OFK Beograd to Relocate to Zaječar Amid Mixed Reactions

OFK Beograd, a historic Serbian football club, has announced plans to relocate from Belgrade to Zaječar and play their Serbian SuperLiga matches at the newly built Kraljevica stadium starting from July 2024.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions and humorous comments from Zaječar residents, with some stating they will not attend the 'home' matches and will only go to away games.

The club cites the dilapidated state of their current stadium in Belgrade, the Omladinski stadium, as the primary reason for the relocation. The stadium is owned by the City of Belgrade, which has not allowed the club to proceed with the promised reconstruction. Attempts to renovate the stadium have been unsuccessful, forcing the club to find a temporary solution.

Why this matters: The relocation of OFK Beograd, a club with a rich history, highlights the challenges faced by some football clubs in Serbia due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of support from local authorities. This move could have significant implications for the club's fan base and the dynamics of the Serbian SuperLiga.

The club's most ardent supporters have criticized the City of Belgrade for neglecting the Omladinski stadium and prioritizing the renovation of stadiums for other clubs without a strong history. They have vowed to continue their fight to ensure the club's return to its home stadium in Belgrade as soon as the promised reconstruction is completed.

While some fans understand the necessity of the move, many are concerned that it may become a permanent arrangement and are worried about the club's future. The relocation is seen as an attempt to revive the club's fortunes, as they have struggled in recent years. However, the move has raised concerns among fans and locals about the impact on the community in Zaječar.

The relocation of OFK Beograd to Zaječar is contingent on their qualification for the Serbian SuperLiga. If successful, the club will play their home games at the newly built Kraljevica stadium starting from July 2024. The fans hope that the relocation will bring attention to the club's plight and prompt the city of Belgrade to finally provide the necessary support to renovate the Omladinski stadium, allowing the club to return to its historic home in the future.

Key Takeaways

• OFK Beograd, a historic Serbian club will relocate to Zaječar in 2024.
• The relocation is due to the dilapidated state of the current stadium and lack of renovation support.
• Fans criticize the city for neglecting the club's stadium, prioritizing others without history.
• Relocation contingent on club's qualification for Serbian SuperLiga.
• Fans hope the relocation will prompt Belgrade to renovate the club's historic home stadium.