NEXT SEASON, Zagreb will have two clubs in the qualifications for the Champions League. Lokomotiva will start in the second qualifying round, and Dinamo most likely in the third qualifying round.
In addition to Zagreb, Manchester, Istanbul, and Madrid will also have two clubs in the Champions League. The main difference is that these cities have top stadiums for this most elite soccer club competition, whereas the only thing Zagreb has is the largest monument to corruption in Croatia – Maksimir.
This mockery of a stadium on the outskirts of the city, which cost millions of euros, has become quite dangerous following the earthquake in Zagreb when huge glass panels fell off the north stand, and smaller pieces of concrete broke off from the other stands.
Cracks were observed on the cross-beams connecting the main load-bearing system of the east stand, column arms were displaced in relation to the construction of the stand, and the protective layer of concrete broke off from the main reinforcement. Short consoles, which support the metal stairs leading to the stands, were also damaged. Steel parts are corroded, so even low-intensity earthquakes are problematic for this concrete mockery in Maksimir.
Dinamo got a permit before the earthquake
An initial inspection of the stadium found that the east stand will be unusable until the completion of a more detailed inspection, as well as that other stands did not "suffer structural damage." In translation, the stands will probably not collapse on someone. In order to protect the fans, metal scaffolding was placed under the north stand in case the glass falls off the stand.
Despite the situation, Dinamo got a permit from HNS for the 2020/2021 season. However, the permit was issued on the basis of an application submitted before the earthquake, as explained by Ivancica Sudac, head of the HNS Department of International Affairs and Licensing, so in the end, everything will be decided by the UEFA.
In order to meet the UEFA standards, the stadium must be at least a category 2 stadium, while for the Champions League, it must be a category 4 stadium. Maksimir is currently a category 4 stadium, as are Rujevica and Poljud. In order for UEFA matches to be played at the stadium, the club must provide written proof that the stadium has been thoroughly inspected by the competent public authorities, as well as that it meets all safety requirements prescribed by the applicable laws in the country where the stadium is located.
Lokomotiva: We are more comfortable in Kranjceviceva than in Maksimir
Dinamo already announced their plan. If Maksimir is found too dangerous, the matches might be played at Rijeka's Rujevica stadium. The club also stated that the application for Maksimir's permit had been submitted and that they are waiting for the final decision.
We also contacted Lokomotiva to hear what they think. The executive director of Lokomotiva Dennis Gudasic stated that Lokomotiva had already registered the stadium in Kranjceviceva, where they usually play the HNL matches, for the second qualifying round.
"It is certain that we will play the second qualifying round in Kranjceviceva, if we play in Croatia at all. According to the regulations pertaining to the third qualifying round onwards, we will not be able to play in Kranjceviceva, but based on the unofficial information, UEFA is going to ease the criteria. It would certainly be in our interest to play in Kranjceviceva if we get to the third qualifying round since that is our home stadium, and the players are used to playing there, it is more beautiful, and we feel more comfortable there than in Maksimir. In case the stadium fails to get the UEFA permit, we will register Maksimir as our stadium", Gudasic told us.