FK Sarajevo: First important step taken towards reconstruction of the stadium at Koševsko

(Patria) - Football Club (FK) Sarajevo has informed fans that the first important step has been taken towards the reconstruction of the stadium at Koševsko. We are relaying the statement from FK Sarajevo below.

"For years we have been witnessing that our fans do not have adequate conditions at the largest stadium in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The goal of this project is for the 'Asim Ferhatović - Hase' stadium to obtain UEFA Category 4 status, which would ensure that Sarajevo can play all its European matches at its own stadium and significantly improve conditions for all visitors.

The Centar Municipality Council, at yesterday's session, gave its full support through an amendment initiative and within the 2024 budget for the Koševsko stadium reconstruction project, in order to bring the stadium to UEFA Category 4.

4.1 million KM has been allocated, which the Centar Municipality will invest in its own property. This is a significant first step in securing the necessary budget for Phase 1 of the reconstruction, which represents the most realistic, economical, and fastest solution. The works will be carried out within the existing dimensions and in accordance with the regulatory plan.

Namely, the conceptual design was done in a way that does not go beyond the scope of the existing regulatory plan, in order to reach a solution and implement this phase as quickly as possible. According to UEFA regulations, the minimum conditions required to achieve the final goal have been selected, all within the existing dimensions.

The time foreseen for the realization of this project should be 365 days from the start of the works, i.e., from the procurement of all necessary funds. It is important to mention that the Club will be able to play its matches at Koševsko without interruption during this period.

The stadium will not be demolished, but rather extended, adapted, and renovated with the best aesthetic solutions within the existing dimensions of the stadium. The roof structure, according to UEFA regulations, must cover a certain number of seats, and in this phase, Koševsko will get approximately 2,500 covered seats.
Through the realization of this project, the stadium will gain a new, more modern look, with the improvement of all facilities and conditions in other stands at the highest level, along with the new visual identity of the stadium itself.

Koševsko will have the highest category and will also be able to host national teams and ensure the playing of top-level matches.

We thank everyone who proposed, adopted, and accepted this budget, which includes funds for the stadium reconstruction. One thing is certain, this is an excellent first step towards solving the infrastructure issues that are much needed in this city, and it is necessary to start today. The Centar Municipality, Sarajevo Canton, and the City of Sarajevo need it, can do it, and deserve it.

With modernized infrastructure, we send a new message and energy to the younger generations and promote sports through the prism of a modern capital city. Sport is the pillar of society, and FK Sarajevo, with excellent conditions, will be able to achieve better results and promote the city at the highest level.

Now is the time to show unity and the desire to realize this project. It is crucial that we also receive support from other important institutions and partners through a clear financial amount, which will fund this project that will be the most beautiful sports story and the largest infrastructure project realized in the area of the Centar Municipality. FK Sarajevo is ready to be a partner to ensure the project is realized as successfully and quickly as possible.

The total estimated budget according to the conceptual design for this phase is 13.8 million KM excluding VAT. The clear and precise amount of the investment will be known after the main project is completed, but significant deviations are not expected. In Phase 2, after resolving legal issues and documentation, construction and roofing of further sections of the stands can continue.

We hope that the Centar Municipality, with all its services, will issue the necessary permits for reconstruction as soon as possible. We will inform our fans and the public about all further steps."