Shakhtar Donetsk eyeing up Premier League stadium to play European football in next season

Shakhtar Donetsk are understood to be looking at playing their Champions League games next season at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium.

The ground in West London was nearly going to host European football next year, but the Bees just missed out on qualification for the Europa Conference League.

It is understood that Brentford are now in negotiations to host the Ukrainian side for the upcoming campaign.

Shakhtar have not played European football in their homeland since Russia invaded Ukraine four years ago.

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Last year, they played their Champions League fixtures in Krakow, Poland, at the Synerise Arena.

Before that, the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, hosted the Ukrainian champions.

Shakhtar do have the option of playing in Germany next season as they weigh up their options.

Brentford, who missed out on the Conference League on goal difference, are in the running, according to the BBC.

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A Shakhtar official said: "Shakhtar is currently negotiating with several venues in the United Kingdom and Germany in order 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."

Brentford's stadium meets Uefa regulations, and it is understood the governing body will not have any issue with Shakhtar playing there.

The Bees moved to the Gtech after playing their final match at Griffin Park in 2020.

The ground was demolished after opening in 1904 and was known as the only English football league ground to have a pub on each corner.

The Gtech, which is right outside of Kew Bridge station, holds 17,250 supporters.

Construction of the ground cost £71million and has hosted several other teams and events other than Brentford.

In 2022, it played host to four Uefa Women's Euro games, including a quarter-final contest between Germany and Austria.

In April 2023, the Lionesses played a friendly match at the Gtech against Australia, losing 2-0.

Should Shakhtar opt to play their Champions League games at Brentford's ground, they will be the only side playing European football in west London after Chelsea and Fulham missed out on European qualification.

A turbulent campaign for the Blues saw them finish 10th in the Premier League, while Fulham, who have parted company with boss Marco Silva, ended the season in 11th.

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