Zeljković and Kasumović sign agreement: Zenica to become home of the national stadium

(Patria) - In the premises of the Training Centre of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina (NS/FS BiH) in Zenica, an Agreement on Joint Arrangement for the Implementation of the Project for the construction and use of the national football stadium was ceremonially signed today.

The agreement was signed by the Mayor of Zenica, Fuad Kasumović, and the President of the NS/FS BiH, Vico Zeljković, officially marking a strategic partnership between the City of Zenica and the Football Association on one of the most important infrastructural sports projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to the signed document, the national stadium of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be built at the location of the existing Bilino polje stadium in Zenica, through phased reconstruction and expansion, in accordance with current UEFA and FIFA standards.

Mayor Fuad Kasumović emphasized the significance of today's event for Zenica and Bosnia and Herzegovina:

"This is a struggle of the City Administration, with me at the helm, that has lasted for seven full years. Thanks to the current Executive Board of the Football Association and President Zeljković, we have reached this historic day for our Zenica. All citizens of Zenica know how much it means to us when the national team plays here. Not many countries have a national stadium, so this is a huge step forward. We will start with the project design immediately, and the works will be carried out in phases. Since this is a project of state importance, we expect the involvement of other levels of government. Zenica, in addition to the Arena, the Olympic swimming pool under construction, the expanding training center, and the national stadium, is certainly becoming a center for sports tourism in BiH. As for NK Čelik, as before, this will be their stadium, but now they will have even better and safer conditions – with a stadium that will be one of the most beautiful in the Balkans," said Kasumović.

The President of the Football Association of BiH, Vico Zeljković, expressed his gratitude for the patience and vision of the City of Zenica and Mayor Kasumović:

"Today we can talk about a historic day. First and foremost, I want to express great gratitude to Mayor Fuad Kasumović, who not only has a clear vision but has also shown patience and understanding for the space we live in. Through a partnership, we have managed to reach this significant moment. This is a complex and extensive project, and starting today, we will begin with the main project design in order to start the works as soon as possible."

In accordance with the signed Agreement, the NS/FS BiH will take on the role of the holder of the project task, conceptual design, and main project. The City of Zenica will form a professional team that will participate in the work and give consent to the project solutions.

It is planned to jointly define the financing model, with active work on involving domestic and international institutions that would support the implementation of this project.

NK Čelik will also have a special status in the future national stadium, and will continue to use the stadium as its home ground. The agreement also provides for the formation of a joint coordination body that will oversee all phases of the project and manage its implementation.

With this project, Zenica further solidifies its status as a sports center of Bosnia and Herzegovina and proves itself as a reliable partner in the development of infrastructure of state importance.