In light of the current situation and recent public reports regarding Wieczysta Kraków potentially hosting their home matches at the Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium in Kraków (hereinafter referred to as “the Stadium”) during the 2025/26 season, Wisła Kraków would like to clarify the key developments that have taken place in recent months. The first contact from representatives of FC Shakhtar Donetsk was made on 18 February 2025. This was an initial inquiry regarding the possibility of the Ukrainian club hosting their European fixtures at the Stadium.
On 4 March 2025, Wieczysta Kraków formally requested a letter of intent from Wisła Kraków, which was granted on 18 March 2025. Two days later, Wisła Kraków informed Shakhtar Donetsk of this fact.
Following the publication of this information, Wisła Kraków received another enquiry from Shakhtar Donetsk on 30 April 2025, reaffirming their interest in using the Stadium. This was immediately communicated to the Sports Infrastructure Management Board in Kraków (ZIS). In response to the enquiry, and following approval from ZIS, Wisła Kraków presented Shakhtar Donetsk with a preliminary financial proposal for full matchday organisation, on the condition that both ZIS and Wieczysta Kraków gave their consent.
On 19 May 2025, a meeting was held at Kraków City Hall with city authorities to discuss ongoing cooperation. The topic of Shakhtar Donetsk’s enquiry was among the issues raised. It was also reaffirmed, as recorded in the meeting minutes, that Wieczysta Kraków retained priority in negotiations.
The letter of intent issued to Wieczysta remained valid. On 23 May 2025, representatives from Wisła Kraków and Wieczysta Kraków met to discuss the potential hosting of matches at ul. Reymonta by the Ukrainian side. Wieczysta maintained priority status in these talks, but following mutual agreement, it was decided to continue negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk.
On 28 May 2025, Wisła Kraków resumed discussions with the foreign club, and on 30 May 2025 submitted a request to the Polish Football Association for approval to host Shakhtar’s matches in Kraków.
Wisła Kraków and Shakhtar Donetsk are now in the final stages of negotiations regarding the terms of a potential agreement, which, as of the date of this statement, has not yet been signed. It is important to note that all parties involved recognised the mutual benefits such an arrangement could bring to both the City of Kraków and Wisła Kraków — particularly the financial gains, which are estimated to be in the range of several million PLN. Abandoning talks with a potential partner like Shakhtar Donetsk could have been interpreted as detrimental to both the Club and the City. At the time, Wieczysta Kraków was still competing for promotion to Betclic 1 Liga.
The primary beneficiary of Wisła Kraków’s activities at the Stadium is ZIS. The opportunity to increase revenue generated by the facility had to be taken seriously. Furthermore, hosting another season of European football at ul. Reymonta could contribute to securing a more advantageous naming rights deal for the Stadium and bring measurable benefits to the local economy.
Throughout every stage of these discussions, Wisła Kraków has prioritised transparency and a spirit of partnership. As a Club, we have always demonstrated — and continue to demonstrate — openness, a willingness to engage in dialogue, and a desire to work towards solutions that serve the best interests of all parties and optimise the decision-making process.
Sponsors
