Brentford in talks to host Shakhtar Donetsk's Champions League matches

Brentford are in discussions with Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk about hosting their Champions League home matches at the Gtech Community Stadium for the upcoming season. Shakhtar have secured direct entry into the league phase of the 2026-27 competition. Initially, they had qualified for the third qualifying round but were moved into the league phase after Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain already qualified through winning Ligue 1.

Due to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Shakhtar have been unable to play at their home stadium and have hosted European matches abroad. Last season, their home games were held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and Krakow, Poland.

BBC Sport understands that talks between Shakhtar and Brentford are ongoing, with a view to playing the Champions League matches in west London. A Shakhtar official confirmed that the club is currently negotiating with several venues in the United Kingdom and Germany to secure a host stadium for next season's UEFA Champions League matches. The official added that no further comment would be made until a decision is announced.

Brentford's stadium meets UEFA regulations for hosting Champions League matches, and it is understood that UEFA would have no objection provided local authorities grant permission. Brentford has previously rented out its stadium for non-England international friendlies and the World Sevens Football tournament (a women's seven-a-side competition), and considers such rentals an important additional revenue stream.