Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Subject to regulatory approvals, Champions League football will be played at Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea, in the 2026-27 season.
The English giants may have missed out on European football altogether after a disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League last term, but their home ground will still feature in football's biggest continental competition.
Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk will play their home European fixtures at the west London ground for the upcoming season. They've previously been forced to play games in Poland, Germany and Slovenia as UEFA safety restrictions have prevented them from playing at their home ground due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
Chelsea Confirm Champions League Fixtures at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge (Chelsea FC)
Chelsea have now released a statement confirming the decision, while promising to work closely with the Ukrainian outfit to ensure their safety for all games played in London.
A club statement read: "FC Shakhtar have played in countries across Europe and we look forward to welcoming them to London for their Champions League campaign this year.
"We will be working with the Shakhtar team closely over the coming weeks to ensure that matchdays run safely and smoothly for their team and supporters."
Shakhtar Donetsk players celebrate scoring in the Champions League.
Shakhtar Donetsk players celebrate scoring in the Champions League.
Shakhtar have responded with a statement of their own, in which they've thanked Chelsea for giving them a home in European competition for the upcoming campaign.
During the league phase of the competition, Shakhtar will have four 'home' fixtures. More games could be played at the west London venue if they progress to the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2017/18 season.