# Zagreb Maksimir stadium design controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zagreb-maksimir-stadium-design-controversy > Updated: 2026-09-28T10:36:32.000Z. Sources: 62. Developments: 3. 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. ## Claims - The new stadium will have 11,163 seats. (disputed by 3 sources) - The proposed Maksimir stadium design includes approximately 35,000 seats. (disputed by 2 sources) - The Milan-based studio VG13 Architects Studio Associato won the international competition for the Maksimir stadium design. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković expressed personal dissatisfaction with the selected architectural design for the new Maksimir stadium. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The Prime Minister suggested investigating legal possibilities to cancel the current tender and launch a new one. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Croatian government is considering canceling the tender for the new Maksimir stadium due to public and fan dissatisfaction. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The stadium will meet UEFA Category 4 requirements. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The winning design for the Maksimir stadium was selected from 88 international entries. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Two formal appeals have been filed regarding the international architectural competition for the Maksimir stadium. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Milan-based studio VG13 Architects Studio Associato was declared the winner of the international competition for the Maksimir stadium design. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The architectural firm Sirrah released new renderings of the Kranjčevićeva stadium reconstruction. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The stadium will feature four separate, fully covered stands. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-28: 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. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kranjevieva-stadium-reconstruction-new-renderings-revealed ### 2026-09-25: 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. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maksimir-stadium-design-selection-sparks-controversy-in-zagreb ### 2026-09-23: 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. 44 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zagreb-to-unveil-winning-design-for-new-maksimir-stadium --- Cite as: Zagreb Maksimir stadium design controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zagreb-maksimir-stadium-design-controversy