In a significant shift for Polish football, Robert Dobrzycki has officially become the majority owner of Widzew Łódź, a club with a storied history and a passionate fan base. The investment agreement was signed on March 28, 2025, between Dobrzycki, Tomasz Stamirowski, and the boards of Stowarzyszenie Reaktywacja Tradycji Sportowych and Widzew Łódź S.A. This new ownership structure aims to create a stable financial, infrastructural, and organizational foundation for the club, ensuring its long-term viability and accelerating its progress towards competing in European competitions.
Dobrzycki's investment company will acquire a commanding 76.06% of the club's shares through a capital increase of 13.4 million złoty, alongside the purchase of additional shares from Stamirowski, who will retain a significant 20.05% stake. This arrangement grants Dobrzycki full operational decision-making power over the club, marking a new era for Widzew Łódź.
The Supervisory Board will consist of seven members, with four appointed by Dobrzycki, further solidifying his influence within the club. The General Meeting of the Company took place on the same day to implement the provisions of the agreement, signaling a swift transition towards a more ambitious future.
In a statement, Dobrzycki expressed gratitude to Stamirowski and the association for their contributions to Widzew, stating, "Thank you to Tom and the Association for everything they have done for Widzew. I look forward to further good cooperation. We have a lot of work ahead to build the New Widzew." His commitment to the club is palpable, as he aims to enhance its competitive edge and financial stability.
Widzew Łódź, known for its rich history in Polish football, has experienced ups and downs over the years. The club's ambitions are clear, with plans to invest significantly in summer reinforcements, potentially reaching a budget of 4 million euros (over 16.7 million złoty) to bolster the squad. This investment underscores Dobrzycki's determination to elevate Widzew to a level where they can compete on the European stage.
Dobrzycki, at just 29 years old, has already made a name for himself as a successful businessman. He previously convinced an American tycoon to partner with him in establishing a company in Poland that constructs warehouses for major corporations, including Amazon. Starting with an initial investment of 5 million dollars, Dobrzycki now oversees a vast real estate portfolio valued at approximately 5 billion euros annually. As the co-owner and president of Panattoni in Europe, Great Britain, and Asia, he has played a pivotal role in delivering over 22 million square meters of industrial space across Europe.
His entry into Widzew's ownership is seen as a potential turning point for the club, which has been striving for stability and success in the competitive landscape of Polish football. Dobrzycki's previous involvement with Widzew began in late 2021 when Panattoni became a strategic sponsor of the club's academy, laying the groundwork for a deeper relationship.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Dobrzycki confirmed the completion of the transaction, stating, "As promised, the commercial terms of the agreement reached on February 17 with Mr. Tomasz Stamirowski have just been sealed. From today, Widzew Łódź has a new ownership structure: 76.06% Robert Dobrzycki, 20.05% Tomasz Stamirowski, 3.89% Stowarzyszenie Widzew." This announcement has sparked excitement among fans, who are hopeful for a new chapter in the club's history.
The club's supporters are eager to see how Dobrzycki's leadership will influence Widzew's performance on the pitch. With a focus on building a competitive team capable of achieving success in the Ekstraklasa and beyond, the new ownership aims to restore Widzew's former glory. The club has a passionate fan base that has endured challenging times, and they are now looking forward to a brighter future under Dobrzycki's stewardship.
While the path ahead may still hold challenges, the enthusiasm surrounding Dobrzycki's acquisition is palpable. The club's history is rich, and its potential is enormous, making this a pivotal moment for Widzew Łódź. As the new owner prepares to implement his vision, fans are left wondering: could this be the dawn of a golden era for Widzew?
In conclusion, Robert Dobrzycki's takeover of Widzew Łódź marks a new beginning for the club, with ambitions to reach new heights in Polish football. As plans unfold for strategic investments and team enhancements, the hope is that Widzew will soon compete not just domestically, but also on the European stage. The coming months will be crucial as the club navigates this transition, aiming to fulfill the aspirations of its dedicated supporters.
