BREAKING: Shakhtar Donetsk are seeking to host their Champions League matches at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground next season because…
The ongoing military conflict in Ukraine continues to prevent domestic venues from safely hosting high-profile European fixtures, compelling UEFA to mandate neutral-venue arrangements for security reasons. Having previously staged home continental matches across Poland and Germany, the Ukrainian champions are actively searching for a reliable, long-term venue that offers safety, stability, and top-tier infrastructure for their upcoming European campaign.
Nottingham and the broader East Midlands offer a warm, welcoming footballing environment, supported by a passionate local sports community and a growing Ukrainian diaspora across central England. Playing in Nottingham would afford Shakhtar the opportunity to build a strong home-away-from-home support base, drawing in displaced families alongside local football enthusiasts eager to rally behind the Ukrainian side on the European stage.
From an operational and travel perspective, the city provides excellent regional connectivity via East Midlands and Birmingham airports, paired with modern training facilities and well-established local hotel infrastructure. Staging fixtures in such a accessible central location simplifies travel arrangements for visiting European squads, match delegates, and broadcast partners while ensuring world-class preparation conditions for the squad.
Financially, bringing elite Champions League football to one of England’s most historic footballing heartlands provides a vital lifeline for the club during an economically challenging period. With domestic matchday revenues severely impacted by the ongoing situation back home, tapping into the East Midlands’ corporate community and strong regional demand for high-level European football enables Shakhtar to maximize matchday income and foster international commercial partnerships.
Finally, Nottingham Forest’s iconic City Ground—picturesquely situated along the banks of the River Trent—offers a famous, electric atmosphere steep in European tradition. Securing a ground with such legendary continental pedigree ensures Shakhtar can maintain its prestigious standing among Europe’s elite while continuing to keep a vibrant global spotlight on Ukrainian sport.
