BRENTFORD IN TALKS TO HOST SHAKHTAR DONETSK CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCHES

Brentford are in negotiations with Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk regarding the use of the Gtech Community Stadium to host the club's Champions League fixtures during the 2026-27 season. Shakhtar will compete in the league phase of that competition after qualifying directly, having initially been placed in the third qualifying round before moving up due to Paris St-Germain's qualification through winning Ligue 1. A Shakhtar official stated the club is currently negotiating with multiple venues across the United Kingdom and Germany to secure a host stadium and that an announcement would follow once a decision is reached.

Shakhtar have been unable to play European matches at their home stadium since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. During the previous season, their home fixtures took place across Ljubljana in Slovenia and Krakow in Poland. The Gtech Community Stadium meets UEFA's regulatory requirements for hosting Champions League matches, and UEFA would raise no objection to the arrangement, provided local authorities grant permission. Brentford has previously rented the stadium for non-England international friendly matches and the World Sevens Football tournament, viewing such arrangements as an important revenue source.

Chelsea and Tottenham's failure to qualify for European competition means Arsenal and Crystal Palace are the only London clubs set to compete in European competitions during 2026-27. Arsenal's Champions League matches are expected to alternate between Tuesdays and Wednesdays, reducing scheduling complications across London compared with previous seasons. The stadium hosted four matches during the 2021 Women's European Championships, including a quarter-final between Germany and Austria.