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3 clusters · 62 sources · 5 days · First seen · Last updated

Zagreb Maksimir stadium design controversy

Overview

The architectural competition for the new Maksimir stadium and Svetice Sports and Recreation Center in Zagreb has concluded, with the Milan-based VG13 Architects Studio Associato selected from 88 entries. The proposed 35,000-seat stadium, estimated to cost 205 million euros, has faced intense backlash from officials, fans, and experts. Critics, including architect Otto Barić, allege the design violates original competition specifications and question the technical compliance of its large roof cantilevers.

As of late September 2026, the project faces potential cancellation. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has expressed personal dissatisfaction, noting that while technical expertise may favor the proposal, the government must account for the fact that the project ‘does not meet the preferences of a large majority of citizens.’ Plenković has suggested exploring legal avenues to annul the tender and launching a new, potentially invitation-only, competition.

Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević has called for a balanced solution that reconciles architectural standards with the needs of primary users, such as the Bad Blue Boys. In the interim, reconstruction work continues at Kranjčevićeva stadium, which is intended to serve as a temporary home for Dinamo Zagreb to allow for the eventual demolition of the old Maksimir site.

Following the selection, two formal appeals were filed with the State Commission for Control of Public Procurement Procedures (DKOM). Mayor Tomašević indicated that while the professional jury supported the decision, the city must wait for the legal appeal period to expire before making further decisions regarding the project’s future.

Entities

VG13 Architects Studio Associato · Tomislav Tomašević · GNK Dinamo Zagreb · Maksimir Stadium · City of Zagreb

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Coverage disagrees

Sources make claims that cannot both be true. CLSTR reports the disagreement; it does not decide who is right.

Timeline

  1. 4 days ago

    [POLITICS] 36 sources
    Maksimir stadium competition faces appeals and political scrutiny

    The Maksimir stadium design competition in Zagreb faces legal appeals and political scrutiny after the winning design by VG13 Architects drew heavy criticism from fans and Prime Minister Plenković.

  2. 6 days ago

    [SPORTS] 32 sources
    Dinamo Zagreb faces backlash over new Maksimir stadium design

    The winning design for Dinamo Zagreb's new Maksimir stadium by VG13 Architects has triggered backlash from fans and politicians over its open-corner layout and lack of connected stands.

  3. 8 days ago

    [SPORTS] 44 sources
    Maksimir Stadium: Milan studio wins design competition for new Zagreb arena

    Milan-based VG13 Architects won the competition to design Zagreb's new 35,000-seat Maksimir stadium. The project faces public debate and a petition calling for design reconsideration.

Sources

24sata.hr · 24ur.com · balk.hu · biznis.rs · bjelovar.live · bug.hr · croatiaweek.com · dalmacijadanas.hr · dalmacijanews.hr · dalmatinskiportal.hr · dnevnik.ba · dnevno.hr · drukciji.ba · eventbrite.co.uk · fenix-magazin.de · glas-slavonije.hr · glasistre.hr · gol.dnevnik.hr · gol.mk · gorenjskiglas.si · hrvatska-danas.com · icv.hr · index.hr · informedhealth.org · jutarnji.hr · juznevesti.com · kurir.rs · lidermedia.hr · m.digisport.ro · mojkraj.hr · mondo.rs · monitor.hr · n1info.ba · n1info.hr · nap.ba · narod.hr · novilist.hr · oslobodjenje.ba · pilkanozna.pl · pogled.ba · poslovni.hr · prigorski.hr · promotor.ro · rtnk.me · rtv-hb.com · sivananda.org · sport.hotnews.ro · sport.hrt.hr

This summary has been updated 19 times: see revision history