October 2 – Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević announced that the city must wait until Monday, when the official appeal deadline expires, before deciding whether to legally cancel the controversial international architectural design competition for the new Maksimir stadium.
The competition, which saw Milan-based VG13 Architects declared the winner out of 88 submissions from more than 20 countries, has sparked intense public outcry and dissatisfaction among football fans.
Immediately after the initial renderings were released, social media and fan forums were flooded with negative comments.
Dinamo Zagreb supporters criticized the design, comparing it to a “KEA shop”, a “boring hangar” or a “half-open box”.
Fans expressed disappointment that the proposed minimalist, postmodern building lacked the intimidating athletic identity and vibrant atmosphere expected of a traditional football stadium, fearing that the concept prioritized pleasing the architectural jury over creating a passionate matchday experience.
Opposition was further fueled by comparisons with five other major proposals, which offered a considerably more dynamic and traditional sporting aesthetic.
In contrast to the public backlash, both the football club and the architectural community defended the project.
Dinamo Zagreb president Zvonimir Boban praised the winning design as exceptional, saying it strongly reflects Zagreb’s urban culture and architectural heritage, adding that the city does not need off-the-rack standard stadiums. To address the concerns, Dinamo held a member forum to clarify details and answer public questions.
VG13 Architects said the negative reaction likely stems from the limited preview images released so far, noting that upcoming reveals will show the stadium’s true functionality, advanced lighting concepts and seamless integration with the surrounding Maksimir Park complex. Independent Croatian architects also praised the design for its clean form, elegance and functional minimalism.
Despite the professional approval, Mayor Tomašević acknowledged that the vast majority of the public, especially the fans who will use the stadium, oppose the winning project. Co-investing alongside the Croatian government, Zagreb City Council plans to hold formal talks with state officials after recent municipal transport strikes delayed meetings.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković noted that the government is in favor of finding legal grounds for canceling the competition to better align with public expectations.
Asked whether he would prefer to launch an entirely new competition or select an alternative entry from the current pool, Tomašević stated that all options remain open as long as they are legally allowed. He added that he aligns with Dinamo Zagreb president Zvonimir Boban in the need to strike a balance between the assessment of professional experts and the needs of fans.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, a (email protected)