By the end of September, approximately 43.1 billion dinars (around €368.3 million) had been spent from the budget on the construction of the National Football Stadium in Surčin, including associated facilities, according to data from the Ministry of Finance reported by Forbes Serbia.
Annual spending breakdown
Of the total spent over the past three years: 135.5 million dinars were spent this year, 25.6 billion dinars in 2024, and 17.3 billion dinars in 2023. For 2024, the budget allocation for the stadium project was 18.5 billion dinars, though actual spending exceeded this. Historically, the state has spent less than planned on the project, with 31.09 billion dinars allocated in 2024 but only 25.6 billion dinars spent, and 22.4 billion planned in 2023 with 17.33 billion executed.
For 2026, the budget estimates set aside 21.2 billion dinars (approximately €181.2 million) for the project, though exact figures remain to be confirmed.
Cost discrepancies and fiscal debate
A year ago, the Ministry of Finance and the Fiscal Council of Serbia debated the total cost of the stadium. The Fiscal Council estimated that expenditures, including additional infrastructure, could reach 112.4 billion dinars (€960 million). Finance Minister Siniša Mali clarified that the stadium itself, with 52,000 seats, would cost €464 million plus VAT. The revised figure including associated facilities is 67.5 billion dinars (€560 million). Differences in cost estimates often relate to whether taxes or supporting infrastructure are included.
Construction permits and facilities
The Ministry of Finance received a construction permit in September 2024 for the main stadium structure, which includes a basement, ground floor, and seven upper levels, along with two smaller buildings, parking for 3,323 cars, 145 electric vehicle chargers, 242 accessible spaces, and additional parking for buses, vans, taxis, and bicycles. The estimated cost of construction under this permit is 53.9 billion dinars (€460.6 million). Preparatory and foundation work, permitted in August 2024, cost 3.9 billion dinars (€33.7 million). Combined, the total value of approved construction works is approximately €494 million, close to Mali’s stated cost.
Contractor and project scope
The contract for building the stadium and its facilities was signed with PowerChina. According to the company’s 2024 report, major Serbian projects include the EXPO site, the stadium, a railway from Zemun Polje, a tunnel near the Faculty of Economics, and the Sava Bridge.
The stadium is located on a 314,046-square-meter plot in Surčin and is designed as a multifunctional facility for international sports events, cultural programs, concerts, exhibitions, and commercial activities, including education, culture, healthcare, hospitality, tourism, retail, and entertainment.
The stadium will be 51.5 meters tall, with a capacity of 52,000 spectators, and will include basement, ground, and seven upper floors.
