Fehérvár FC
 | |||
| Full name | Fehérvár Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Vidi | ||
| Founded | 1941 | ||
| Ground | Sóstói Stadion | ||
| Capacity | 14,201 | ||
| President | István Garancsi | ||
| Head coach | Tamás Pető | ||
| League | NB I | ||
| 2024–25 | NB I | ||
| Website | https://fehervarfc.hu/ | ||
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Fehérvár Football Club(commonly known asFehérvár,Vidi,orMOL Fehérvár Football Clubforsponsorshipreasons), is aHungarianprofessionalfootballclub based inSzékesfehérvár,which plays in theNemzeti Bajnokság I,the top level of theHungarian league system.Due to sponsorship reasons, the club changed its name fromVideoton FCtoMOL Vidi FCin 2018, the main sponsor of the club beingoilandgasmultinational companyMOL.In 2019, the club changed its name once again to MOL Fehérvár FC.[1]
Fehérvár has won the Nemzeti Bajnokság I three times, in2011,2015,and2018.They have also won theMagyar Kupatwice: in2006,after defeatingVasasonpenaltiesin the final, and in2019,after defeatingBudapest Honvéd FC.They won the defunctHungarian League Cupthree times in 2008, 2009, and2012and the also defunctHungarian Super Cuptwo times in 2011 and 2012. Fehérvár is best known in European football for reaching the1985 UEFA Cup Final,being led byFerenc Kovács.[2]Most recently, the team has participated in the group stage of theUEFA Europa Leaguein the 2012–13 and 2018–19 seasons.
The club colours are blue and red. Since 1967, Fehérvár has been playing its home matches theSóstói Stadion.
Background
[edit]The original name of the football club,Videoton,comes from theHungariancompany (owned by the state between 1955 and 1991).
On 1 July 2018, the club's name was changed from Videoton FC to MOL Vidi FC despite strong disagreement of the supporters of the club. A further change was made on 1 July 2019, becomingMol Fehérvár FC.This change did not affect anything else, as theVidibrand will also be used by the club.[3]On 1 July 2023, MOL stopped financing the club. Therefore, the club omitted MOL from their name.
History
[edit]Fehérvár was founded in 1941 asSzékesfehérvári Vadásztölténygyár SK.After several name changes, adopting the termVideoton,the team played in the first division for the first time during the1968season but they were immediately relegated. Their first domestic success occurred in the1975–76season when they finished 2nd. Fehérvár's biggest domestic success happened in the2010–11season when they finished first. Later they repeated the success by winning the championship in2015and2018.[4]
At international level, Fehérvár's biggest success has been reaching the1985 UEFA Cup Finalwhere they lost toReal Madrid CF1–3. That season, the team was able to knock outPSGin the second round andManchester Unitedin the quarterfinals. Despite being Hungarian champions three times since 2000, Fehérvár have never qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League. They did, however, reach the group stage of the Europa League in2012–13and2018–19.With qualification for the later stages being a possibility until the last match day each time, Fehérvár ultimately failed to reach the top two spots of their groups both occasions.[4]
Colours, badge and nicknames
[edit]The colours of the club are blue and red, representing the colours of the coat of arms ofSzékesfehérvár.The club used different crests and badges since their foundation in 1941. The crests also indicate the changes of the name of the club, however, the colours were always the same i.e. blue and red. The most famous nickname of the club is Vidi.[5]
The badge (which is being used since 2009 with minor changes following the renamings) is blue and red, and in the centre the castle refers to the symbol of the town: "vár" from "Székesfehérvár" means castle. The name and the year of the foundation can also be seen on the badge.
Name changes
[edit]- 1941:Vadásztölténygyári SK
- 1942–44:Székesfehérvári MOVE Vadásztölténygyár Sport és Kultur Egyesület
- 1944–47:didn't participate in championships due toWorld War II
- 1947–48:Székesfehérvári Vadásztölténygyári SE
- 1948–50:Fehérvári Dolgozók SE
- 1950–56:Székesfehérvári Vadásztölténygyári Vasas SK
- 1957–62:Székesfehérvári Vasas SC
- 1962–68:Székesfehérvári VT Vasas
- 1968–90:Videoton Sport Club
- 1990–91:Videoton-Waltham SC
- 1991–93:Videoton-Waltham FC
- 1993–95:Parmalat FC
- 1995–96:Fehérvár-Parmalat FC
- 1996:Fehérvár Parmalat '96 FC
- 1996–04:Videoton FC Fehérvár
- 2004–09:FC Fehérvár
- 2009–2018:Videoton FC
- 2018–2019:MOL Vidi FC[6]
- 2019–2023:MOL Fehérvár FC[7][8]
- 2023–present:Fehérvár FC
Manufacturers and shirt sponsors
[edit]The following table shows in detail Fehérvár FC kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors by year:
| Period | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| 1976–1989 | Adidas | Videoton |
| 1989–1992 | Waltham | |
| 1992–1993 | Umbro | |
| 1993–1995 | Parmalat | |
| 1995–1996 | Hummel | |
| 1996–1997 | Uhlsport | |
| 1997–1998 | — | |
| 1998–2000 | Videoton | |
| 2000−2001 | unknown | Videoton |
| 2001–2004 | Diadora | |
| 2004–2006 | — | |
| 2006–2007 | Puma | UPC |
| 2007–2008 | Hummel | — |
| 2008–2015 | Nike | Máltai Szeretetszolgálat |
| 2015–2016 | Adidas | |
| 2016– | MOL |
Stadium
[edit]
Themulti-purpose stadiumof the club is located inSzékesfehérvár,Hungary.[9]The name of the stadium isSóstói Stadionwhich originates from neighbouring Sóstó (in English Salt Lake). Its capacity is 14,300 (all seated) and it was opened in 1967.[10]The record attendance was in 1985 when Videoton FC played Spanish giantsReal Madridin the first leg of the final of the1984–85 UEFA Cup.[11]
The first ground of the club could be found in the Berényi Street. On 26 September 1946, the first match was played at the Berényi Street Ground. Videoton played its matches here from 1950 to 1959. From 1959, the team played on a grass turf until 1967. The club moved to the Sóstói Stadion three times. The first era spent at the stadium was between 1948–50 and 1959–62. In 1967, the club moved there permanently.
In 2007, the academy of the team was founded inFelcsút,the village whereViktor Orbán,the Prime Minister spent his childhood. Videoton FC bought the team of Felcsút, which was played in theNemzeti Bajnokság IIand the team of the academy (named afterFerenc Puskás) competes in the Second League since that. The team is called Videoton-Puskás Ferenc Labdarúgó Akadémia (or Videoton II). Videoton-PFLA plays in Felcsút.
Due to the reconstruction of theSóstói Stadion,Videoton played their home matches at thePancho Arénain the2016–17 Nemzeti Bajnokság Iand2016–17 UEFA Europa Leagueseason. The Pancho Arena is located inFelcsútand its main tenant isNemzeti Bajnokság IIclubPuskás Akadémia FC.The director of Videoton chose Pancho Aréna as their home due to the club's strong ties with Puskás Akadémia. However, the capacity of the Pancho Aréna is much smaller than Videoton's original stadium.
On 23 November 2016 the construction officially started.[12]
On 7 February 2017, László Horváth, project manager of Sóstó Konzorcium, said that the first phase of the construction ended. The demolition of the interior of the remaining main stand ended. The concrete of the demolished parts of the main stand will be reused in the building of the new stands. The Sóstó Konzorcium will have 14 months to finish the construction of the stadium.[13]
On 13 March 2017, László Horváth, project manager of Sóstó Konzorcium, said that thanks to the mild winter the construction of the new stadium is in good progress. The construction of the base of the stands were finished in March.[14]
On 27 March 2017, it was confirmed that the construction of the stadium would be finished by 16 January 2018. Péter Gönczöl, managing director ofStrabag-MML Kft., said that the construction is in the most spectacular phase when the biggest panels are positioned into their places.András Cser-Palkovics,mayor ofSzékesfehérvár,said that due to the severe weather conditions during winter the construction could be finished by the deadline. Róbert Varga, director of Strabag-Hungary, added that the new stadium will be able to host 14,201 spectators and the stadium will be lying on a base of 10,199square metresand the highest point of the stadium will be 21.28 metres.[15]
On 18 August 2017, it was announced that the main stand should also be demolished due to statical problems. Originally, the new stadium would have been built around the main stand. Due to the reconstruction of the main stand, the opening of the new stadium will be delayed to June 2018.[16]
On 14 August 2018, an article was published on the Hungarian news website,Index.hu,stating that there will be further delays in the opening of the new stadium.[17]One day later, it was announced that the2018–19 UEFA Champions Leagueplay-off matches will be played atFerencvárosi TC's home stadium,Groupama Arénain Budapest.[18]
The first match was played between Fehérvár FC andÚjpest FCin the2018–19 Nemzeti Bajnokság Iseason and it ended with a 1–0 victory for the home side. The first goal was scored byRoland Juhász.The new stadium was also renamed as MOL Aréna Sóstó for sponsorship reason. Since there was aMOL ArénainDunaszerdahely,Sóstó was added to the new name.[19]
On 1 July 2023, the name of the stadium was changed from MOL Aréna Sóstó to Sóstói Stadion due to changes in sponsorship.[20]
Ownership
[edit]Being the favourite football club of the Hungarian Prime MinisterViktor Orbán,from 2010, some of the most wealthy Hungarians started to appear in the VIP of the team (e.g.Sándor Csányi,president of the HungarianOTP Bankand theHungarian Football Association) by the side of the Prime Minister. The owner since December 2007 is István Garancsi, a friend ofViktor Orbán's.[21]
On 2 June 2023, it was annlunced that the club's main sponsor,MOL,would not finance the club anymore.[22]
Supporters and rivalries
[edit]
The supporters of the club are based inSzékesfehérvár,inFejér County,Hungary. One of the group of supporters is the Red Blue Devils which is considered the mainultrasof the team (there are smaller groups like Red-Blue City, Sóstói Hableányok, G-pont). Fehérvár FC is in rivalry with the most famous Hungarian clubs such asFerencváros,Újpest,Győri ETO,Haladás,andDebrecen.The club has a local rival,Puskás Akadémia FC,based inFelcsút,Fejér County,but the rivalry is relatively tame. These two clubs had a stadium share in Felcsut while Fehérvár's stadium was under renovation, 2016–18. Fejer county's second most populated city is Dunaújváros, but Dunaferr FC, formerly based there, no longer exists. Between 1997 and 1999, Videoton's local rival was Gázszer FC which was based inAgárd,Fejér County.
Fehérvár FC has a selection of celebrity supporters such as thePrime Minister of Hungary,Viktor Orbán.[23]
Honours
[edit]Domestic
[edit]- Nemzeti Bajnokság I
- Magyar Kupa
- Ligakupa
- Szuperkupa
- Winners (2):2011, 2012
- Runners-up (3): 2006, 2010, 2015
International
[edit]Players
[edit]Current squad
[edit]As of 30 August, 2024[24] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules.Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules.Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Retired numbers
[edit]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules.Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
Club officials
[edit]Board of directors
[edit]As of 19 December 2022[26]
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President |  István Garancsi
|
| Managing Director | Attila Balogh
|
| Sports director | Roland Juhász
|
| Deputy Sports Director | Bence Szabó
|
Staff
[edit]As of 11 May 2024[26]
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Head coach |   Bartosz Grzelak
|
| Assistant coach | Szabolcs Huszti
|
| Goalkeeper coach | András Elbert
|
| Technical director | Norbert Rédei
|
| Head video analyst | Gábor Késedi
|
| Video analyst | Bence Pap
|
| Club doctor | Tibor Kovács Dávid
|
| Club doctor | Tibor Kovács
|
| Physiotherapist 1 | Gábor Barta
|
| Physiotherapist 2 | Roland Kátai
|
| Physiotherapist 3 | Gergely Gál
|
| Sport masseur 1 | Péter Gáspár
|
| Sport masseur 2 | Ildikó Fejes
|
| Sport masseur 3 | Tibor Debreceni
|
| Kitman 1 | Róbert Lakatos
|
| Kitman 2 | Gergő Stéger
|
Former club directors and sports directors
[edit]- György Mezey(07/01/2008-30/06/2011)[27]
- Győző Burcsa(2014-17/08/2015)[28]
- Zoltán Kovács(18 August 2015 – 17 July 2021)[29][30]
Notable foreign players
[edit]- Angola
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Cape Verde
- Croatia
- El Salvador
- France
- Germany
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guinea
- Morocco
- North Macedonia
- Martinique
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Nigeria
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
Aleksandar Stanojević- Marko Andić
- Dušan Vasiljević
- Nikola Mitrović
- Milan Perić
- Uroš Nikolić
- Danko Lazović
- Marko Šćepović
- Stefan Šćepović
- Filip Pajović
- Branislav Danilović
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Ukraine
- Uganda
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^"MOL Fehérvár FC néven folytatja az NB I tavalyi bajnoka".Hirado.Archivedfrom the original on 9 July 2019.Retrieved20 May2019.
- ^"UEFA Cup 1984–85: Madrid awake from European slumber".UEFA. 1 November 2012.Archivedfrom the original on 29 March 2014.Retrieved1 November2012.
- ^nemzetisport.hu (17 May 2019)."NB I: júliustól nincs többé Mol Vidi FC, ismét nevet vált a klub -".NSO.hu.Archivedfrom the original on 25 June 2019.Retrieved23 June2019.
- ^ab"MOL Fehérvár | Hungarian Football".HungarianFootball.com.Archivedfrom the original on 21 October 2021.Retrieved21 October2021.
- ^"Fehérvár FC – Profile".worldfootball.net.Archivedfrom the original on 21 October 2021.Retrieved21 October2021.
- ^"Istvan Garancsi: New name with new objectives".molvidi.hu.Archivedfrom the original on 30 June 2018.Retrieved29 June2018.
- ^"NB I: júliustól nincs többé Mol Vidi FC, ismét nevet vált a klub"(in Hungarian). Nemzeti Sport. 17 May 2019.Archivedfrom the original on 18 May 2019.Retrieved19 May2019.
- ^"Our teams will wear the name of the city from 2019/2020".MOL Vidi.Archivedfrom the original on 24 May 2019.Retrieved20 May2019.
- ^"Sóstói, Székesfehérvár (Hungary)".worldfootball.net.Archivedfrom the original on 21 October 2021.Retrieved21 October2021.
- ^"Sostoi stadium".molfehervarfc.hu.Archivedfrom the original on 21 October 2021.Retrieved21 October2021.
- ^"A look back to the last time Videoton were big in Europe".molfehervarfc.hu.Archivedfrom the original on 21 October 2021.Retrieved21 October2021.
- ^"Videoton: elkezdődött a Sóstói Stadion építése".Nemzeti Sport.24 November 2016.Archivedfrom the original on 22 March 2019.Retrieved9 February2019.
- ^"Videoton: az ütemtervnek megfelelően halad a stadionépítés – képek".Nemzeti Sport.7 February 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 22 March 2019.Retrieved9 February2019.
- ^"Videoton: így állnak a stadionépítési munkák – képek".Nemzeti Sport.13 March 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 22 November 2018.Retrieved9 February2019.
- ^"Videoton: időben kész lesz a Sóstói Stadion – képek, videó".Nemzeti Sport.27 March 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 4 February 2019.Retrieved9 February2019.
- ^"Videoton: súlyos statikai problémák – csúszás a Sóstói Stadionnál".Nemzeti Sport.18 August 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 13 February 2019.Retrieved9 February2019.
- ^"Ez a Vidi-stadion már sose lesz kész?".Index.hu.14 August 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 5 December 2018.Retrieved9 February2019.
- ^"A további nemzetközi kupameccsekre a Groupama Arénába költözik a Vidi".Molvidi.hu. 15 August 2018.Archivedfrom the original on 15 August 2018.Retrieved9 February2019.
- ^neosoft.hu, NeoSoft Kft-."MOL Aréna Sóstó lesz a neve a stadionnak".Székesfehérvár Városportál.Archivedfrom the original on 22 November 2018.Retrieved9 June2019.
- ^nemzetisport.hu (2023)."NB I: Sóstói Stadion néven működik tovább a Fehérvár FC otthona - N".www.nemzetisport.hu(in Hungarian).Archivedfrom the original on 30 June 2023.Retrieved30 June2023.
- ^"Istvan Garancsi: New name with new objectives".molfehervarfc.hu.Archivedfrom the original on 21 October 2021.Retrieved21 October2021.
- ^nemzetisport.hu (2023)."A MOL kiszáll, nem finanszírozza tovább a Fehérvárt!".www.nemzetisport.hu(in Hungarian).Archivedfrom the original on 3 June 2023.Retrieved3 June2023.
- ^"Felcsut technical centre".vidi.hu. 1 November 2012.Archivedfrom the original on 24 October 2012.Retrieved1 November2012.
- ^https://fehervarfc.hu/csapatok/fehervar-fc-i/keret-es-stab
- ^"Távozik a Viditől Nikolics Nemanja"[Nemanja Nikolics is leaving Vidi] (in Hungarian). Fehérvár FC. 10 June 2022.Archivedfrom the original on 10 June 2022.Retrieved10 June2022.
- ^ab"MOL Fehérvár FC MOL Fehérvár I keret | molfehervarfc.hu".www.molfehervarfc.hu.Archivedfrom the original on 19 December 2022.Retrieved19 December2022.
- ^molfehervarfc.hu (7 January 2008)."Az új menedzsment bemutatkozása".molfehervarfc.hu.Archivedfrom the original on 28 November 2019.Retrieved28 November2019.
- ^Zrt, HVG Kiadó (30 May 2014)."A Videoton egykori sztárjából kőkemény klubigazgató lesz".hvg.hu.Retrieved9 June2019.
- ^nemzetisport.hu (18 August 2015)."Videoton: Burcsa mellett mások is mennek, Kovács Zoltán érkezik – N".NSO.hu.Archivedfrom the original on 20 May 2019.Retrieved9 June2019.
- ^nemzetisport.hu (17 July 2021)."Mol Fehérvár: távozik Kovács Zoltán sportigazgató".NSO.hu.Archivedfrom the original on 17 July 2021.Retrieved17 July2021.
External links
[edit]
- Official website(in Hungarian and English)
