Brentford is currently in negotiations with Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk to host their Champions League fixtures at the Gtech Community Stadium for the 2026-27 season. Shakhtar will enter the league phase directly after being moved from the third qualifying round, a change prompted by Champions League winners Paris St-Germain qualifying through their Ligue 1 victory.
Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Shakhtar has been forced to play their European matches outside of their home country. Last season, their home matches were held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and Krakow, Poland, as the club sought safe venues for their games.
Discussions between Shakhtar and Brentford are ongoing, with the aim of securing a venue for their Champions League matches in west London. A Shakhtar official commented, "Shakhtar is currently negotiating with several venues in the United Kingdom and Germany 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." This indicates that Brentford is one of multiple options being considered.
Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium meets UEFA's regulations for hosting Champions League matches, and it is understood that UEFA would not oppose this arrangement, provided local authorities grant the necessary approvals.
The club has a history of renting out their stadium for various events, including non-England international friendly matches and the World Sevens Football tournament, viewing these opportunities as important revenue streams.
As Brentford continues to explore this potential partnership, the outcome could have significant implications for both clubs, particularly for Shakhtar as they seek stability and a home ground for their prestigious European fixtures amidst ongoing challenges.
