Raków Częstochowa, who finished second in the PKO BP Ekstraklasa, will begin their European campaign in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League, with matches scheduled for July 24 and 31.

Return after two years

In July 2023, Raków Częstochowa signed a three-year agreement with the authorities of the Zagłębie Sports Park (ZPS) in Sosnowiec, allowing ArcelorMittal Park—normally home to Zagłębie Sosnowiec—to also host Raków’s matches. The team played four matches at this venue: the Champions League play-off round match against FC Copenhagen and three Europa League group stage fixtures.

Everything indicates that Raków Częstochowa will return to Sosnowiec for European matches after two years, though likely only if they reach the league phase of the Conference League. According to the regulations, the stadium in Częstochowa meets the requirements for qualifying rounds up to and including the fourth round. Of course, the club’s management might decide otherwise—for instance, if drawn against an attractive opponent likely to draw more spectators than the Limanowskiego stadium can accommodate.

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© Jura z lotu ptaka

Firm stance of the regional heritage conservator

The story of a new stadium for Raków has been dragging on for many years. It now seems a new chapter is beginning—one that fans may not like. The stadium is planned to be built on the site of the former Elanex factory. But beyond ownership issues, another problem has emerged: the opinion of the heritage conservator. For months, proceedings were underway regarding the protection status of the former factory complex. This process ended with a decision to place the entire area under heritage protection.

It should be noted that the original appearance and structure of the complex has largely been preserved, as it has not undergone significant changes over time—only minor adaptations. The historical value noted above documents the history of the city of Częstochowa and the textile industry in Poland, it was stated. An appeal has been filed against the decision, which will be decided by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. However, if upheld, it may cause serious issues—or even cancel the investment altogether.

© inż. arch. Paula Jaworek

Will fans remove the mayor?

Because of all this, voices calling for a referendum to remove Mayor Krzysztof Matyjaszczyk are growing louder in Częstochowa. During the last election campaign, building the stadium was one of his key promises. The city now claims that the heritage conservator is responsible for the delays, but this does not convince the fans or other stakeholders in the stadium project.

[...] For over a year, Matyjaszczyk’s team has been painting a vision of a stadium on the grounds of the historic Elanex spinning mill—something that now seems nearly impossible, also due to financial reasons. [...] A recall referendum is necessary, as the city is in a serious social crisis and financial slump [...] argue representatives of the Elanex Group association.