Grass has arrived, permit questionable: Authorities are silent about the status of the "DG Arena" stadium

A new grass surface has been installed at the "DG Arena" stadium in Donja Gorica, and the field has reportedly been shortened to 102,5 x 68 meters, but the authorities are silent about whether the facility has a valid use permit, or other legal basis for use, and whether its status in relation to the "Mareza" canal has been resolved.

The stadium previously became unusable after the authorities removed a floodlight built on the canal route in January. The capital then told Vijesti that the DG Arena case could not be resolved outside the law, that the Mareza canal would not be moved from its current route, and that all further activities must be carried out in compliance with legal norms and protection zones.

After photos and footage of the new surface were published in the meantime, the Capital City did not respond to new questions from "Vijesti" about whether the stadium has received any act enabling new works, investments or the return of the facility to function, nor whether the stadium's controversial relationship with the "Mareza" canal has been resolved.

The Football Association of Montenegro (FSCG), to which "Vijesti" sent questions about possible financing or co-financing of the new surface, verification of the legal status of the facility and the possibility of licensing the stadium, responded that they would no longer advertise about the "DG Arena".

"We thank you for the questions submitted and on this occasion we inform you that FSCG will no longer be making any announcements regarding the 'DG Arena' stadium in Podgorica," it was announced to "Vijesti".

Although the company "Čelebić" announced that it would answer the questions, it had not provided them by the time the article was published. "Vijesti" asked the company whether they had participated financially, organizationally or through documentation in the installation of a new grass surface at the "DG Arena" stadium, whether they currently have any role in preparing the stadium for reuse, on what basis is the stadium being prepared for use if the relationship of the facility to the Mareza Canal has not been publicly clarified, and whether they had received any act from the authorities that would allow for new works or the use of the stadium.

Gratitude and unanswered questions

The Instagram profile “gardenbgd” posted photos and videos of the work on installing the new grass surface. The description of one of the posts stated: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the club and FSCG for the trust they have shown.”

In the comments below the post, when asked what the new dimensions of the field were, the answer was: “102,5 x 68”. When asked whether the field meets the requirements, the answer was that it was “shortened by 2,5 meters and meets the requirements for the first two rounds”, but that it has the possibility of receiving a full license “if the problem with the wall is resolved”.

What this "wall problem" specifically means, whether it is related to the "Mareza" canal, the protective belt, or previously identified irregularities on the building, has not been publicly clarified.

On May 18, "Vijesti" again asked the Capital City whether the "DG Arena" stadium currently has a valid usage permit or other legal basis for use, given that, according to previous data, it had a temporary permit that expired on March 29, 2023.

The capital city is also being asked whether it has in the meantime issued urban planning and technical conditions (UTU) or any other act that enables new works, investments or the return of the stadium to function, as well as on what basis the works on laying a new grass surface were carried out if the issue of the facility's relationship to the "Mareza" canal has still not been publicly clarified.

The questions of whether the “wall problem”, mentioned in the context of the stadium license, is related to the “Mareza” canal, the protective belt or previously identified irregularities at the facility also remained unanswered. The capital city has not responded to whether it has initiated proceedings or filed criminal charges against those responsible for the previous usurpation of the “Mareza” canal and the possible issuance or provision of documentation for the facility in that zone.

“Vijesti” also asked whether the dimensions of the field, 102,5 by 68 meters, meet the requirements for domestic competitions and UEFA matches, as well as whether it is true that the stadium cannot receive a full license until the “wall problem” is resolved. FSCG did not respond either to whether it will allow matches at the “DG Arena” before the competent authorities resolve the issue of permits and the disputed part of the facility facing the “Mareza” canal, or when it will make a decision on the possible licensing of the stadium.

Channel, spotlight, announcement of applications

On March 26, the Capital City announced to "Vijesti" that it would not go beyond its jurisdiction "nor make ad hoc decisions."

"The capital will not step outside its jurisdiction or make ad hoc decisions, so nothing outside the law can be resolved," they stated at the time.

They said that all interested parties who want to build near the canal are required to go through regular procedures, including obtaining a UTU, as well as all other consents, projects and permits required by law.

The Capital City then reminded that part of the stadium fence and traffic lights at that location had already been partially removed, as they were located on a water feature - the "Mareza" canal.

"This speaks volumes that the law must be respected and that no one is above the public interest," they stated in their response.

The Capital City also announced at the time that the "Mareza" canal would not be considered for relocation from its existing route, assessing that it is a public good and a water facility of general social interest, important for preventing floods and potential damage.

When it comes to the "DG Arena", the Capital City emphasized at the time that the fate of the sports facility, or rather the part of it that was built on the canal, is not decided by any individual, but exclusively by the law. When asked if there was a deadline for a final decision on the fate of the stadium, they replied that the issuance of UTU guidelines was expected and that "everything would be defined there."

The company "Čelebić" dismantled the controversial reflector on the canal route on January 23, and "Vijesti" was told at the time that it would be preserved after dismantling. They also stated that it is not yet known whether and how the reflector will be put back into function, given the strict technical regulations and procedures of UEFA.

Deputy Mayor of Podgorica Boris Spalevic He previously announced that he would file criminal charges against "those who allowed illegal construction in the Mareza Canal", and that he would not allow the legalization of illegal structures in that canal. The Capital City has not responded to questions about whether any charges have been filed in the meantime.

FSCG previously told "Vijesti" that the "Mareza" canal, on whose route one of the floodlight poles of the "DG Arena" stadium was built, was not recorded in the project documentation on the basis of which the construction was carried out.

The Federation claimed at the time that the project documentation did not indicate that there was a canal at that location, and that the construction of the reflector system was carried out in accordance with legal procedures. FSCG, however, did not specify on the basis of which legal act it decided to invest in a facility that had the status of a temporary building, nor whether an assessment of legal and financial risks was carried out before the investment.