FK Vardar
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| Full name | Fudbalski Klub Vardar | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Црвено-Црни (The Red & Blacks) | ||
| Founded | 22 July 1947 | ||
| Ground | Philip II Arena | ||
| Capacity | 33,460 | ||
| Owner | Sergey Samsonenko | ||
| Chairman | Mirko Spaseski | ||
| Manager | Goce Sedloski | ||
| League | Macedonian First League | ||
| 2016–17 | 1st | ||
| Website | Club website | ||
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Fudbalski Klub Vardar (Macedonian: ФК Вардар), also known as FK Vardar or simply Vardar, is a football club based in the capital city of Skopje, in Macedonia. The club was founded in 1947 and they have been members of the Macedonian First Football League since its inception in 1992. The Philip II Arena has been the home ground of FK Vardar since 1947. Vardar is the most popular and renowned Macedonian football club both domestically and abroad, having won 10 national championships and 5 national cups.[1]
History
Beginnings
FK Vardar is a Macedonian football club from Skopje,and it was established in 1911 in the Old Towns Tavern.In his rich history the club changed its name couple of times and had merged with other clubs from Skopje. After the WW2 FK Vardar was reestablished with the merger of city rivals FK Pobeda and FK Makedonija, in the hall of cinema "Vardar" on 22 July 1947. The foundation assembly had decided the club color to be blue and it was, but already at the next assembly the decision was changed to red and white. FK Pobeda has competed in the first season of the Federal League after the World War II, finished at the 8th place and won the relegation play–offs against FK Sloga from Novi Sad, FK Vardar was a member of the Federal league from the very beginning. However, during the following decade they were several times relegated and promoted back again. The present recognizable red and black color was adopted after the 1963 Skopje earthquake.[1]
Federal League
The club won its first major trophy in the 1961 Marshals Cup.[1] Many famous players from the region started their careers at Vardar, and their triumph in the Marshals Cup was a highlight. The leader of that particular generation of players was Andon Dončevski, who later coached the team from 1985 to 1988. Due to massive irregularities during the last 34th week of fixtures, the 1985-86 Federal League season ended notoriously. Football Association headed by Slavko Šajber voided the last week results ordering a replay of all 9 fixtures. Twelve clubs were docked 6 points due to alleged participation in the match-fixing scandal. All teams agreed to replay their games but FK Partizan, who had won the title with a 4–0 over FK Željezničar Sarajevo, refused, after which the game was awarded 3–0 to FK Željezničar Sarajevo, which gave Red Star Belgrade the title. Red Star Belgrade played in the 1986–87 European Cup. However, after a sequence of legal processes, the original final table, with FK Partizan as champions, was officially recognized in 1987. The following 1986-87 Federal League season saw 10 teams starting with −6 points. Vardar Skopje, who had not been deducted 6 points, won the title, and participated in the 1987–88 European Cup, but the points deduction was later annulled after more legal proceedings, and the title was given to FK Partizan, who headed the table with the deduction. In 1986–87 Federal League team had a group of wonderful players, led by the talented Darko Pančev and including Ilija Najdoski, Dragi Kanatlarovski and Vujadin Stanojković. FK Vardar went on to spend 33 seasons in the Federal top flight from 1947 to 1992 and is ranked 11th on the all-time table.[1][2]
| Rank | Club | G | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | FK Vardar | 1041 | 343 | 252 | 444 | 1249 | 1528 | −279 | 933 |
After independence
Vardar celebrated Macedonia independence by winning three consecutive titles including going unbeaten in the inaugural season. During the 90's they remained at the top of Macedonian football reaching five Cup finals; winning four and have always been the team to beat. After a lean spell by their standards, they bought the league again in 2001–02 and the following season just missed out on qualifying for the 2003–04 UEFA Champions League group stage. A remarkable achievement, in the Second qualifying round they eliminated CSKA Moscow and came within a goal of getting past Sparta Prague.[3] In 2011, Vardar was originally relegated from the Macedonian First Football League, but after a buying the license from Miravci it stayed. The following season they brought the league again after nine years. To date they have 13 major honors to their name. In 2012, with the new transformation FK Vardar became the first team in Macedonia organized as a joint stock company incorporated under the companies act.[1] FK Vardar went on to spend 24 seasons in the Macedonian First Football League from 1992 to 2017 and is ranked 1st on the all-time table.[4]
| Rank | Club | G | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FK Vardar | 768 | 439 | 180 | 149 | 1428 | 651 | +777 | 1438 |
Memorable moments
In their history, FK Vardar has had many memorable matches.First big one came in 1961 against Dunferline from Scotland, victory at home ground 2:0 glorious moments in Cup winners Cup. Among those, the one that stands out the most was defeating FK Partizan by a score of 5–0. In early history, the 2–1 victory over Varteks in the Marshals Cup Marshals cup final is remembered by the club as its first major trophy win. A game that had the highest attendance was a match up against Trepča where FK Vardar won 2–1 and earned promotion to the Federal League. Other matches to remember came against the great four Red Star Belgrade, FK Partizan, GNK Dinamo Zagreb and HNK Hajduk Split.Then 1985 home ground victory over Dinamo Bucurset from Romania 1:0 in UEFA Cup competition. At the beginning of the Macedonian First Football League the most memorable matches were all the wins against rival Pelister, including the first ever Macedonian Football Cup final in 1993 where FK Vardar won 1–0 at the old Philip II Arena. The biggest international achievement of the club came in 2003 when FK Vardar came one goal short of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stage.[1].They had great match against Berry Town from Wales and victory of 3:0 at home ground, then another glorious victory over Russian heavy weights CSKA Moscow 2:1 away victory.In 2004 Intertoto campaign they destroyed Ethnicos from Cyprus in both matches homa and away 5:1 identical victories ,then victory against Belgian Gent 1:0 at home ground. The latest big score and moments of glory in memorable match was Champions League Campaign 3:1 victory over Swedish Champions Malmö FF ,and 1:0 Victory over Danish Champions Copenhagen.
Grounds
Philip II Arena
The Philip II Arena with a capacity of 33,460 spectators, it ranks among the 10 biggest stadiums in the Balkans. The terrain extends to 105 x 68 m. There are two big boards that are located on the east and west sides, size 18 x 6 m. The Philip II Arena has 494 VIP seats and 386 seats for the media on the northern stand. 80% of the space in Philip II Arena is sheltered in case of bad weather. The Philip II Arena is a multifunctional sports facility located in Skopje, Macedonia. It is named after Philip II of Macedon and is mostly used for football matches. on 25 July 2012, was played one of the most visited matches of FK Vardar against FC BATE Borisov in the second qualifying round of the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League. The west stand is known by the Komiti, FK Vardar's most faithful fans.[5]
Hipodrom Training Ground
The Hipodrom Training Ground training camp of is one of the most impressive football facilities, built not only on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia and the surrounding region. Designed according to modern facilities which are under disposal of the strongest European teams, this complex provide FK Vardar's first team players with all necessary conditions for the normal training process.[6]
Vardar Football Academy
Тhe FK Vardar Football Academy is one of the most modern sports facilities intended for work with youth categories, which are built not only on the territory of theRepublic of Macedonia, but in the surrounding region. As an institution for development of young football talents, the work of the academy is organized according to the standards of the famous clubs of Europe's elite. The Secrets of the football game under the guidance of their coaches and other professionals, will be learned by more than 400 boys, juniors of the most successful Macedonian club.[7]
Supporters
FK Vardar supporters are known as "Komiti". Komiti are the first organized supporters group of Vardar and they were founded on 4 June 1987 in Skopje, at the match between FK Vardar and Red Star Belgrade. Throughout their existence, they left significant seal in the history of Vardar and with their support becoming the 12th player of the team. FK Vardar as a club is supported by most Macedonians worldwide. The Ultras group KOMITI was noticed for the first time in the year 1985, on 'Zapad' (West Stand), where the most fanatic fans of Vardar always operated. Two years later, in God’s summer of 4 June 1987 at the City Stadium in Skopje was a derby match of the Yugoslav league at that time between Vardar Skopje and Red Star Belgrade (3:1). On 'Zapad' for the first time since existence of the club a banner with the writing 'KOMITI' was noticed. The idea contained the establishment of a massive and strong Macedonian ultra scene. The goal was for 'KOMITI' to make the prominent post of all activities and events on the West Stand. As the most acceptable name of the group was selected 'KOMITI'.[8]
The reason for it was simple: When the Balkans were in the Middle Ages under occupation by the Ottomans, young Macedonians under the name 'KOMITI' had organized themselves, in order to fight against the tyranny. This name is very strong and the meaning of the name is closely linked with their goals, this is why they decided not to use one like the standard unimaginative names such as Brigate, Commando, Ultras, Boys etc. And so, the name 'KOMITI' was selected for the new born Ultra group.
The team has always been a symbol of the Macedonians and Macedonia in the world. Komiti have great relations with FK Teteks fans "Vojvodi" and FC Schalke 04 fans "Ultras Gelsenkirchen".[9]
Rivalries
Eternal Derby
The fixture between Vardar and FK Pelister is the biggest and most violent match in Macedonia. An important aspect of this match-up is the intense rivalry in the Macedonian tifo scene between the supporter clubs Komiti Skopje and Čkembari. The rivalry began in the season 1989–90 at a match in Skopje, between FK Vardar and Red Star Belgrade. A conflict occurred between the "Skopje fans" and a few "Bitola fans" who went to cheer for FK Vardar, who at that time was the most popular Macedonian football club in the former Yugoslavia. On 8 March 1991 in Bitola FK Pelister and FK Vardar met in the Yugoslav second league and the first incident occurred. From that day forward, started the big rivalry between Komiti and Čkembari along with the Vardar–Pelister match becoming the Eternal derby of Macedonia. In recent years the rivalry wained slightly in importance as FK Pelister stopped being as competitive.
Skopje derby
FK Vardar and FK Sloga Jugomagnat is the main derby in the city, as both clubs have active organised support.[10] This rivalry is drawn along ethnic lines as FK Vardar fans are Macedonians and Orthodox Christians, while FK Shkupi are Albanians and Muslims.[9] Rabotnički is the other team in Skopje with organised fans, although the rivalry is rarely manifested on the football pitch, it is widely upheld however in handball and basketball.
Inter-regional rivalries
Vardar has a strong rivalry with KF Shkëndija Like the rivalry with FK Shkupi, this rivalry is also drawn along ethnic lines as KF Shkëndija fans are Albanians and Muslims.[11] There is also a friendly "brotherhood derby" with FK Teteks the fans of these two clubs have been dubbed as "Orthodox Brothers".
Honours
- As of 29 May 2017[12]
Domestic League
- Yugoslav First League
- Winner (1): 1986–87
Domestic Cup
- Macedonian football league system
- Yugoslav Cup
- Winners (1): 1960–61
European history
FK Vardar's first competitive European match was a 0–5 loss against Dunfermline Athletic in the 1961–62 European Cup Winners' Cup. Muarem Zekir holds the record for most appearances in Europe for the club with 21. Top scorer in UEFA club competitions is Wandeir with 13 goals. The biggest win in UEFA competition was against Ethnikos Achna FC in the 2004 Intertoto Cup defeating them twice by the score of 5–1 and 10–2 on aggregate.
UEFA ranking
- As of 19 May 2017[13]
| Rank | Country | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 253 |  | Anorthosis Famagusta FC | 5.210 |
| 254 |  | KR Reykjavík | 5.175 |
| 255 |  | FK Vardar | 5.125 |
| 256 |  | F91 Dudelange | 4.975 |
| 257 |  | FC Gomel | 4.975 |
Current squad
- As of 8 August 2017[14]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Youth players
- As of 29 May 2017[15]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Former players
Club officials
Technical staff
| Manager | Goce Sedloski |
| Operation manager | Aleksandar Mojsovski |
| Assistant manager | Aleksandar Vasoski |
| Assistant manager | Aleksandar Vlaho |
| Goalkeeping coach | Saša Ilić |
| Physiotherapist | Angele Milevski |
| Physiotherapist | Jovan Dimovski |
| Physiotherapist | Toše Trajkovski |
| Fitnnes coach | Mihajlo Kostić |
Source: [14]
Board members
| Chairman | Mirko Spaseski |
| Director | Samoil Simev |
| Sport Director | Darko Pančev |
| Secretary | Nikola Stojanovski |
| Technical Secretary | George Spasovski |
| Technical Secretary | Ljupka Stojanovska |
| Security Commissioner | Aleksandar Kolevski |
| Economic | Stole Simonoski |
Source: [14]
Club records
- As of 29 May 2017[16]
- Most goals scored: Andon Dončevski (217 goals).
- Best goal scoring ratio: Darko Pančev 207 matches/132 goals (0,65 goals per match).
- Most goals scored per season: Vasil Ringov (97 goals).
- Most goals scored per season in the Macedonian First League: Saša Ćirić 1992–93 (36 goals).
- Most goals scored in European competition: Wandeir 2003–05 (13 goals).
- Most appearances: Kočo Dimitrovski 845 (416 matches), Metodije Spasovski 647 (375 matches), Gjore Jovanovski 486 (271 matches).
- Most accomplished coach: Gjoko Hadžievski (5 league titles and 2 national cups).
- Biggest win in Macedonian league: 30 May 1993, FK Vardar 11–0 FK Vardarski.
- Biggest win in UEFA competition: 19 June 2004, Ethnikos Achnas 1–5 FK Vardar.
- Biggest single game attendance: 1985–86 Yugoslav First League, FK Vardar–Red Star Belgrade (30,000 spectators).
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Низ годините" (in Macedonian). fkvardar.mk. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ "All-Time Table". .rsssf.com. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ UEFA.com Sparta end Vardar challenge
- ↑ "All Time Table". .rsssf.com. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ "Стадион" (in Macedonian). fkvardar.mk. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ "Тренинг камп" (in Macedonian). fkvardar.mk. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ "Академија ФК Вардар" (in Macedonian). fkvardar.mk. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ The history of Komiti (Vardar Skopje)
- 1 2 "Interview". ultras-tifo.net. 28 March 2010. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ "Derby in Skopje!". ultras-tifo.net. 5 April 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ "Shkëndija fans with choreo against Serbia.". ultras-tifo.net. 19 October 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ "Трофеи" (in Macedonian). fkvardar.mk. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ "UEFA coefficients". uefa.com. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- 1 2 3 "Тим 2016/2017" (in Macedonian). fkvardar.mk. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
- ↑ "Подмладок" (in Macedonian). fkvardar.mk. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
- ↑ "Рекорди" (in Macedonian). fkvardar.mk. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to FK Vardar. |
- Official website (in Macedonian)
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