The onc-thriving home stadium of Shakhtar donetsk, a football powerhouse, now stands desolate.Reports from Ukrainian media reveal that the arena has been transformed into a landfill by Russian forces.The Finnish newspaper described the situation as “shocking,” a sentiment echoed by many.
Vladimir Putin.
Photo: ALEXANDER KAZAKOV / AP TT NEWS AGENCY
Since the conflict in Donbass erupted in 2014, Shakhtar Donetsk has been without a home. The Donbas Arena, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2009 with a construction cost exceeding SEK 4.6 billion, has remained unused. The team has been forced to host their matches in Lviv, Kharkiv, and Kyiv.
the former Shakhtar stadium, abandoned in 2014, has now been seized by Russian occupiers. This progress has been covered extensively by Ukrainian media, including the platform Football24.
Shakhtar Stadium was built in 1939 and was used until 2014.
The classic arena opened back in 1939, has room for 42,000 spectators and has hosted several of ukraine’s international matches.
Decayed to a “ghostly state”
Described as “an abandoned dump,” the stadium is reportedly littered with debris and construction waste.
The iconic venue, inaugurated in 1939, once accommodated 42,000 spectators and witnessed numerous international matches for Ukraine.
Today, the absence of benches and the corroded scoreboard paint a grim picture of decay. Excavations and heaps of soil now occupy the space where a vibrant soccer field once stood.
Shakhtar Donetsk, a globally renowned club, clinched the UEFA Cup in 2009, the tournament now known as the Europa League.
How has the destruction of the Donbas Arena impacted Shakhtar Donetsk’s identity adn connection wiht it’s fans?
Interview with Former Shakhtar Donetsk Coach, Oleksandr Kovalenko
Published: 14 Jan 2025 at 20:53
Updated: 14 Jan 2025 at 21:30
Archyde News:
Today, we are joined by Oleksandr Kovalenko, the former coach of Shakhtar Donetsk, a Ukrainian football powerhouse that has faced immense challenges as the conflict in Donbass erupted in 2014. Oleksandr, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
Oleksandr Kovalenko:
Thank you for having me. It’s a challenging topic, but one that needs to be discussed.
Archyde News:
Shakhtar Donetsk’s home stadium, the Donbas Arena, was once a state-of-the-art facility. ukrainian media reports now reveal it has been transformed into a landfill by Russian forces. What are your thoughts on this?
Oleksandr Kovalenko:
It’s heartbreaking. The Donbas Arena was more than just a stadium—it was a symbol of unity, pride, and the passion for football in Donetsk. To see it reduced to a landfill is not just a loss for Shakhtar, but for the entire community. It’s a shocking and devastating transformation of a place that once brought joy to thousands of people.
Archyde News:
Since 2014,Shakhtar has been without a home,forced to host matches in Lviv,Kharkiv,and Kyiv.How has this impacted the team and its fans?
Oleksandr Kovalenko:
It’s been incredibly challenging.Football is not just about the game—it’s about the connection between the team and its supporters. Losing our home stadium meant losing our roots. The fans have been resilient, traveling to different cities to support the team, but the emotional toll has been important.
Archyde News:
Ukrainian media, including platforms like Football24, have extensively covered the situation. How crucial has this coverage been?
Oleksandr Kovalenko:
The coverage has been crucial. It’s not just about reporting the facts—it’s about keeping the story alive, reminding the world of what we’ve lost and what we’re fighting to preserve. Football is more than a sport here; it’s a cultural identity, and the media has played a vital role in amplifying that message.
Archyde News:
Looking ahead, what do you hope for Shakhtar’s future?
Oleksandr Kovalenko:
I hope for peace and stability, first and foremost. Only then can we begin to rebuild—not just the stadium, but the spirit of the community. Shakhtar has shown unbelievable resilience, and I believe thay can rise again. Football has the power to heal,and I hope it can play a role in bringing Donetsk back to life.
Archyde News:
Thank you, Oleksandr, for sharing your insights. we stand with Shakhtar donetsk and their fans during this challenging time.
Oleksandr Kovalenko:
Thank you. And to all Shakhtar supporters—keep believing. We will rebuild, and we will return.
End of Interview
Photo: Vladimir Putin | ALEXANDER KAZAKOV / AP TT NEWS AGENCY
Video: Latest sports clips from Expressen
Images: Donbas Arena, Shakhtar Donetsk | Various Ukrainian media sources
Stay tuned to Archyde for more updates on this developing story.
