Press Release

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HEUKING paves the way for Shakhtar Donetsk’s UEFA Champions League and Europa League games

A HEUKING team, led by Partners Jens-Hendrik Janzen and Fabian Gaffron, in collaboration with Kyiv-based law firm Asters, advised Ukrainian top soccer team FC Shakhtar Donetsk. Their guidance focused on tax and contract law issues related to the organization of UEFA Champions League and Europa League games to be held in Germany.

Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, FC Shakhtar Donetsk has been compelled to host its UEFA Champions League and Europa League home games outside of Ukraine. Hamburger SV, one of Germany’s most storied soccer teams, extended an invitation to the Ukrainian team to host its home games this season at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion. HEUKING and Asters assisted the teams in navigating tax implications and structuring the agreement to prevent double taxation, ensuring the matches could proceed in Hamburg.

The collaboration with Hamburger SV provided a crucial lifeline for Shakhtar Donetsk, enabling the team to complete the season away from home. Since the Russian occupation of the Donetsk region in 2014, Shakhtar has been compelled to play its games abroad, losing almost all its infrastructure and several players. The support from friendly clubs like Hamburger SV is vital for Shakhtar, allowing it to continue participating in international competitions. This not only helps maintain its visibility and brand but also attracts fans and sponsors, sustaining the club during these challenging times.

Counsel to FC Shakhtar Donetsk

HEUKING:

Fabian G. Gaffron (Lead / Tax), Hamburg,

Jens-Hendrik Janzen, LL.M. (Lead / Contract Law), Stuttgart,

Simon Pommer, LL.M.,

Oliver Kammerer, (both Tax), both Hamburg,

Christian Sachs (Contract Law), Stuttgart

Additional counsel to FC Shakhtar Donetsk:

Asters, Kyiv