Shakhtar will not play its European matches in Krakow
Jarosław Krulewski, president of Wisła Kraków, stated that the Polish club did not allow Shakhtar Donetsk to play its European home matches at the stadium in Kraków.
After several difficult years, the club needs to focus entirely on its own development and addressing internal issues.
“We have room for improvement, much to learn, and many new opportunities for growth, but above all, we must prioritize Wisła’s affairs and the interests of our club—no feelings or personal relationships are more important than the club,” emphasized the Wisła president.
He noted that hosting additional international matches requires significant resources, organizational effort, and financial expenditure.
Krulowski emphasized that brand development, communications, and the sporting aspect are currently the most important issues for Wisła.
“In addition, there are sporting and emotional aspects. This competition is about results, fans, know-how, and market position. These emotions will prevail in the league,” he wrote.
The president of the Polish club also stated that “a monumental task lies ahead for Wisła in the areas of communications, marketing, social media, sales, and the development of the Wisła brand.”
Last season, Shakhtar played its Conference League home matches in Krakow, using Wisła’s stadium as its home arena for international matches.
Following the Polish club’s decision, the Donetsk-based team will have to find another stadium to host their home matches in European competitions for the 2026/27 season.
For the Ukrainian club, the issue of choosing a venue remains relevant due to the impossibility of holding international matches on Ukrainian territory amid the war.
The official announced this on his Facebook page.
Shakhtar and Ukraine national team defender Yevhen Konoplya may change clubs and join Germany’s Borussia Mönchengladbach in the near future, according to insiders. According to sources, the parties have already effectively agreed on the transfer, and the player is preparing for a new stage in his career. The transfer could take place as a free agent following a medical examination.
Earlier, Donetsk’s Shakhtar officially signed Venezuelan winger Gleyker Mendoza from Kryvbas, who was one of the top scorers in the Ukrainian Premier League. The contract is long-term and is already generating significant interest due to the player’s form. The transfer has become one of the most high-profile moves in this season’s championship.
