Shakhtar Donetsk to host Champions League games at Stamford Bridge, uniting Ukrainian diaspora in London

After the Russian-backed capture of Donetsk in 2022, Shakhtar Donetsk abandoned its home stadium and has since played in Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv and several European venues. For one outlet Champions League campaign the club will stage its home games at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge, starting with a match against AEK Athens. Ukrainian expatriates in Britain, including lifelong supporters Artem Genne and Dima Prasolov, intend to travel to the fixtures, buying four-game passes even though a £135 visa fee and a three-month lead time pose obstacles.

Chief executive Sergei Palkin stresses that each match is more than football, reflecting the constant uncertainty faced by players and serving as a platform to remind the world of Ukraine's ongoing struggle. The events also provide a chance for the Ukrainian diaspora to celebrate their culture, raise funds for supplies back home, and engage with local schools and children. Fans expect a friendly atmosphere filled with Ukrainian chants, as rival clubs set aside old animosities in solidarity.