Anorthosis Famagusta FC
Αnorthosis Famagusta FC (Greek: Ανόρθωσις Αμμοχώστου, Anorthosis Ammochostou), known as Anorthosis, is a Cypriot football, basketball, handball futsal and volleyball club. Originally based in Famagusta, the club is now based in Larnaca, due to the Turkish Invasion in 1974. As a result, Anorthosis has become a refugee club with supporters all over the island of Cyprus.
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| Full name | Anorthosis Famagusta FC Ανόρθωσις Αμμοχώστου | |||
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| Nickname(s) | Οι Κυανόλευκοι (The Blue & White) | |||
| Short name | ANO | |||
| Founded | 30 January 1911 | |||
| Ground | Antonis Papadopoulos, Larnaca | |||
| Capacity | 10,230 | |||
| Chairman | Christos Poullaides | |||
| Head coach | Temur Ketsbaia | |||
| League | First Division | |||
| 2019–20 | First Division, 2nd | |||
| Website | Club website | |||
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| Active departments of Anorthosis | ||
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| Football | Futsal | Volleyball (men) (women) |
Anorthosis was founded in 1911 in Famagusta and in 1934 became one of the founder clubs of the Cyprus Football Association. Their home ground is the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium, the president of the club is Evgenios Hamboullas.
One of the most successful clubs in Cypriot football, Anorthosis has won 13 First Division titles, 10 Cypriot Cups and seven Super Cups. Anorthosis is one of three Cypriot clubs never to have played in the second division and the first one which had participated in the Champions League Group Stages.
History
The club was founded in Famagusta on 30 January 1911. After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and the occupation of Famagusta by the Turkish army, Anorthosis was relocated to Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in Larnaca and because of the occupation of Famagusta Anorthosis is one of those clubs that are known as the "refugee" clubs. Anorthosis' original home stadium in Famagusta, G.S.E. (Gymnastic Club Evagoras), has been abandoned since 1974 and is in poor condition.[1]
Ammochostos, or better Varoshi, around 1910 was a small town of about 4,000 inhabitants: farmers, fishermen and a few shop-keepers. The only place of recreation was the coffee shop. At that time a few, spirited and enthusiastic men of that community set a goal and managed to create a "reading club" in hospitable rooms where they could gather and educate the youth in cultural and national matters.[1]
1911–1928
The period from 1911 until 1928 can be characterized as the first period of Anorthosis history. In that period, Anorthosis was mostly a nationalist and spiritual group. Patriotic speeches and national commemorations were organised in the building of Anorthosis. But the sector where Anorthosis had created a tradition, unique in the history of clubs of which the reputation and activity was spread all over Cyprus, was in music.[1]
Under the control of Demetris Demetriades, it began with great success the only madolinade and band of Anorthosis. The actions taken at that time were many, some of them were:
(From Anorthosis Practices) 1913: In a collection that has been done in the building of Anorthosis the extravagant – for that time – amount of 84 pounds was gathered in just one hour, which was given for the political needs of the country (which was under British rule). 1922: Anorthosis establishes a depository for the relief of the refugees from the Asia Minor destruction.[1]
1929–1955
The second period in the history of Anorthosis started with an important changeover in the aims and actions of the club. The "Anorthosis Reading Club" renamed to "Musical Philological and Philanthropical Club" and as an emblem of the club is now the mythical bird Phoenix. During this period the mantolinade and band of Anorthosis are better organised and stipendiary teachers are being appointed for the development of the two groups.[1]
1955–1974
In the philological sector the tradition of the past continued. Anorthosis created a first class library with a lending section. In 1936, 1,500 volumes of books were lent to Anorthosis members. In the second period a great importance was given to the athletic sector. Under the control of professor of Gymnastics, Anastasis Oikonomides, football and volleyball teams, sea sports and teams of classical athleticism, gave Anorthosis many first wins, renown and trophies. Anorthosis in association with Gymnastic Club Evagoras (GSE), which is its own child, organized district and pan-Cyprian games and athletes got their first wins, not only in PanCyprian games. Of course, for a small time period, there was almost nothing to show. For example, in 1929 with a letter of POEB of which members are in Anorthosis, said that it was ready to break up and its members to be merged into the football team of Anorthosis. Then, it was decided that a second football team should be funded, and the responsibility was on Mr. An. Oikonomidis and S. Mathaiou. On 11 February 1932, at the command of the Ammochostos governor (Cyprus was still under British rule) the club of Anorthosis closed for a short time. On 29 October, the president, the general secretary and the boufι manager of Anorthosis were arrested by the police because the Greek flag was hanging on the balcony of the club building.[2][3]
1974–2008
On 26 July 2005, they beat the Turkish team Trabzonspor 3–1 in the first leg of their second-round Champions League qualifying match. They lost the second leg 1–0 in Turkey, but progressed 3–2 on aggregate. In the third-round qualifying tie against the Scottish team Rangers, Anorthosis lost the first leg 2–1, and the second leg 2–0, so dropped into the first round of the UEFA Cup. They were then defeated 6–1 on aggregate by the Italian team Palermo. Anorthosis qualified for the 2007–08 UEFA Cup by way of their Cypriot Cup win. They entered the competition at the First Qualifying round stage. Aggregate victories over FK Vardar and CFR 1907 Cluj saw them move through to the First Round proper. Anorthosis were drawn against English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. The first leg was played at White Hart Lane on 20 September 2007 which Tottenham Hotspur won 6–1. On 4 October 2007 the second leg resulted in a 1–1 draw when Robbie Keane equalised for Tottenham Hotspur after Fabinho had put Anorthosis ahead.[4]
Champions League 2008–09
After winning the domestic league 2007–08, Anorthosis qualified for the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League Group Stage, over-running Armenian Champions FC Pyunik, Austrian Champions Rapid Wien and Greek Champions Olympiacos in the qualifying rounds.
This allowed the team to qualify for the Group Stage of the Champions League, the first time for a Cypriot team.
In the group stage, they earned their first point following a 0–0[5] away draw with Werder Bremen, then got their first win beating Panathinaikos FC 3–1[6] while Hawar Mulla Mohammed became the first Iraqi player to score in the UEFA Champions League, although they lost to Inter Milan 1–0[7] at San Siro, they drew 3–3 in GSP Stadium. In their fifth Champions League game, Anorthosis had a chance to make it to the knock-out stage if they would have won against Werder Bremen. Anorthosis went up 2–0, but in the second half Diego made the score 2–1, and minutes before the match ended, Hugo Almeida managed to equalise for Bremen, and the match finished 2–2. Anorthosis still had a chance to get into the knock-out stage in the final match against Panathinaikos if they would have won. However, during the last game they lost 1–0 away to Panathinaikos. Inter (who had already qualified for the next stage) lost 2–1 to Bremen, meaning that Anorthosis finished fourth – missing out on a consolation UEFA Cup place.
In the week prior to the game against Panathinaikos, the club was disrupted when the directors complained to the police that the president was embezzling funds. He was remanded in custody and forced to resign, eventually being released by the police without charges.[8]
Europa League disappointment 2009–10
After the highs of their exploits in the previous season's Champions League, Anorthosis went crashing out of the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League in the second qualifying round, losing 4–3 on aggregate to OFK Petrovac of Montenegro.
Europa League 2010–11
Anorthosis started well the Europa League 2010–11 by beating FC Banants of Armenia 3–0 and 0–1 respectively. In the second round they lost the first match 0–2 to HNK Šibenik of Croatia, but still managed to qualify after a 3–0 victory in the second leg fixture accompanied by great performance. In the third qualifying round Anorthosis had a poor performance against Cercle Brugge, losing 0–1 in Belgium. Whenever they came back in Cyprus for the rematch they defeated Cercle 3–1 with Cafu scoring all 3 goals. Anorthosis's adventure ended with a 0–4 loss in Moscow and a 1–2 home loss against CSKA Moscow.
Europa League 2011–12
Anorthosis in 2011–12 started from the second qualifying round, in which Anorthosis met Fc Garga Georgia. The Cypriot club defeated the Georgian Club 3–0 at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium, but then lost to the Georgian Club 2–0 in Zestafoni. In the third qualifying round Anorthosis encountered FK Rabotnički Skopje. The first match at Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium was not the ideal for the Cypriot club, after the first 70 minutes the result was still 0–0. The Skopje Club scored in their first real opportunity in the game, after another 10 minutes the Skopje club scored a second goal with after an incredible mistake by the Anorthosis' goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov. In the second match at the Philip II Arena Anorthosis won 1–2 FK Rabotnički. The score 0–2 until 87 minute, which would send the game to extra-time. After that match Dimitar Ivankov was released from his contract and removed from the Anorthosis Squad.
Europa League 2012–13
Anorthosis Famagusta began the season in Second qualifying round of Europa League. Anorthosis faced the cup winner of Estonian for the season 2011–12, Levadia Tallinn, On the first match Anorthosis Famagusta defeat the Estonian club 3–1 (Spadacio, Toni Calvo, Ricardo Laborde) in Kadrioru Stadium, with mvp the best player of the clube Ricardo Laborde.
Financial rescue
On 21 August 2013, President Achilleas Nicolaou asked all the supporters of Anorthosis to contribute using automated bank orders, donating a small amount of money by month, having as the main goal the viability of the club and in order to be able to get rid of the whole debit of that period which was 13.5 million euros. The main goal of this action was the club players to be paid by the fans (that's why the request of automated bank order) so the sponsors, and other club income to lower the debit of the club.
Stadium
| Full name | Στάδιο Αντώνης Παπαδόπουλος |
|---|---|
| Location | Larnaca, Cyprus |
| Owner | Anorthosis Famagusta |
| Operator | Anorthosis Famagusta |
| Capacity | 10,230 (full seated) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Scoreboard | Yes |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1983–1986 |
| Opened | 1986 |
| Renovated | 1997, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2018 |
| Expanded | 1997 |
Anorthosis, in order to recover from their relocation, had to build a new stadium. Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium is the home of Anorthosis Famagusta and it was built in 1986 in the city of Larnaca. The ground was given the name of a person who helped Anorthosis in various ways through the years, he was a fighter in EOKA war for Cyprus independence and unity with Greece and Anorthosis helped the war and he was also a very talented football player of Anorthosis and later a manager. The initial capacity of the ground was about 6,000 but gradually increased during the years to 13,000. With a major reconditioning in 1998, capacity was reduced to 10,230 (all seated).
In 2005 the east stand was named "Quality Stand" after the club's main sponsor. "Quality Stand" is a two-story stand which holds the newly built VIP boxes (upper story), press room, dressing rooms, and bar. In 2006, the stadium went through another reconditioning including the building of VIP Boxes in the upper section of west stand, the launching of the automatic ticketing issue and entrance system, the replacing of the metal front fence with clear acrylic glass for security reasons and for maximized field view. Also, some other facilities are offered in the west stand such as new restrooms, bar, and fans' shop.
The stadium also is approved by UEFA for European games. It has hosted some matches of the Cyprus national football team. In that stadium, Cyprus achieved its greatest success against Spain by a score 3–2. On 16 May 1992, the stadium hosted the 1992 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship Third position final between Italy and Portugal, where Italy won 1–0.
On 23 November 2011, D. Ellinas group signed a contract with Anorthosis to built new offices for Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium. The old offices of the stadium will be a joint area outside the locker room, journalistic theory, clinics and other. The cost is €400,000 but the D. Ellinas group will build the offices for free in exchange for advertisements on the Anorthosis side.
Supporters
Ultras group of Anorthosis are known as Μαχητές (makhités), stylised MAXHTEC, (fighters). The idea is that by fighting they will get to the top and return to their beloved town of Famagusta. Anorthosis' fans are spread all over the island of Cyprus due to the occupation of the town of Famagusta by the Turkish Army and also as a result of the expulsion of Cypriots from their town. There are PAN.SI.FI MAXHTEC. (supporters associations) all over the island and in other countries as well (Greece, UK etc.). The majority of the fans live in Larnaca, as the temporary stadium based there. Also, there is a massive number of fans in Free Famagusta, Limassol and Nicosia.
Crest and colours
Crest
Since the club's foundation, Anorthosis have had four main crests, though all underwent minor variations. In 1970, Anorthosis adopted as their first crest the image of a phoenix and the laters ΑΝΟΡΘΩΣΙΣ, and remained for the next 15 years, though it never appeared on the shirts. From 1985 Anorthosis change as a first time his crest and remained for the next 5 years, though it never appeared on the shirts. In 1990 Anorthosis announced their first official crest as a part of an attempt to modernise, that used on the shirts the image of a burned phoenix with the laters of ΑΝΟΡΘΩΣΙΣ, the year of the founding, 1911 and under the banner of ΑΜΜΟΧΩΣΤΟΣ. In 2000 with Presidential Kikis Konstantinou, Anorthosis crest was changed again as a part of the attempt to modernise and to capitalise on new marketing opportunities. The new badge featured a more naturalistic blue phoenix, standing over the fire. It lasted for the next 11 years, with some modifications such as the use of different colours, birds and including some stars for the celebrations of the titles. For the centenary season the new Presidential Savvas Kakos, Anorthosis announced tender for the emblem in 100 years this was accompanied by the words '1911–2011' on the top and bottom of the crest respectively.[9] In 2012 Anorthosis with some changes on 100 years crest announce their final official crest that shows the phoenix over the fire by using the design of 100 years logo.
Colours
Anorthosis have always worn white and blue shirts,[10] although they originally used the paler blue, which was taken from the Greek flag colours and was worn with white or blue shorts and blue, black or white socks. The black[11] and yellow color was the color of the inaugural football team and was intended to extol Byzantium, the colors of which were the same as the shirt of 2011–12.[12] Anorthosis have also use the black color for their second and third shirts like 2009–10 and 2012–13 as previously. In the recent European match Anorthosis used a t-shirt with Famagusta in the background (white) [13]
Players
- As of 11 August 2020
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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For recent transfers, see List of Cypriot football transfers summer 2020
Other players under contract
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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Under 19s squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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International players
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International Cypriot Players |
International Foreign Players |
International Youth Cypriot Players |
International Youth Foreign Players |
Foreign players
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EU Nationals |
EU Nationals (Dual citizenship) |
UEFA Non-EU Nationals (agreement)
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Non-EU Nationals |
Under-23 Foreign Players |
Club officials
Board of directors
| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| President |  Evgenios Hamboullas |
| Vice-President | Marios Michael |
| Secretary | Andreas Papalis |
| Directors | Andreas Andreou |
| Christos Karas | |
| Nikolas Karoullas | |
| Yiannos Constantinou | |
| Panicos Panagi | |
| Panayiotis Salaforis |
Source: Board of Directors
Technical and medical staff
| Position | Staff |
|---|---|
| Head coach |  Temur Ketsbaia |
| Assistant coach | Soso Chedia |
| Analyst | Christodoulos Michael |
| Fitness coach | Michalis Michael |
| Fitness coach | Lambros Ioannou |
| Goalkeeping coach |  Zoltan Nagy |
| Chief Scout | Kyriakos Hadjicharalambous |
| Medical staff | |
| Team doctor (orthopaedist) |  Dr Demetrios Tsoukas |
| Team doctor (Pathologist) | Dr Kypros Pambou |
| Physiotherapist | Emilios Syzinos |
| Massuers |  Plamen Panov |
| Dobromir Kerchev | |
| Caregivers | Antonis Panayiotou |
| Prodromos Fivou | |
Source: Technical team
Managerial history
Last Update: 1 June 2014
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Presidential history
Anorthosis have had numerous presidents over the course of their history, some of which have been honorary presidents. Here is a complete list of them.[14]
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Anorthosis Football Club Company Presidents
| Name | Years |
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| Charalambos Manoli | 2014–16 |
| Christos Poullaides | 2016 |
| Evgenios Hamboulas | 2019 |
Volleyball team
The volleyball team won their first trophy in 1972–73, and since that time, the Cypriot Championship was organized by Greek Volleyball Federation, as Champions they gained the right to compete in the Greek National First Division. However, they withdrew from the Championship, when five matches before the end of the competition because of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Since then they have dominated Cypriot Volleyball, having been crowned Champions and Cup winners more times than any other team. They have won the Championship 20 times, the Cup 15 times, and the Super Cup 7 times.
Futsal
Anorthosis Famagusta Futsal club is a Cyprus Futsal, based in the Kinotiko stadium Larnaka. The club have participated in the division since its inception in 2012.[15]
Honours
| Type | Competition | Titles | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | Cypriot First Division [16] | 13 | 1949–50, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1959–60, 1961–62, 1962–63, 1994–95, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2004–05, 2007–08 |
| Cypriot Cup [17] | 10 | 1948–49, 1958–59, 1961–62, 1963–64, 1970–71, 1974–75, 1997–98, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2006–07 | |
| Cypriot Super Cup [18] | 7 | 1962, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2007 | |
- record *s shared record
Anorthosis Famagusta Football Academies
- Cypriot U21 Championships:
- Cyprus U21 Cup:
- Cypriot U19 Championships:
- Cypriot U17 Championships:
- Cypriot U16 Championships:
- Cypriot U15 Championships:
- Cypriot U13 Championships:
References
- Ιστορικά γεγονότα Archived 22 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine, Anorthosis Famagusta Official Website
- Μελετίου 2011, p. 95
- Cyprus – List of Final Tables 1931–1998 Archived 23 April 2011 at WebCite, rsssf.com
- Ιστορική πρόκριση της Ανόρθωσης στον Γ' προκριματικό γύρο – Ξέφρενοι πανηγυρισμοί ξέσπασαν Archived 28 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine, TYPOS.COM.CY
- Werder Bremen – Anorthosis : 0–0 (Match Report) ScoresPro.com
- Anorthosis – Panathinaikos: 3–1 (Match Report) ScoresPro.com
- Inter – Anorthosis: 1–0 (Match Report) ScoresPro.com
- Embattled Anorthosis boss stands down Archived 18 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine Cyprus Mail – 2 December 2008
- "Διαγωνισμός Δημιουργίας εμβλήματος για τα 100χρονα". Anorthosis.com. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
- Προφίλ Archived 31 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine, Anorthosis Famagusta Official Website
- Ανόρθωσις 2012–13: Η καλύτερη επίδοση της 13ετίας, Anorthosis24.net, 7 January 2013
- Ανόρθωση: Kαινούρια χρώματα, ίδιο πνεύμα Archived 8 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Shootandgoal.com, 26 January 2011
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qSN7wQhtu8
- Επίσημη Ιστοσελίδα Ανόρθωσης Αμμοχώστου (in Greek). Archived from the original on 13 May 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
- "Team News" (in Greek). Anorthosis.com. Archived from the original on 8 October 2012. Retrieved 6 October 2012.
- Cyprus – List of Champions, rsssf.com, Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation, 2018-05-17
- Cyprus – List of Cup Finals, rsssf.com, Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation, 2018-05-17
- Cyprus – List of Super Cup Finals, rsssf.com, Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation, 2018-05-17