Brentford in talks to hold Shakhtar’s Champions League matches

Brentford are in talks with Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk over hosting their Champions League fixtures at the Gtech Community Stadium for the forthcoming season.

Shakhtar will play at the league phase of the 2026-27 competition. The Ukrainian side had qualified for the third qualifying round but were moved into the league phase due to Champions League winners Paris St-Germain already qualifying through winning Ligue 1.

However, due to the ongoing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Shakhtar have been playing their European matches outside of their home stadium.

Last year, their home matches were played across Ljubljana, Slovenia and Krakow, Poland.

Reports from BBC have now claim Brentford could be their new home for European games.

Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium used to host the World Sevens Football. (Photo by Tom Dulat/World Sevens Football via Getty Images)

A Shakhtar official said, “Shakhtar is currently negotiating with several venues in the United Kingdom and Germany in order to secure a host stadium for its Uefa Champions League matches next season. We will not comment on the process until a decision is announced in the near future.”

Brentford’s home stadium complies with Uefa’s regulations on stadia hosting Champions League matches and it is understood Uefa would have no issue with this taking place, providing local authorities permit it.

The London club have become popular for renting out their stadium for non-England international friendly matches, the World Sevens Football (a female seven-a-side tournament).

Adding Shakhtar’s game to the list is considered an important additional revenue stream.