KF Skënderbeu Korçë (women)
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Klubi i Futbollit Skënderbeu Korçë is an Albanian professional
football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kicking a ball to score a goal. Unqualified, the word ''football'' normally means the form of football that is the most popular where the word is used. Sports commonly c ...
club based in Korçë, southeastern Albania. The club competes in the Kategoria Superiore, the top tier of Albanian football. An amateur club named ''Vllazëria Korçë'' was found in 1909. The club in its current form was established on August 1926 by Fazlli Frashëri, known as Sportklub Korça, later changing its name to Skënderbeu Korçë, after Albania's national hero Skanderbeg. The club's home ground has been the
Skënderbeu Stadium Stadiumi Skënderbeu ( al, Stadiumi Skënderbeu, en, Skenderbeu Stadium) is a multi-purpose stadium in Korçë, Albania. The ground is currently the home of Skënderbeu. It has a seating capacity of 12,343 people all seater. History The stadiu ...
since it was built in 1957, and it now has a capacity of 12,343, of which 5,724 are seated. Skënderbeu Korçë have won 8 league titles, with the first coming in 1933 before going on 78-year run without winning the league. The club won its first league title since 1933 in 2011, and they have won the league 6 more times since. The club had won six consecutive league titles since 2011, breaking the Albanian record which had been held by
Dinamo Tirana Futboll Club Dinamo Tirana is an Albanian professional football club based in the country's capital Tirana. They play in the Kategoria e Parë, the second tier of Albanian football, in the 2022–23 season. Founded in 1950 during the communist r ...
who had won four consecutive titles in the 1950s. In 2015, the club became the first Albanian side to reach the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League but they lost to Dinamo Zagreb and dropped into the UEFA Europa League, and became the first Albanian side to qualify for the group stages of a UEFA competition.


History


Early years

The first football club in the city of Korçë was formed on 15 April 1909 under the name Vllazëria by politician and poet
Hilë Mosi Hilë Mosi (1885-1933) was an Albanian politician and poet. Biography Hilë Mosi, son of Mark Mosi, was born in Shkodër, then part of the Ottoman Empire, in 1885. He attended an Italian elementary school and later the Xavierian Shkodër Je ...
. The rise in the popularity of the sport resulted in a number of clubs being formed between 1920 and 1922, including clubs such as ''Përparimi'' and ''Sport Klub Korça''. In 1923, the
Albanian National Lyceum The Albanian National Lyceum ( sq, Liceu Kombëtar i Korçës or Liceu Francez) was a high school in the city of Korçë, Albania, fully financed by the Albanian government, but that emphasized the French culture and the European values. The schoo ...
formed the ''Shpresa sports society''. Skënderbeu was formed in 1925 when a large number of the young men and young men of the city were playing football regularly in local fields. The rise in popularity of the sport led to most neighbourhoods forming their own football teams, such as ''Zhgaba'' in 1926 and ''Leka i Madh'', ''Pirro'', ''Brekverdhit'', ''Zjarri'', ''Tigri'' and ''Diamanti'' in 1927, which competed in the city's first organised football competition held in 1928. These teams were local, however, and would only compete with one another, as the main football club to represent the city was Skënderbeu who overcome several problems at the start, some of which were even political. Skënderbeu was named after 15th century Albanian nobleman and national hero Skanderbeg. The club quickly became the Alban's main football team, and in 1926 they began to play friendly games against teams from neighbouring countries, starting with Macedonian side Monastir, then part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In two games played, Skënderbeu won 5–2 and then drew 2–2. Skënderbeu also played friendlies against Greek teams from Ermioni and Thessaloniki, which is modern day
Aris FC Aris or ARIS may refer to: People * Aris (surname) Given name * Aris Alexandrou, Greek writer * Aris Brimanis, ice hockey player * Aris Christofellis, Greek male soprano * Aris Gavelas, Greek sprinter * Aris Howard, Former President of the Jamai ...
. They also played against Kavala, who they beat 2–0 in Albania but lost 1–0 against in Greece.


1930s championships

The club competed in the first ever national football competition in Albania, which was the 1930 championship. As the only club to represent Korçë nationally, Skënderbeu had huge popular support within the city, with similar support bases seen with the likes of
KF Tirana Klubi i Futbollit Tirana (KF Tirana) is an Albanian football club based in the country's capital city, Tirana. The men's football club is part of the multi-disciplinary sports club SK Tirana, and is the most successful in Albania, having won 54 ...
and Vllaznia Shkodër, who all earned a name for themselves in the early stages of Albanian football. During the 1930 championship, Skënderbeu finished runners-up to KF Tirana, after forfeiting both championship playoff matches. The club won its first ever Albanian Championship just three years later in
1933 Events January * January 11 – Sir Charles Kingsford Smith makes the first commercial flight between Australia and New Zealand. * January 17 – The United States Congress votes in favour of Philippines independence, against the wis ...
, finishing two points ahead of Vllaznia. The championship winning side was: Klani Marjani, Kristaq Bimbli, Andrea Çani, Andon Miti, Lefter Petra, Fori Stasa, Nexhat Dishnica, Tomor Ypi, Thoma Vangjeli,
Servet Teufik Agaj Servet Teufik Agaj was an Albanian former football player who played for Skënderbeu Korçë during the 1930s, where he won the club's first ever Albanian Championship in 1933, a season in which he also finished as top scorer with 7 goals in 5 gam ...
, Enver Kulla, Vasil Trebicka, Stavri Kondili,
Aristotel Samsuri Aristotel Samsuri was a former Albanian football player who played for Skënderbeu Korçë between 1930 and 1940, where he won the 1933 National Championship and the golden boot in 1931 after scoring 9 league goals. Following his retirement from ...
, with Qemal Omari as their manager. In the same year, the club's striker
Servet Teufik Agaj Servet Teufik Agaj was an Albanian former football player who played for Skënderbeu Korçë during the 1930s, where he won the club's first ever Albanian Championship in 1933, a season in which he also finished as top scorer with 7 goals in 5 gam ...
was the top goalscorer with seven league goals, an honour also won by his strike partner Aristotel Samsuri in 1931, also with seven goals. The following year, Skënderbeu strongly fought to retain their title, but only finished as runners-up once again to KF Tirana, with Samsuri being the club's top goalscorer that season with seven goals. In the next two championships held prior to World War II, Skënderbeu finished in fourth place in both years under manager Qemal Omari. The club ceased operations between 1938 and 1945 due to World War II, as there were no official tournaments held in Albania.


Post-war struggles

In 1945, the club began operating again. Supporters paraded in the streets of Korçë as the club announced the news. The majority of the players who were active in the 1930s were no longer playing football competitively, so the squad was virtually new, except for Klani Marjani, Bellovoda and Saro. But the delight was short lived as the club struggled to match their performances before the war. In 1945, they finished fourth in Group B, consisting of six teams, and in the following 1946 season they finished fifth in Group A, just one point ahead of bottom place. Manager Tato Bimbli decided to bring in young players in order to revive the squad during the 1947 season, when the club also changed its name to Dinamo Korçë for the Communist Party, Bimbli's decision to bring in young players paid off as the club finished third in the league out of nine teams. The following season, however, turned out to be a disaster as they finished bottom of Group A with just a single point from seven games. In 1949, the club changed its name to Korça, and they finished in sixth place out of nine teams in the same year. Manager Tato Bimbli left the club after having a difficult time in charge, and he was replaced by Spiro Koçe in 1950. In 1951, all Albanian teams were ordered by the Communist Party to be named "''Puna''", which literally translates to "work". During these years, the club remained a notable force, but with no relative success often finishing in mid-table in the league. Skënderbeu was also a three time finalist in the
Albanian Cup The Albanian Cup ( sq, Kupa e Shqipërisë) is the main "knockout" competition in Albanian football. The competition started in 1939 as Kupa e Mbretit (English:"The King's Cup"). Just after a year the cup was suspended as the Second World War st ...
in 1958, 1965 and 1976, in which they lost all three finals. They did, however, win the Albanian First Division in 1976–77 as well as three other times with the last win in 2008–09 season where Skënderbeu won the rights to move into the Albanian Superliga.


Recent dominance


2009–10

During the winter of 2009–10, the club was bottom of the league and facing the real possibility of relegation from the Albanian Superliga, but there were seismic changes in terms of the ownership and the board, as a new president in the shape of Red Bull Albania CEO Agim Zeqo was appointed. A new 16-member board was also elected, and a host of new donors attached themselves to the club, including some of Albania's most successful businessmen, such as
Samir Mane Samir Mane (; born 24 December 1967) is an Albanian entrepreneur. He is the founder and President of BALFIN Group, one of the most significant and successful investment groups in the Western Balkans region. The Group's investment portfolio embra ...
,
Irfan Hysenbelliu Irfan Hasan Hysenbelliu (born 1959) is an Albanian businessman and CEO of IHB Group, which owns Birra Korça Birra Korça is a brewing company, founded in Korçë, Albania, in 1928. The company is a subsidiary of IHB group since 2004. It is t ...
and Grigor Joti. Journalist
Blendi Fevziu Blendi Fevziu (born May 18, 1969, Tirana, Albania) is an Albanian journalist, writer and host of the TV talk show ''Opinion'', which first went on air on August 31, 1997. Fevziu graduated in literature and Albanian language at the University of ...
was also named as a donor, alongside national Minister of Finance
Ridvan Bode Ridvan Vait Bode (born June 26, 1959) is an Albanian politician. A member of the Democratic Party of Albania, he is a former Minister of Finance in the cabinet of Sali Berisha Sali Ram Berisha (; born 15 October 1944) is an Albanian conserva ...
and the prefect of Korçë, Niko Peleshi. The club's short-term goal was to remain in the Albanian Superliga, and they planned to win the league the following season. In order to escape relegation, the club brought in
Mirel Josa Mirel Josa (born 1 June 1963) is an Albanian former football player and current coach of Vllaznia in the Kategoria Superiore. As a player, he played in the Greek Alpha Ethniki for Nea Kavala and Aris, as well as making 27 international appearan ...
as new head coach, along with a host of new players, both from Albania and neighbouring countries. They finished the league in 10th place out of 12 teams, meaning they entered a relegation playoff with the third placed Albanian First Division side
KS Kamza Football Club Kamza was a football club based in Kamëz, Albania. Founded on 10 September, the club has competed in the lower levels of Albanian football for much of its history, except for the 2011–12 season where they were promoted to the Ka ...
, which they won 1–0 through a second minute
Klodian Asllani Klodian Asllani (born 2 August 1977) is an Albanian retired football player. Club career The striker had several spells with Dinamo Tirana Futboll Club Dinamo Tirana is an Albanian professional football club based in the country's capital Tira ...
goal to remain in the Albanian Superliga.


2010–11

Ahead of the 2010–11 season, the squad was revamped and under the guidance of
Shkëlqim Muça Shkëlqim Muça (born 19 March 1960) is an Albanian football coach and former player. Playing career Club He created the attacking trio Muça- Minga-Kola at Nëntori Tirana that was probably the best and most prolific attacking trio in the Al ...
as the head coach, new players were brought in, many of whom were Albanian internationals including Orges Shehi,
Ditmar Bicaj Ditmar Bicaj (born 26 February 1989) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Albanian club Flamurtari Vlorë. He started his career at Dinamo Tirana, before representing Tirana, Skënderbeu Korçë and Kukësi in ...
,
Endrit Vrapi Endri Vrapi (born 23 May 1982, in Tiranë) is an Albanian retired footballer who last played as a defender for Kosovan club Liria. Club career Early career Vrapi began his career while still a teenager, playing for Partizani Tirana. Regarded ...
,
Jetmir Sefa Jetmir Sefa (born 30 January 1987) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. Club career Tirana 2005–06 season Sefa is a product of the KF Tirana academy and joined the club in 2000 as a 13-year-old, where he rose thr ...
, and
Bledi Shkëmbi Bledi Shkëmbi (born 13 August 1979) is an Albanian professional Association football, football coach and former player. A former Albania national football team, Albanian international, he has previously played for Ethnikos Asteras in Greece, HN ...
who was named captain following his return to his hometown club. Other quality signings made Skënderbeu the favourites to win the title. They were defeated by KF Tirana in their first ever Albanian Supercup game, and they spent much of the season in second place in the league, behind pacesetters
Flamurtari Vlorë Flamurtari FC is a professional football club based in Vlorë, Albania. The club plays in the Kategoria e Parë, which is the second tier of football in the country. Founded in 1923, the club is one of the oldest in Albania, and it is also one ...
. Shkëlqim Muça was replaced by
Shpëtim Duro Shpëtim Duro (born 24 December 1959) is an Albanian professional football coach. Managerial career Duro was named the manager of Macedonian First League side FK Shkëndija on 24 November 2013, just 15 hours after the sacking of Gjore Jovanovski. ...
as head coach in February and defeated Flamurtari Vlorë in his first game in charge to move closer to top spot, and he went on to guide the club to 11 wins in his 13 games in charge, to win the Albanian title for the first time since 1933 and to qualify for the UEFA Champions League qualifying round for the first time in their history. After winning the league for the first time in 78 years, club president Agim Zeqo said, "It was a great season and it was great to see our city and our fans enjoy this title. This town loves football and deserved this win. Let's do it again next season."


2011-12

The club made its Champions League debut against Cypriot side
APOEL APOEL FC ( el, ΑΠΟΕΛ; short for Αθλητικός Ποδοσφαιρικός Όμιλος Ελλήνων Λευκωσίας, ''Athletikos Podosferikos Omilos Ellinon Lefkosias'', literally "Athletic Football Club of Greeks of Nicosia") ...
in the second qualifying round on 13 July 2011, and they lost 2–0 at home, before losing 4–0 away as they were knocked out of the competition. They continued a poor start to the season as they lost out to KF Tirana in the Albanian Supercup before the start of the Albanian Superliga season, where they also struggled. After only one win in their opening four games, head coach Shpëtim Duro was replaced by the Czech
Stanislav Levý Stanislav Levý (born 2 May 1958) is a Czech football manager and former player, whose playing position was defender. During his club career, Levý played for Bohemians 1905, SpVgg Blau-Weiß 1890 Berlin and Tennis Borussia Berlin. He also mad ...
, who became the club's first foreign coach since
Qemal Omari Qemal Omari (born 1928) was a Turkish football player, manager and referee of Albanian heritage. He was a founding member of İstanbulspor A.Ş. in 1926 and he played for the club before retiring and becoming a referee and the general secret ...
in the 1930s, who himself was of Albanian ancestry, making Levý the club's first truly foreign coach. He guided the club to a 14 match unbeaten run to reach the top of the table, and he only lost two games in charge as they narrowly beat
Teuta Durrës Teuta ( Illyrian: *''Teutana'', 'mistress of the people, queen'; grc, Τεύτα; lat, Teuta) was the queen regent of the Ardiaei tribe in Illyria, who reigned approximately from 231 BC to 228/227 BC. Following the death of her spouse Agro ...
to the title with only a single point between the sides to claim the only Champions League spot once again. In the Albanian Cup, Skënderbeu reached their first final since 1976, but they lost to KF Tirana as they continued their 100% losing record in Albanian Cup finals, having lost in 1958, 1965 and 1976 before the 2012 final.


2012–13

They kicked off the 2012–13 campaign with their first ever Champions League and European win, as they defeated Hungarian side Debrecen 1–0 at home through a Sebino Plaku goal to give them real hope of qualifying for the third qualifying round of the competition. In the away leg however Skënderbeu lost 3–0 and were knocked out after a 3–1 aggregate loss despite winning the first leg of the tie. They once again lost out to KF Tirana in the Albanian Supercup for the second consecutive season, but in the league they lost just once in their opening 20 games and remained in first place for the entire campaign as they went on to win the title for the third time in a row. In the Albanian Cup they were knocked out by
Bylis Ballsh KF Bylis, also known as Bylis Ballsh, is an Albanian football club based in Ballsh, Mallakastër District. The club's home ground is the Adush Muça Stadium and they currently compete in the Kategoria Superiore. History Early history The club ...
in the semi-final after a 2–1 aggregate loss over two legs, a result which came as a surprise as Skënderbeu had defeated all five teams they had faced during their cup run and were considered the favourites.


2013–14

The club won the Albanian Supercup for the first time in their history, after defeating
KF Laçi Klubi i Futbollit Laçi is an Albanian professional football club based in Laç that competes in the Kategoria Superiore, the top flight of Albanian football. Founded in 1960 as Industriali Laç, it became KS Laçi in 1991 and KF Laçi in 1997. ...
. Later, Skënderbeu begun their 2013–14 campaign with their first ever Champions League tie as they draw 0–0 in the away leg against Neftchi Baku, which gave them a shade of hope in their dream about qualifying for the third qualifying round of the competition. In the home leg, they held the score to a tie in regular time and went to win 1–0 in the extra-time through a
Nurudeen Orelesi Nurudeen Adegbola Orelesi (born 10 April 1989) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Albanian club Apolonia. He is well known for his powerful and accurate long shots. Club career Early career Orelesi b ...
goal in the 116th minute, qualifying for the first time in the third qualifying round of Champions League. They were drawn against Kazakh side
Shakhter Karagandy Football Club Shakhter ( kk, "Шахтер" футбол клубы, Shakhter fýtbol klýby), commonly referred to as FC Shakhter Karagandy ( kk, Қарағанды/Qarağandı ;Russian: Караганда/Karaganda), is a professional footbal ...
and they lost 3–0 away, before winning 3–2 at home (temporarily being 3–0 up) and were knocked out of the competition. They dropped into the UEFA Europa League play-offs, making their debut in the second most important continental competition with a 0–1 loss to Ukrainian side
Chornomorets Odesa FC Chornomorets Odesa ( ) is a Ukrainian professional football club based in Odesa. The club's home ground is the 34,164 capacity Chornomorets Stadium opened in 1935 and rebuilt in 2011. According to the club's website, it was formed in 1936 as ...
in the away leg. At home, they recorded their first ever Europa League win, defeating Chornomorets 1–0 with an
Andi Ribaj Andi Ribaj (born 21 November 1989) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a striker. Club career In January 2015, Ribaj made his return to Apolonia after one-and-a-half season by signed a six-month contract. He debuted for the firs ...
goal, giving Skënderbeu hopes of becoming the first Albanian team to qualify to the group stage of a European competition by progressing to the Europa League group stages. With a 1–1 tie, however, the match went to extra-time and later penalties, with Skënderbeu losing 6–7. In the championship, they began with a 1–0 victory over
Besa Kavajë Besa or BESA may refer to: Arts & entertainment * ''Besa'' (newspaper), a newspaper published in Albania * ''Besa'' (TV series), a Serbian-British television series produced by Adrenalin and Red Planet Pictures * ''The Besa'', a novel by Albanian ...
, then lost important matches against Flamutari and Kukësi, but recovered and claimed a winter lead place. They won their fourth consecutive league title after a 2–1 win over Partizani.


2014–15

The club won the Albanian Supercup for the second year in a row after defeating Flarmutari 1–0 in the final. In the new Champions League season, they had great expectations fed by a 0–0 draw in the second qualifying round against
BATE Borisov FC BATE Borisov (russian: link=no, ФК БАТЭ Борисов, ''FK BATE Borisov'' ; be, ФК БАТЭ Барысаў, ''BATE Barysaw,'' ) is a professional Belarusian football team from the city of Barysaw. The club competes in the Belarusi ...
away, but a 1–1 draw at home ended their hopes as were eliminated on away goals rule. In the league, they win the first two games, before losing to Partizani Tirana and a win against Kukësi was shortly followed by a defeat to
Teuta Durrës Teuta ( Illyrian: *''Teutana'', 'mistress of the people, queen'; grc, Τεύτα; lat, Teuta) was the queen regent of the Ardiaei tribe in Illyria, who reigned approximately from 231 BC to 228/227 BC. Following the death of her spouse Agro ...
. Then, they had an unbeaten run, with losses against only KF Tirana and KF Laçi. In the Albanian Cup, they were knocked out by Kukësi in the semi-finals. They won their fifth consecutive championship title and sixth overall.


2015–16

The summer transfer window was marked by the signing of the Albanian international
Hamdi Salihi Hamdi Abdullah Salihi (born 19 January 1984) is an Albanian retired professional footballer who played as a forward. He is the assistant manager of Albania. Nicknamed 'The Bomber' by his former international coach Otto Barić who would compare ...
, who played at Rapid Wien. After a 2–2 draw against Laçi, however, they lost the Albanian Supercup 7–8 on penalties. They kicked off the 2015–16 campaign with their biggest ever Champions League and European win, as they defeated Northern Ireland side Crusaders 4–1. They lost the away match 2–3, but qualified to the third qualifying round for the second time with an aggregate 6–4 score and they faced
Milsami Orhei Fotbal Club Milsami Orhei, commonly known as Milsami Orhei, or simply Milsami, is a Moldovan football club based in Orhei, Moldova, currently playing in the Moldovan Super Liga. Previously known as ''FC Viitorul Orhei'', it won its first league ...
. They beat Milsami 2–0 both home and away to become the only Albanian side to qualify to the UEFA Champions League play-offs, where they met Dinamo Zagreb. They were defeated 1–2 at home and 1–4 away and eliminated from Champions League. They were dropped into the UEFA Europa League group stages, becoming the first Albanian club to progress to the group stage of a European competition. Skënderbeu Korçë were drawn against
Beşiktaş Beşiktaş () is a district and municipality of Istanbul, Turkey, located on the European shore of the Bosphorus strait. It is bordered on the north by Sarıyer and Şişli, on the west by Kağıthane and Şişli, on the south by Beyoğlu, and ...
, Lokomotiv Moscow and
Sporting Clube de Portugal Sporting Clube de Portugal, founded Sporting Club de Portugal (), otherwise referred to as Sporting CP, often known abroad as Sporting Lisbon , is a Portuguese professional sports club based in Lisbon. It is best known for the professional fo ...
. In matchday 1, their first ever group stage game, the club was defeated at home 0–1 by Beşiktaş after a hard fight between the two sides. In the next matchday, they lost 0–2 to Lokomotiv Moscow in Moscow. Their worst defeat in the European competition yet came the next matchday, a storming 1–5 loss to Sporting in the away leg at
Lisbon Lisbon (; pt, Lisboa ) is the capital and largest city of Portugal, with an estimated population of 544,851 within its administrative limits in an area of 100.05 km2. Grande Lisboa, Lisbon's urban area extends beyond the city's administr ...
, but also had the Albanian side scoring their first goal in the UEFA Europa League group stages. In the home match, Skënderbeu Korçë recorded a historic 3–0 win over Sporting, was one of the most important victories of a football club in Albania as Skënderbeu recorded their first points in a Europa League group stage game. They received 2 scoreless loses in the remaining matches respectively 2–0 away against Beşiktaş and 0–3 home against Lokomotiv Moscow to end the European campaign eliminating from group stage ranked in the last place. In the cup they advanced until the semi-final to be eliminated from Laçi on away goals rule after losing the first match away 1–0 and despite winning the second one 2–1. They won their sixth consecutive league title collecting 79 points 5 more than Partizani Tirana.


2016–17

Skënderbeu were banned from European football during the 2016–17 season for 10 years over match-fixing allegations. The decision was unprecedented in UEFA's history, both for the length of the ban as well as the fact that UEFA's conclusions were based primarily on statistical analysis of betting patterns.


2017–18

Skënderbeu entered
Europa League The UEFA Europa League (abbreviated as UEL, or sometimes, UEFA EL), formerly the UEFA Cup, is an annual football club competition organised since 1971 by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for eligible European football clubs. It ...
, as they finished third in Albanian Superliga. They played against
UE Sant Julia Ue or UE may refer to: Businesses and organizations Universities * University of Edinburgh, a university in Scotland * University of Exeter, a university in England * University of the East, a university in the Philippines * University of Evansvil ...
, defeating them 1–0 at home and 5–0 in Andorra, so they qualified. For the 2nd round, they played against the Kazakhstan outfit, Kairat. The match ended in a draw (1–1) in Kazakhstan and won 2–0 at home. They then went on to play the Czech Republic side, FK Mladá Boleslav and lost 2–1 on the night in the Czech Republic. The return match in
Elbasan Arena Elbasan Arena ( sq, Elbasan Arena, formerly known as Ruzhdi Bizhuta) is a multi-purpose stadium in Elbasan, Albania. The stadium was completed in 1967 and has been the home ground of KF Elbasani ever since. The stadium was under reconstruction a ...
saw Skënderbeu winning the regular time 2–1, while the extra periods yielded no further goals. Skënderbeu ultimately triumphed 4–2 on penalties. For the play-off round, they were drawn against Dinamo Zagreb for their second time, just like the UEFA Champions League play-off 2 years ago, where Skënderbeu were eliminated 6–2 on aggregate. They surprised Dinamo in the away match by scoring through
Liridon Latifi Liridon Latifi (born 6 February 1994) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a right midfielder for Albanian club Vllaznia Shkodër and the Albania national team. Latifi starter his youth career at Flamurtari in 2005, where he re ...
in the 37th minute, but conceding in the very last minute. Even though Skënderbeu didn't win, they could hope for the Europa League qualification thanks to the away goal scored. Skënderbeu needed at least a goalless draw to progress to the next stage of the competition. In the return leg, that was exactly what happened. Skënderbeu qualified for the group stage for the second time in their history, and also being the first Albanian team to win four qualifying rounds in the Europa League. Also, they have been the only Albanian club to earn more than 3 points, which was the record for the most points earned in the Europa League group stage by an Albanian club 2 years ago. On 29 March 2018, Skënderbeu was handed a 10-year ban from European competition on the basis of conclusive evidence of match fixing. The club was additionally fined €1 million in one of the harshest punishments of a European club. The club is expected to appeal.


2019–20

On 12 July 2019, Skënderbeu's appeal against their 10-year ban from European competition was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.


Stadium

The club has played its home games at the
Skënderbeu Stadium Stadiumi Skënderbeu ( al, Stadiumi Skënderbeu, en, Skenderbeu Stadium) is a multi-purpose stadium in Korçë, Albania. The ground is currently the home of Skënderbeu. It has a seating capacity of 12,343 people all seater. History The stadiu ...
since it was built in 1957. The stadium was fully renovated in 2010 in order to gain accreditation from UEFA to host European games at the ground. The stadium has a capacity of 12,343 people all seater. It was approved by UEFA, to hold preliminary rounds of Champions League matches in 2011.


Supporters

Skenderbeu is considered to be one of the best supported clubs in Albania, with the majority of fans live in the
Korçë District Korçë District ( sq, Rrethi i Korçës), was one of the 36 districts of Albania, which were dissolved in July 2000 and replaced by 12 counties. It had a population of 143,499 in 2001, and an area of . Its capital was the city of Korçë. Its te ...
, which has a population of just under 140,000. The main supporters' group for the club is called Ujqërit e Dëborës, which literally translates to snow wolves. The group was formed in 2008 and quickly became considered the club's main supporters' group. They are present at every home game at the
Skënderbeu Stadium Stadiumi Skënderbeu ( al, Stadiumi Skënderbeu, en, Skenderbeu Stadium) is a multi-purpose stadium in Korçë, Albania. The ground is currently the home of Skënderbeu. It has a seating capacity of 12,343 people all seater. History The stadiu ...
and they also organise trips to every away game of the season, also attending Albania national team games alongside other teams' supporters' groups. It is compulsory for every member to wear either the group's or Skënderbeu's clothing during games to distinguish between other fans. The group also has factions in different cities around the world where there are Albanian diaspora, including Toronto, Canada. Yearly membership to be an official member of the group costs 1000 lek (€7,14 or £5.86 as of 1 February 2014). They have a fierce rivalry with KF Tirana's supports groups
Tirona Fanatics Klubi i Futbollit Tirana (KF Tirana) is an Albanian football club based in the country's capital city, Tirana. The men's football club is part of the multi-disciplinary sports club SK Tirana, and is the most successful in Albania, having won 54 ...
, with both sets of fans being involved in hooligan activities since Skënderbeu's rise to prominence overtaking KF Tirana around 2010. In September 2013 prior to an away game in Tiranë the Ujqërit e Deborës group called upon Tirona Fanatics members to reduce the tensions between the two sets of fans. In November 2013, Skënderbeu was forced to play Flamurtari Vlorë behind closed doors due to the behaviour of Ujqërit e Dëborës against Partizani in a 3–0 win on 2 November. The game against Partizani Tirana was seen by attended by 5500 and there were no altercations between rival fans or any offensive chanting but the Albanian Football Association deemed the choreography of the Ujqërit e Dëborës to be worthy of a one match ban on supporters.


Honours


Domestic

* Kategoria Superiore **Champions (8):
1933 Events January * January 11 – Sir Charles Kingsford Smith makes the first commercial flight between Australia and New Zealand. * January 17 – The United States Congress votes in favour of Philippines independence, against the wis ...
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2010–11 1 (one, unit, unity) is a number representing a single or the only entity. 1 is also a numerical digit and represents a single unit of counting or measurement. For example, a line segment of ''unit length'' is a line segment of length 1. I ...
, 2011–12,
2012–13 1 (one, unit, unity) is a number representing a single or the only entity. 1 is also a numerical digit and represents a single unit of counting or measurement. For example, a line segment of ''unit length'' is a line segment of length 1. I ...
, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18 **Runners-up (3):
1930 Events January * January 15 – The Moon moves into its nearest point to Earth, called perigee, at the same time as its fullest phase of the Lunar Cycle. This is the closest moon distance at in recent history, and the next one will be ...
,
1934 Events January–February * January 1 – The International Telecommunication Union, a specialist agency of the League of Nations, is established. * January 15 – The 8.0 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake, Nepal–Bihar earthquake strik ...
, 1976–77 *
Kategoria e Parë Kategoria e Parë is the second level of professional football in Albania, behind the Kategoria Superiore and above the Kategoria e Dytë. Format Kategoria e Parë was founded in 1930. It is made up of 14 teams. The 2 best ranked teams gain prom ...
**Winners (4): 1975–76, 2004–05, 2006–07,
2022–23 The dash is a punctuation mark consisting of a long horizontal line. It is similar in appearance to the hyphen but is longer and sometimes higher from the baseline. The most common versions are the endash , generally longer than the hyphen b ...
**Runners-up (5): 1978–79, 1981–82, 1985–86, 1994–95, 2008–09 *
Albanian Cup The Albanian Cup ( sq, Kupa e Shqipërisë) is the main "knockout" competition in Albanian football. The competition started in 1939 as Kupa e Mbretit (English:"The King's Cup"). Just after a year the cup was suspended as the Second World War st ...
**Winners (1): 2017–18 **Runners-up (6):
1958 Events January * January 1 – The European Economic Community (EEC) comes into being. * January 3 – The West Indies Federation is formed. * January 4 ** Edmund Hillary's Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition completes the third ...
, 1964–65, 1975–76, 2011–12, 2016–17,
2020–21 The dash is a punctuation mark consisting of a long horizontal line. It is similar in appearance to the hyphen but is longer and sometimes higher from the baseline. The most common versions are the endash , generally longer than the hyphen b ...
* Albanian Supercup **Winners (3):
2013 File:2013 Events Collage V2.png, From left, clockwise: Edward Snowden becomes internationally famous for leaking classified NSA wiretapping information; Typhoon Haiyan kills over 6,000 in the Philippines and Southeast Asia; The Dhaka garment fact ...
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2014 File:2014 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: Stocking up supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the Western African Ebola virus epidemic; Citizens examining the ruins after the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping; Bundles of wat ...
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2018 File:2018 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2018 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in PyeongChang, South Korea; Protests erupt following the Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi; March for Our Lives protests take place across the United ...
**Runners-up (4):
2011 File:2011 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: a protester partaking in Occupy Wall Street heralds the beginning of the Occupy movement; protests against Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed that October; a young man celebrate ...
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2012 File:2012 Events Collage V3.png, From left, clockwise: The passenger cruise ship Costa Concordia lies capsized after the Costa Concordia disaster; Damage to Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, New Jersey as a result of Hurricane Sandy; People gather ...
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2015 File:2015 Events Collage new.png, From top left, clockwise: Civil service in remembrance of November 2015 Paris attacks; Germanwings Flight 9525 was purposely crashed into the French Alps; the rubble of residences in Kathmandu following the Apri ...
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2016 File:2016 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: Bombed-out buildings in Ankara following the 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt; the impeachment trial of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff; Damaged houses during the 2016 Nagorno-Karabakh ...


Recent seasons


Records

*Biggest ever European home victory: Skënderbeu Korçë 4–1 Crusaders ; 14 July 2015 *Biggest ever European home defeat: Skënderbeu Korçë 0–2
APOEL APOEL FC ( el, ΑΠΟΕΛ; short for Αθλητικός Ποδοσφαιρικός Όμιλος Ελλήνων Λευκωσίας, ''Athletikos Podosferikos Omilos Ellinon Lefkosias'', literally "Athletic Football Club of Greeks of Nicosia") ...
; 13 July 2011 *Biggest ever European away victory: Sant Julià 0–5 Skënderbeu Korçë ; 7 July 2017 *Biggest ever European away defeat: Sporting CP 5–1 Skënderbeu Korçë ; 22 October 2015


European competitions record


By competition


Matches

;Notes *1Q: First qualifying round *2Q: Second qualifying round *3Q: Third qualifying round *PO: Play-off round


Ranking


UEFA club coefficient ranking


Players


Current squad


On Loan


Top scorers

*


Current staff


List of managers

*
Qemal Omari Qemal Omari (born 1928) was a Turkish football player, manager and referee of Albanian heritage. He was a founding member of İstanbulspor A.Ş. in 1926 and he played for the club before retiring and becoming a referee and the general secret ...
(1932–1938) * Tato Bimbli (1945–1950) * Spiro Koçe (1950–1957) * S. Qirinxhi (1957–1961) * M. Prodani (1961–1966) * Ilia Shuke (1966–1975) * Aleko Pilika (1975–1982) * Kosta Koça (1982–1984) * Jani Kaçi (1987–1995) *
Edmond Gëzdari Edmond is a given name related to Edmund. Persons named Edmond include: * Edmond Canaple (1797–1876), French politician * Edmond Chehade (born 1993), Lebanese footballer * Edmond Conn (1914–1998), American farmer, businessman, and politician ...
(1995–1996) * Jani Kaçi (1996) * Aleko Pilika (1997) * Stefi Lubonja (1997) * Gjergji Ballço (1998–1999) *
Luan Deliu Luan may refer to: Places * Lu'an, a city in Anhui, China * Luan County, Hebei, China * Luan River, Hebei, China Other uses * Luan (surname), a Chinese surname * Luan (mythology), a legendary bird in Chinese mythology * Trees in the genus ''Sh ...
(1999–2000) * Gjergji Ballço (2000) * Jani Kaçi (2001) * Jani Kaçi (2002–2004) *
Mirel Josa Mirel Josa (born 1 June 1963) is an Albanian former football player and current coach of Vllaznia in the Kategoria Superiore. As a player, he played in the Greek Alpha Ethniki for Nea Kavala and Aris, as well as making 27 international appearan ...
(2005 – 18 Feb 2006) * Gjergji Ballço (18 Feb 2006 – 22 Feb 2006) *
Agim Canaj Agim Canaj (born 14 July 1962) is an Albanian football coach and former international player. As of March 2019, he is coaching Vllaznia Shkodër. Club career As a player, he played with Dinamo Tirana in the European Cup Winners' Cup 1989–90 ...
(22 Feb 2006 –) *
Faruk Sejdini Faruk Sejdini (born 7 February 1950), is an Albanian professional football coach and former player. Club career Sejdini had a successful albeit short career, representing Dinamo Tirana between 1966 and 1979. His career begun in 1967 in the acade ...
( – 10 Nov 2007) * Renato Rrapo (10 Nov 2007 – 31 Dec 2008) *
Indrit Fortuzi Indrit Shaban Fortuzi (born 23 November 1973) is an Albanian retired national football forward who has played almost all his career for Tirana. Club career Nicknamed ''Zogu'' (bird), he has also played for Dinamo Tirana and in Greece for Ira ...
(1 Jan 2009 – May 2009) *
Gerd Haxhiu Gerd Haxhiu (born 11 October 1972) is an Albanian football coach who has managed Apolonia Fier, Bylis Ballsh, Skënderbeu Korçë, Besa Kavajë Besa or BESA may refer to: Arts & entertainment * ''Besa'' (newspaper), a newspaper published in Al ...
(Jul 2009 – 31 Dec 2009) * Andrea Marko (1 Jan 2010 – 7 Feb 2010) *
Mirel Josa Mirel Josa (born 1 June 1963) is an Albanian former football player and current coach of Vllaznia in the Kategoria Superiore. As a player, he played in the Greek Alpha Ethniki for Nea Kavala and Aris, as well as making 27 international appearan ...
(7 Feb 2010 – May 2010) *
Shkëlqim Muça Shkëlqim Muça (born 19 March 1960) is an Albanian football coach and former player. Playing career Club He created the attacking trio Muça- Minga-Kola at Nëntori Tirana that was probably the best and most prolific attacking trio in the Al ...
(Jul 2010 – 17 Feb 2011) *
Shpëtim Duro Shpëtim Duro (born 24 December 1959) is an Albanian professional football coach. Managerial career Duro was named the manager of Macedonian First League side FK Shkëndija on 24 November 2013, just 15 hours after the sacking of Gjore Jovanovski. ...
(17 Feb 2011 – 11 Oct 2011) *
Stanislav Levý Stanislav Levý (born 2 May 1958) is a Czech football manager and former player, whose playing position was defender. During his club career, Levý played for Bohemians 1905, SpVgg Blau-Weiß 1890 Berlin and Tennis Borussia Berlin. He also mad ...
(11 Oct 2011 – May 2012) *
Mirel Josa Mirel Josa (born 1 June 1963) is an Albanian former football player and current coach of Vllaznia in the Kategoria Superiore. As a player, he played in the Greek Alpha Ethniki for Nea Kavala and Aris, as well as making 27 international appearan ...
(Jul 2012 – May 2016) *
Andrea Agostinelli Andrea Agostinelli (born 20 April 1957) is an Italian football coach and former professional footballer. He played as midfielder. Coaching career In April 2013, he was hired by Varese Varese ( , , or ; lmo, label= Varesino, Varés ; l ...
(Jun 2016 – Dec 2016) *
Ilir Daja Ilir Daja (born 20 October 1966 in Tirana) is an Albanian professional football coach and former player who is the current manager of the Ballkani. Club career Daja spent his youth career with 17 Nëntori, before playing for Dinamo Tirana for te ...
(Jan 2017 – Jun 2018) * Orges Shehi (Jul 2018 – Jun 2019) *
Ilir Daja Ilir Daja (born 20 October 1966 in Tirana) is an Albanian professional football coach and former player who is the current manager of the Ballkani. Club career Daja spent his youth career with 17 Nëntori, before playing for Dinamo Tirana for te ...
(Aug 2019 – Aug 2020) *
Julian Ahmataj Julian Ahmataj (born 24 May 1979 in Elbasan) is a former Albanian football player and current head coach. He usually played on the left side of the defence or the midfield but could also play in the centre as both a defender and a midfielder. F ...
(Aug 2020 – Jan 2021) * Migen Memelli (Jan 2021 – Mar 2022) * Skënder Gega (Mar 2022 – May 2022) * Gentian Lici (May2022 – Jun 2022) * Migen Memelli (Jun 2022 – Nov 2022) * Ivan Gvozdenović (Nov 2022 – )


Sponsorship

Companies that KF Skënderbeu Korçë currently has sponsorship deals with include:


Kit sponsors


External links

*
Albanian Football Association
– official website

at UEFA.com


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Skenderbeu Football clubs in Albania Association football clubs established in 1926 1926 establishments in Albania Korçë