Shakhtar Donetsk have not played a home game in 12 years due to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. They have played domestic 'home' ties all across the unoccupied parts of Ukraine, but for European ties, they have played in various stadia, including Krakow in Poland and Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Ukrainian side are hoping to connect with an estimated 32,000 Ukraine-born residents living in London by playing Champions League games in the capital of England.
Chelsea has a strong relationship with Shakhtar Donetsk, and there were other options with Fulham's Craven Cottage and Brentford's Gtech, but they appear to favour Stamford Bridge. Shakhtar Donetsk are one of two Ukrainian clubs to win a major European trophy, winning the UEFA Cup in 2009, and are back in the Champions League after winning the Ukrainian top-flight. They are one of 29 teams to have automatically qualified for the Champions League.
There will be no form of European football at Stamford Bridge this summer, so the ground is available. Shakhtar Donetsk are hoping to sell out Stamford Bridge, and the draw for the League Phase is scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 27, in Monaco.