First Match in 12 Years Amid a Somber Week for Football

Ahmetov's Return to the Stands

According to Главком: For the first time in over 12 years, Shakhtar Donetsk president Rinat Akhmetov attended one of his club's matches on April 9, 2026. The occasion was a UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final against AZ Alkmaar, held in Krakow. Akhmetov's last appearance at a Shakhtar match was on May 2, 2014, when the team defeated Illichivets Mariupol 3:1. That victory was the club's final match in Donetsk before being forced to relocate due to the conflict in the region, a displacement that continues to define the club's modern era.

On the same day as his return to the stands, Akhmetov traveled to Bucharest to pay his respects at the funeral of former Shakhtar manager Mircea Lucescu, who passed away on April 7, 2026, at the age of 80. Lucescu's death was a profound loss for the football community, given his legendary status at the club. The revered coach had lost consciousness on March 29, 2026, while analyzing a lost World Cup 2026 qualification match at the Romanian national team camp and was subsequently hospitalized. His heart stopped twice the day before his death, and he was placed in a medically induced coma the preceding Sunday.

World Cup 2026 Context

In related World Cup 2026 news, Ukraine's national team suffered a 1:3 defeat to Sweden in a playoff semi-final. The goals were scored by Ponomarenko (90+1) for Ukraine and Jokeres (6, 51, 72) for Sweden. The upcoming 2026 World Cup will feature an expanded format, beginning with a group stage where teams are divided into 12 groups. The group compositions are as follows:

• Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic.
• Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland.
• Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland.
• Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey.
• Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador.
• Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia.
• Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand.
• Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay.
• Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway.
• Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan.
• Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia.
• Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama.

The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed finishers, will advance to the round of 32.

Akhmetov's presence at the match can be seen as a symbolic gesture of support for a club navigating a prolonged period of transformation and adaptation away from its home city. The loss of Mircea Lucescu, a figure who left an indelible mark on Shakhtar's history, underscores the importance of legacy during this challenging time. These events, set against the backdrop of World Cup 2026 qualifiers, highlight the ongoing resilience and challenges facing Ukrainian football on the international stage.

As the football world mourns the loss of Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar Donetsk's recent match against AZ Alkmaar marks a significant moment for the club. For those interested in catching up on the details of this crucial quarter-final clash, here's how to watch the match and stay informed about Shakhtar's journey in the UEFA Conference League.