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Podolski to Buy 86% of Górnik Zabrze

The city approved a deal that sets a low upfront price in exchange for legally binding future funding and keeps a golden share to protect the club’s identity.

Overview

  • Zabrze’s city council voted unanimously to sell 86 percent of Górnik Zabrze to Lukas Podolski, with a purchase contract scheduled for signature the following day.
  • The privatization fixes the sale price at about €940,000 while requiring Podolski to inject roughly €3 million into the club over coming years as part of the contract.
  • The City of Zabrze will retain a so-called golden share that lets it block changes to the club name and insignia, preserving municipal safeguards after privatization.
  • Podolski, who has played for Górnik since 2021 and helped the team win the Polish Cup this season, says he sees himself as a fan-owner and has not decided whether he will continue playing.
  • The deal reflects a wider Polish model where municipalities transfer operational control but keep protective rights, and it shifts day-to-day financial and sporting responsibility to Podolski while tying him to defined investment obligations.