Ruch Chorzów fans, known for their fervent loyalty to one of Poland’s most storied football clubs, are outraged after recent statements by Sports and Tourism Minister Sławomir Nitras, who has withdrawn a critical funding promise for the club’s new stadium. The city of Chorzów, which won a national competition last year securing an expected PLN 100 million in government support, now finds itself sidelined, with no indication of when – or if – funds will arrive.
Hopes Dashed for Ruch Chorzów’s New Stadium as Minister Pulls Crucial Funding
Ruch Chorzów, a 14-time Polish champion and an icon in Silesian football, has been seeking to replace its ageing stadium, which dates back to the 1940s, with a modern, 22,000-seat facility costing approximately 300 million złoty. In 2022, the city earned approval for the project through the Ministry of Sport and Tourism’s “Investment Program for Sports of National Importance.” However, with Minister Nitras’s announcement, the highly anticipated stadium seems further from reality.
Chorzów Mayor and Fans Demand Action as Government Withdraws Stadium Funding Commitment
Chorzów Mayor Szymon Michałek, who took office in July, has been actively pursuing discussions with the ministry to solidify support for the project. Yet a scheduled meeting this week was abruptly cancelled without a new date set. “There is continuity in the ministry,” Michałek argued, referencing the program’s past commitments. “The pledge made by the previous administration was confirmed through a competition in which Chorzów emerged as the winner.”
The city’s disappointment has ignited a storm on social media. Pages dedicated to Ruch fans are flooded with messages of support for the club and frustration toward the minister.
For club supporters, the situation is more than just a political snafu; it feels like a broken promise to one of Poland’s most celebrated football institutions. Fans now watch closely, rallying behind their city leaders and demanding that the government reconsider its stance, ensuring the PLN 100 million reaches the project – and that Ruch Chorzów’s future home becomes a reality.