Moldova Pushes for National Stadium as Zimbru Faces Change
The future of Zimbru Stadium hangs in the balance as the owner, Nicolae Ciornîi, grapples with offers from real estate developers.
While Ciornîi assures fans the stadium itself won't be sold, he acknowledges the financial pressures that could lead to the sale of other parts of the sports complex, such as the tennis courts, under specific conditions.
These considerations come amidst calls for a National Stadium in Moldova. Leonid Oleinicenco, president of the Moldovan Football Federation, has emphasised the limitations of relying solely on Zimbru Stadium, particularly given its potential for non-sporting uses in the future.
To address this need, the Federation has already begun a pre-feasibility study for a National Stadium and is seeking collaboration with the government. They hope to secure a roadmap by summer outlining who will handle investment costs and land allocation.
Building a National Stadium aligns with the vision of Răzvan Burleanu, president of the Romanian Football Federation. A new stadium could not only propel football development in Moldova but also open doors for co-hosting international events with Romania, further boosting the sport's profile.
The project faces financial hurdles, however. With the government and city unlikely to provide funding, securing a sponsor or investor will be crucial. The key will be finding an incentive that makes a new stadium an attractive proposition.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
