Shakhtar Donetsk are understood to be considering Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium as a venue for their UEFA Champions League matches next season, reports BritPanorama.
Negotiations are reportedly underway for the Ukrainian side to host their games at the stadium in West London. Shakhtar have not played European football in Ukraine since the Russian invasion four years ago, with their fixtures last season held in Krakow, Poland.
Previously, they played at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. As options are weighed, Brentford’s stadium remains under consideration, especially after the Bees narrowly missed European qualification this season on goal difference.
A Shakhtar official confirmed ongoing negotiations with various venues in the UK and Germany, stating, “We will not comment on the process until a decision is announced in the near future.” The Gtech Community Stadium meets UEFA’s regulations, indicating that hosting Shakhtar is feasible.
Since its opening, the Gtech, which has a capacity of approximately 17,250, has hosted several significant events, including matches during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. Should this collaboration proceed, Shakhtar would become the sole club playing European football in West London, as Chelsea and Fulham have both missed out on qualification this year following lacklustre seasons.
As football continually adapts to challenges, the prospect of international play in local grounds not only fosters global connections but also showcases the resilience and tenacity of teams like Shakhtar, whose journey amid adversity resonates far beyond the pitch.
