Brentford in talks to host Shakhtar Donetsk Champions League games

Brentford are in discussions with Shakhtar Donetsk about hosting the Ukrainian champions' Champions League home matches at the Gtech Community Stadium next season. The talks were first reported by The Standard and confirmed by a Shakhtar spokesperson.

Shakhtar have been unable to play European home games in Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022. Last season they used the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany for Champions League fixtures, and prior to that they played at Wisła Kraków's stadium in Poland for the Conference League. Now, with direct entry into the Champions League league phase, they are exploring options in both the UK and Germany.

Gtech Community Stadium fit for European football

The 17,250-capacity Gtech Community Stadium, opened in 2020, meets UEFA regulations for Champions League matches. The BBC reports that UEFA would have no objection to Shakhtar playing there. Brentford have previously hosted non-club matches, including England women's internationals and the Unity Cup.

• Shakhtar Donetsk's Champions League home matches would be played at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium if a deal is reached.
• The Ukrainian side have used venues in Poland (2022/23) and Germany (2024/25) since the war began.
• Shakhtar confirmed they are negotiating with multiple venues in the UK and Germany.
• Brentford’s 17,250-seat stadium is UEFA-compliant and has hosted major events before.
• The west London area has a significant Ukrainian community, and Brentford have run support programmes for displaced families.

What's next?

Shakhtar's spokesperson stated that a decision will be announced in the near future. Should an agreement be reached, Brentford would become the first Premier League club to host a foreign side's European home matches. The move would also strengthen the existing ties between the club and the Ukrainian community in London.