A Russian strike has hit a 34,000-seater stadium in Ukraine, leaving one person injured ahead of a top-division clash.
The shelling took out the roof, windows, and stands, according to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.
A 29-year-old woman has been injured with shrapnel wounds, Odesa’s regional governor Oleh Kiper said.
The Chornomorets stadium was set to host a Ukrainian Premier League fixture between Chornomorets and Kolos on August 8.
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There has been no confirmation about whether the match will be cancelled or postponed.
The war in Ukraine has been going on since 2022, with a peace deal still not in sight.
Top Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk have been forced to play their matches abroad and are understood to be looking at playing their Champions League games next season at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
It is understood that Brentford are now in negotiations to host the Ukrainian side for the upcoming campaign.
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The ground in West London was nearly going to host European football next year, but the Bees just missed out on qualification for the Europa Conference League.
Last year, Shakhtar played their Champions League fixtures in Krakow, Poland, at the Synerise Arena.
Before that, the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, hosted the Ukrainian champions.
Shakhtar do have the option of playing in Germany next season as they weigh up their options.
Brentford, who missed out on the Conference League on goal difference, are in the running, according to the BBC.
A Shakhtar official said: “Shakhtar is currently negotiating with several venues in the United Kingdom and Germany in order to secure a host stadium for its Uefa Champions League matches next season.
“We will not comment on the process until a decision is announced in the near future.”
Brentford’s stadium meets Uefa regulations, and it is understood the governing body will not have any issue with Shakhtar playing there.
The Bees moved to the Gtech after playing their final match at Griffin Park in 2020.
The ground was demolished after opening in 1904 and was known as the only English football league ground to have a pub on each corner.
The Gtech, which is right outside Kew Bridge station, holds 17,250 supporters.
Construction of the ground cost £71million and has hosted several other teams and events other than Brentford.
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