Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukrainian football club displaced since 2014 due to Russia’s annexation of Donetsk, continues to compete in Europe while operating in exile. The club now plays its UEFA Champions League home matches at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge in London, having previously hosted games in Warsaw, Hamburg, Gelsenkirchen, and Krakow. CEO Serhii Palkin highlights the severe impact of war on the club’s finances, which have been cut to mainly player sales and UEFA bonuses, losing typical revenue streams like ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights, as matches are played behind closed doors or abroad.

Despite these challenges, Shakhtar's strategy remains focused on youth development and player sales, a model that has brought them success in the past with stars like Fernandinho and Willian. This approach has become more crucial amid wartime disruptions, including FIFA rulings that allowed foreign players to suspend contracts, prompting a shift towards nurturing homegrown Ukrainian talent. The sale of Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea for a record €100 million ($114 million) in 2023 stands as a landmark for the club, with part of the funds directed to support Ukrainian soldiers and their families.

Rinat Akhmetov, the club’s long-term owner, remains deeply committed to Shakhtar, even as his SCM Group has suffered enormous business losses due to the war, including the Azovstal steelworks. Akhmetov’s energy company DTEK, a key partner and now a jersey sponsor, has invested around €2.4 billion ($2.7 billion) since the invasion to rebuild damaged energy infrastructure. Their collaboration extends beyond business, supporting the club emotionally as a symbol of resilience for Ukrainians, including the diaspora in London, whose support helps maintain a vital connection to home.

Looking ahead, the club’s leadership stresses the difficulty of planning amid ongoing conflict but holds on to the dream of returning to Donetsk and the Donbas Arena. Playing in the Champions League is not only a financial lifeline but also a platform to showcase Ukrainian talent and spirit on the international stage. For Palkin and his team, preserving Shakhtar’s “DNA” of attacking football and keeping the hope of a homecoming alive provides motivation to endure and compete at the highest level despite adversity.