Shakhtar Donetsk will play their European home matches in Kraków, Poland, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukrainian club currently participating in the Europa League qualifying rounds, has officially chosen Kraków, Poland, as their temporary home for all European fixtures.
The decision comes as a direct consequence of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has made it impossible for clubs like Shakhtar to safely host international matches within Ukrainian territory since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
This is not the first time Shakhtar has been forced into exile. Since the conflict in eastern Ukraine began back in 2014, the club has been without a permanent home, having relocated its domestic operations multiple times from Donetsk to Lviv, then to Kharkiv, and more recently to Kyiv. However, European matches demand specific logistical, security, and UEFA-mandated requirements that have become unattainable within Ukraine’s borders. As a result, playing on Polish soil has emerged as the most viable solution for the club to continue its international ambitions.
“We are very happy to return to Poland, where we had a positive experience hosting Champions League and Europa League games,” stated Sergei Palkin, Shakhtar Donetsk’s general director, in an official announcement. The club will once again play at the Henryk Reyman Stadium in Kraków, a modern venue with a capacity of just over 15,000 seats and home to Polish side Wisła Kraków.
Palkin emphasized that the decision to choose Kraków was not random or solely circumstantial. “It’s a convenient location in terms of logistics both for the team and for our opponents. But more importantly, it’s a city where people truly love football. That matters a lot to us because we’re not just looking for a stadium to play in, we want a place where the local community will embrace us, cheer for us, and create the atmosphere that we miss so dearly from our home in Donetsk.”
The club director also highlighted the presence of a significant Ukrainian diaspora in Poland. Since the full-scale invasion, millions of Ukrainians have sought refuge across Europe, with Poland becoming the primary destination. Current estimates suggest that around two million Ukrainians are now residing in Poland, many of whom settled in or near Kraków. “We are counting on their support and energy,” Palkin added. “These matches will not just be about football; they will be a symbol of resilience, of a nation that continues to fight on all fronts, including sport.”
Shakhtar Donetsk made an emphatic start to their Europa League campaign, defeating Finnish side Ilves 6-0 in the first leg of the first qualifying round. The match, played in Ljubljana, Slovenia, showcased the Ukrainian side’s superiority and determination to make a deep run in the competition. The second leg is set to be played in Tampere, Finland, where Shakhtar is widely expected to confirm their progression to the next stage.
Should they advance, a formidable challenge awaits: a clash against Turkish giants Besiktas in the second qualifying round. Besiktas, with their rich history in European competitions and passionate fanbase, will pose a significant test for Shakhtar’s ambitions. However, the club is hopeful that the support they’ll receive in Kraków will help offset the disadvantage of playing away from home.
The use of Polish venues for Ukrainian clubs has become somewhat of a trend in recent years. In 2022, Dynamo Kyiv also turned to Poland for their European matches, having used stadiums in Łódź for their Champions League and Europa League fixtures. UEFA has shown flexibility in accommodating Ukrainian teams during this crisis, ensuring they can continue to participate in continental competitions despite the extraordinary circumstances.
For Shakhtar Donetsk, playing in Kraków is not just a logistical solution but a continuation of their identity as one of Ukraine’s most storied clubs. The team carries with it the pride of Donetsk, the resilience of a nation under siege, and the unbroken spirit of Ukrainian sport. Every European night in Kraków will serve as a reminder of what the club, its players, and its supporters have endured and a testament to their determination to remain competitive on the international stage.
As the new European season progresses, Shakhtar hopes that Kraków will become more than just a temporary shelter they want it to feel like home. The club’s leadership has already initiated community engagement efforts to connect with local fans and the Ukrainian diaspora, aiming to fill the stands and recreate the vibrant, intimidating atmosphere that once defined their now-lost Donbass Arena.
In a time of war, Shakhtar Donetsk continues to fight not only for titles but for the pride and representation of Ukraine on the European football map.
