Crişul Oradea
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Fotbal Club Bihor Oradea (), commonly known as Bihor Oradea or simply as FC Bihor, was a Romanian professional
football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kick (football), kicking a football (ball), ball to score a goal (sports), goal. Unqualified, football (word), the word ''football'' generally means the form of football t ...
club based in
Oradea Oradea (, , ; ; ) is a city in Romania, located in the Crișana region. It serves as the administrative county seat, seat of Bihor County and an economic, social, and cultural hub in northwestern Romania. The city lies between rolling hills on ...
,
Bihor County Bihor County (, ) is a county (județ) in western Romania. With a total area of , Bihor is Romania's 6th largest county geographically and the main county in the historical region of Crișana. Its capital city is Oradea (Nagyvárad). Toponymy ...
. It was founded under the name of ''Crișul Oradea'' in April 1958 and from 1963 it continued the football tradition of the city, following the dissolution of
Club Atletic Oradea Club Atletic Oradea (Nagyváradi Atlétikai Club) (), commonly known as CA Oradea (Nagyváradi AC), or simply as CAO (NAC), is a Romanian Association football, football club based in Oradea, Bihor County, which competes in the Liga IV. The team ...
. In the 57 seasons spent in the
Romanian football league system The Romanian football league system, also known as the football pyramid, refers to the system in Romanian club football that consists of several football leagues bound together hierarchically by promotion and relegation. The first three leagues ar ...
, FC Bihor played 18 seasons in the
first division 1st Division or First Division may refer to: Military Airborne divisions *1st Parachute Division (Germany) *1st Airborne Division (United Kingdom) * 1st Airmobile Division (Ukraine) * 1st Guards Airborne Division Armoured divisions *1st Armoure ...
, 39 seasons in the second league and only 5 seasons in the lower leagues, respectively 4 in the
Liga III The Liga 3, most often spelled as Liga III, is the third level of the Romanian football league system. It was founded in 1936 and was called Divizia C until 2006. An exception was the seasons 1992–93 to 1996–97, in which the league was call ...
and only one season, its first, in the fourth tier. This ranks the club on the 24th place out of 98 in the Liga I all-time table. In January 2016, FC Bihor was dissolved after having faced significant financial issues. The home ground of "the Red and Blues" was Stadionul Iuliu Bodola, which has a seating capacity of 11,155.


History


Early years, as Crișul (1958–1972)

FC Bihor Oradea continued the football tradition in
Oradea Oradea (, , ; ; ) is a city in Romania, located in the Crișana region. It serves as the administrative county seat, seat of Bihor County and an economic, social, and cultural hub in northwestern Romania. The city lies between rolling hills on ...
after the dissolution of a much greater club,
CA Oradea Club Atletic Oradea (Nagyváradi Atlétikai Club) (), commonly known as CA Oradea (Nagyváradi AC), or simply as CAO (NAC), is a Romanian Association football, football club based in Oradea, Bihor County, which competes in the Liga IV. The team ...
. Founded under the name of ''Crișul Oradea'' on 1 April 1958, it has a short activity in the city championship and then in the regional championship. In 1960 the team merged with the footwear factory, ''Solidaritatea'' ("Solidarity"), and finishing first in the 1960–61 regional championship, it promoted to the
Divizia B The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football league system. The league changed its name from Divizia B just before the start of the 2006–07 football season. It is currently sponsored by Casa Pariu ...
after a play-off at
Sinaia Sinaia () is a town and a mountain resort in Prahova County, Romania. It is situated in the historical region of Muntenia. The town was named after the Sinaia Monastery of 1695, around which it was built. The monastery, in turn, is named after ...
, on Carpați Stadium. In the 1961–62 season the club was renamed as ''ASA Crișul'', and finished 11th in the third series of the
Divizia B The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football league system. The league changed its name from Divizia B just before the start of the 2006–07 football season. It is currently sponsored by Casa Pariu ...
, barely escaping from relegation. The following season, 1962–63, the club finished 1st in the series and promoted for the very first time in its history to the
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
. Coach Ladislau Zilahi used the following players: Weichelt – Bucur, Pojoni, Boros, Șchiopu, Donciu, Al. Georgescu, Kun I, Curtu, Osan, Stanciu, Podaru, I. Pop, Bokos, I. Sandu, Manescu, Al. Iacob, Șovoială, Lenalt, Fr. Stilgerlbauer and R. Petschovschi. Crișul played for three seasons in the first league: 1963–64 (7th place), 1964–65 (9th place) and 1965–66 (13th place), then it relegated to the
Divizia B The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football league system. The league changed its name from Divizia B just before the start of the 2006–07 football season. It is currently sponsored by Casa Pariu ...
where it played for two seasons, 1966–67 (7th place) and 1967–68 (2nd place). In the summer of 1968, it qualified for the promotion play-off, held in
Timișoara Timișoara (, , ; , also or ; ; ; see #Etymology, other names) is the capital city of Timiș County, Banat, and the main economic, social and cultural center in Western Romania. Located on the Bega (Tisza), Bega River, Timișoara is consider ...
. There it managed to secure a place in the first league, coach A. Fernbach-Ferenczi, achieved this performance with the following players: Buiuc, Catona – Balogh, Sărac, A. Serfőző, E. Nagy,
Popovici Popovici (son of a priest) is a Romanian surname: * Alexandru Popovici (Moldovan footballer) (born 1977), Moldovan footballer * Alexandru Adrian Popovici (born 1988), Romanian footballer * Aurel Popovici (1863–1917), Austro-Hungarian ethnic R ...
, Dărăban, Sudi, Szűcs, Tomeș, A. Nagy, A. Kun II, I. Kun I, I. Harsányi, E. Cociș, Ujlaki and Levai. After another two seasons in
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
, 1968–69 (13th place) and 1969–70 (15th place) it relegated, but returned in the following season, 1970–71, this time under the leadership of coach Ladislau Vlad. The squad was composed of: Catona (Bologan) –
Popovici Popovici (son of a priest) is a Romanian surname: * Alexandru Popovici (Moldovan footballer) (born 1977), Moldovan footballer * Alexandru Adrian Popovici (born 1988), Romanian footballer * Aurel Popovici (1863–1917), Austro-Hungarian ethnic R ...
( Sărac),
Lukács Lukács () is a Hungarian surname, derived from the given name Lukács, which is the Hungarian equivalent of Lucas. Alternative spellings and derivative forms in neighboring languages include Lukacs, Lukáč, Lukač, Lukach, Lucaci and Lukači ...
, Bulc, Balogh, Dărăban, Neşu, Szűcs, A. Nagy, Arnoczky, Șchiopu. Substitutes: Baumgartner, Cocoș, Ceaușu, E. Cociș, Ungur and Moț. But again, after only one season 1971–72 (16th place) relegation to the
Divizia B The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football league system. The league changed its name from Divizia B just before the start of the 2006–07 football season. It is currently sponsored by Casa Pariu ...
came. The club's highly oscillating behavior imposed a series of organizational measures, being rebuilt as a football club and renamed as ''Fotbal Club Bihor'' starting in 1972 the fight for the return in the top flight.


Golden Age of FC Bihor (1972–1991)

It succeeded to do so (after two second places achieved in the 1972–73 and 1973–74 editions) at the end of the 1974–75 season. Coaches L. Vlad (first half of the championship); R. Cosmoc and Gh. Staicu (second half of the championship) have led to the final victory with the next "11": AlbuE. Nagy,
Lukács Lukács () is a Hungarian surname, derived from the given name Lukács, which is the Hungarian equivalent of Lucas. Alternative spellings and derivative forms in neighboring languages include Lukacs, Lukáč, Lukač, Lukach, Lucaci and Lukači ...
, Sărac,
Popovici Popovici (son of a priest) is a Romanian surname: * Alexandru Popovici (Moldovan footballer) (born 1977), Moldovan footballer * Alexandru Adrian Popovici (born 1988), Romanian footballer * Aurel Popovici (1863–1917), Austro-Hungarian ethnic R ...
Dărăban, A. Kun II, FlorescuSzűcs, Agud, C.Vlad. Next, the team remained at an average level of behavior in the
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
, finishing 9th in the 1975–76 and 1976–77 seasons, 14th 1977–78 and 18th 1978–79. The club management during this period was provided by engineer Horea Cosma, as honorary president. Coaches: V. Blujdea, by mid-season 1977–78 being replaced by I. Reinhardt and Al. Muta. Players used: Vidac, Albu – Z. Nagy, Gh. Dumitrescu,
Lukács Lukács () is a Hungarian surname, derived from the given name Lukács, which is the Hungarian equivalent of Lucas. Alternative spellings and derivative forms in neighboring languages include Lukacs, Lukáč, Lukač, Lukach, Lucaci and Lukači ...
,
Popovici Popovici (son of a priest) is a Romanian surname: * Alexandru Popovici (Moldovan footballer) (born 1977), Moldovan footballer * Alexandru Adrian Popovici (born 1988), Romanian footballer * Aurel Popovici (1863–1917), Austro-Hungarian ethnic R ...
, M. Marian, Bigan, Dragoș, Naom, C. Georgescu, Gergely, Petrovici, Svarczman, Lupău, V. Stoica, A. Kun II, Florescu and Fildan. In the summer of 1979 FC Bihor relegated back to Divizia B where it would be for three editions (1979–1982), always on the brink of promotion: 1979–80 – 2nd and 1980–81 – 4th, thing to be done by the end of the 1981–82 season, this time under the management of
Gheorghe Staicu Gheorghe "Gigi" Staicu (18 December 1935 – 10 June 2021) was a Romanian professional football player and manager who played for Steaua București, having developed in the club's academy.
. Returned to the
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
"the Red and Blues" occupied 11th place in the 1982–83 edition and 7th place in the 1983–84, equaling the best performance in the history of the club, with the following organizational formula: Honorary Chairman: H.Cosma; Executive President: Ioan Naom; Organizer of Competitions: Romeo Pașcu; coaches: Gheorghe Dărăban and Attila Kun (in the first part of the season), Attila Kun and Al. Muta (in the second part). Squad: Liliac, Lăzăreanu, Balasz - Dianu,
Zare The Zare is a river in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. It flows into the Sude near Walsmühlen. See also *List of rivers of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern A list of rivers of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany: A * Aubach * Augraben, tributary of ...
, Gh. Dumitrescu, Nițu, Tămaș, Biszok, Mureșan, Filip, D. Nicolae, Grosu, Georgescu, Ile, Ion Gheorghe, Szűcs, Nedelcu, Rosza,
Kiss A kiss is the touching or pressing of one's lips against another person, animal or object. Cultural connotations of kissing vary widely; depending on the culture and context, a kiss can express sentiments of love, passion, romance, sex ...
, Lazăr and Roateș. Between 1982 and 1991 was probably the most fruitful period in the history of the club. ''Bihorenii'' played 7 seasons in the top flight and only 2 in the second tier of the Romanian football system. With a lot of players that grew up in the red and blue kit such as: Marius Cheregi, Sorin Cigan, Sándor Kulcsár, Ovidiu Lazăr and Viorel Vancea and with some talented imported players such as Marcel Lăzăreanu and Zsolt Muzsnay (from Universitatea Cluj), Anton Weissenbacher (ex- Steaua București and Universitatea Craiova), Mircea Bolba (from
Olimpia Satu Mare Fotbal Club Olimpia MCMXXI Satu Mare, commonly known as Olimpia Satu Mare, Olimpia MCMXXI or simply as Olimpia, is a Romanian professional football club from Satu Mare, Satu Mare County, Romania, founded on 5 May 1921, re-founded in 2010 and 20 ...
) or Alexandru Terheș (from FC Brașov) among others, with important coaches: Attila Kun and Paul Popovici (ex players from the 1960s and 1970s),
Constantin Teașcă Constantin Teașcă also known as Titi Teașcă (25 September 1922 – 30 July 1996) was a Romanian football player and manager. Nicknamed "Little Napoleon", Teașcă was known for his controversial training methods for which he would get in con ...
, Viorel Kraus,
Viorel Mateianu Viorel Mateianu (1 June 1938 – 25 November 1997) was a Romanian football (soccer), football player and coach. Club career Mateianu was born in Lipănești, Prahova County, Prahova and started playing football in the Romanian lower leagues at F ...
,
Ștefan Coidum Ștefan Coidum (28 December 1930 – 27 February 2015) was a Romanian professional footballer and manager. Even if he did not have a lengthy playing career, playing only 10 seasons total, and just over 60 Divizia A matches, Coidum impressed muc ...
or
Robert Cosmoc Robert "Puiu" Cosmoc (17 July 1931 – 11 December 1997) was a Romanian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Flacăra Ploiești and Jiul Petroșani. After retirement, Cosmoc was a respectable football manager, managing for yea ...
, FC Bihor occupied the following positions: 1984–85 – 10th, 1985–86 – 18th, 1988–89 – 7th, 1989–90 – 10th and 1990–91 – 17th (
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
); 1986–87 – 4th and 1987–88 – 1st (
Divizia B The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football league system. The league changed its name from Divizia B just before the start of the 2006–07 football season. It is currently sponsored by Casa Pariu ...
). The presence in the top of
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
was at the end of 1988–89 season, when the team was ranked 4th, with great chances to accede in the European Cups. On 22 December 1989 radical changes were made the country due to the
Romanian Revolution The Romanian revolution () was a period of violent Civil disorder, civil unrest in Socialist Republic of Romania, Romania during December 1989 as a part of the revolutions of 1989 that occurred in several countries around the world, primarily ...
and the fall of
communism Communism () is a political sociology, sociopolitical, political philosophy, philosophical, and economic ideology, economic ideology within the history of socialism, socialist movement, whose goal is the creation of a communist society, a ...
, events that directed the football from
Oradea Oradea (, , ; ; ) is a city in Romania, located in the Crișana region. It serves as the administrative county seat, seat of Bihor County and an economic, social, and cultural hub in northwestern Romania. The city lies between rolling hills on ...
to other coordinates. However ''Orădenii'' finished 7th, equalizing for the second time the best ranking in its history, with coaches
Robert Cosmoc Robert "Puiu" Cosmoc (17 July 1931 – 11 December 1997) was a Romanian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Flacăra Ploiești and Jiul Petroșani. After retirement, Cosmoc was a respectable football manager, managing for yea ...
, Paul Popovici and D. Drăgan and a squad composed of: Jipa, Șerban - Bălaj, Bucico, Tămaș, Ivan, Vancea, Bereczki, Cheregi, Bruchental, Bolba, Mureșan, Baba, Weissenbacher, Craiu, Lazăr, Biszok, Terheș and Kulcsár.


Hard times (1991–2000)

Back to Divizia B, with new leadership and several experiments in the technical staff, including the Italian coach Gian Pio del Monaco, FC Bihor had poor results and finished only 5th at the end of the 1991–92 season. In the summer of 1992,
football agent A sports agent is a legal representative (hence agent (law), agent) for professional sports figures such as athletes and coaches. They procure and negotiate employment and Testimonial, endorsement contracts for the principal (commercial law), at ...
Ioan Codoban was hired as the new chairman of the club, the goal being
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
promotion, as always for the club from the banks of
Crișul Repede The Crișul Repede (Romanian language, Romanian Crișul Repede ("the rapid Criș"); Hungarian language, Hungarian Sebes-Körös) is a river in Bihor County, Crișana, Romania and in southeastern Hungary (Körösvidek). Together with the rivers Cri ...
river. "The Red and Blues" missed the target by one point, one point behind its bitter rival,
UTA Arad Asociația Fotbal Club UTA Arad (), commonly known as UTA Arad or simply UTA (''Uzina Textilă Arad''; ), is a Romanian professional football club based in the city of Arad, Arad County that competes in the Liga I. The team was founded in 1945 ...
. 1993–94 season was more than disappointing for supporters, who see a mediocre team, which finished 5th, behind teams such as: Maramureș Baia Mare, Unirea Alba Iulia,
CSM Reșița Asociația Club Sportiv Muncitoresc Reșița (), commonly known as CSM Reșița or simply as Reșița, is a professional Football (soccer), football club based in Reșița, Caraș-Severin County, which competes in the Liga II. The club was foun ...
and
Tractorul Brașov Tractorul Brașov was a football team from Brașov, Brașov County, Romania. History Beginnings Tractorul Brașov was founded in 1927 under the name IAR Brașov (''Industria Aeronautică Română Brașov''; English: Romanian Aeronautical Indust ...
and Codoban resigned from its position. After the departure of Codoban, the club has entered a very bad pass, financial problems have sprung up everywhere and from the sporting point of view, experienced coach
Ștefan Coidum Ștefan Coidum (28 December 1930 – 27 February 2015) was a Romanian professional footballer and manager. Even if he did not have a lengthy playing career, playing only 10 seasons total, and just over 60 Divizia A matches, Coidum impressed muc ...
has failed more than a rescue from relegation and a 12th place without glory. 1995–96 season was the most dramatic and closest to disaster season in the history of FC Bihor. With a precarious financial situation and a play more than modest, ''Bihorenii'' finished 17th out of 18, with only 31 points and relegated to
Divizia C The Liga 3, most often spelled as Liga III, is the third level of the Romanian football league system. It was founded in 1936 and was called Divizia C until 2006. An exception was the seasons 1992–93 to 1996–97, in which the league was call ...
back after 35 years. With a fortune of two players, the rest being sold, FC Bihor had the power to take it from the beginning, with a new president and a new coach, Mircea Fodor and Nicolae Manea. In the squad appeared with much stronger performances players such as:
Marius Popa Marius Cornel Popa (born 31 July 1978) is a Romanian former professional footballer who serves as a goalkeeping coach for Liga I club FCSB. Club career He started his career at the local team, Bihor Oradea in 1997 and three years later moved t ...
and Cosmin Bărcăuan, players who were part of a very good generation, including other names like: Zeno Bundea or
Viorel Domocoș Viorel Domocoș (born 11 April 1975) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder, currently assistant coach at Liga II The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football leag ...
, among others, but the team from
Oradea Oradea (, , ; ; ) is a city in Romania, located in the Crișana region. It serves as the administrative county seat, seat of Bihor County and an economic, social, and cultural hub in northwestern Romania. The city lies between rolling hills on ...
finished only 7th in the fourth series, far away from promotion. In July 1997 Borsi brothers, businessmen from
Oradea Oradea (, , ; ; ) is a city in Romania, located in the Crișana region. It serves as the administrative county seat, seat of Bihor County and an economic, social, and cultural hub in northwestern Romania. The city lies between rolling hills on ...
, took over the reins of the club and within a few months they managed the revival of the football from
Bihor County Bihor County (, ) is a county (județ) in western Romania. With a total area of , Bihor is Romania's 6th largest county geographically and the main county in the historical region of Crișana. Its capital city is Oradea (Nagyvárad). Toponymy ...
back in the second division, and even touching the performance of qualification in the last 16
Romanian Cup Romanian may refer to: *anything of, from, or related to the country and nation of Romania **Romanians, an ethnic group **Romanian language, a Romance language ***Romanian dialects, variants of the Romanian language **Romanian cuisine, traditional ...
teams. That performance was obtained with Viorel Abrudan as a coach and with a young and talented squad, formed of players that grew up in the club's academy. ''Orădenii'' finished 1st with 23 victories, 6 draws, 5 defeats, 77 goals scored and 28 conceded, 75 points, 15 more than the 2nd place ( IS Câmpia Turzii). In 1998, the club was taken over from the two brothers by another businessman, Viorel Știube, within 2 years the club knocked on the doors of the promotion to
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
. After a 1998–99 solid season ended on the 6th place, under coaches: Viorel Abrudan, Marcel Coraș and
Gabi Balint Gavril Pele "Gabi" Balint (born 3 January 1963) is a Romanian football manager and former player, who was part of the hugely successful Steaua team of the 1980s. Club career Born in Sângeorz-Băi, Bistrița, Balint made his Divizia A debut wit ...
, the club was abandoned again and reached the brink of relegation to the third division at the end of 1999–2000 season, when under coaches
Gabi Balint Gavril Pele "Gabi" Balint (born 3 January 1963) is a Romanian football manager and former player, who was part of the hugely successful Steaua team of the 1980s. Club career Born in Sângeorz-Băi, Bistrița, Balint made his Divizia A debut wit ...
and Costel Orac "the Red and Blues" finished on 14th place, not before being rescued from disaster by Bihor County Council.


Promotion play-offs (2000–2006)

In the
2000–01 Divizia B The 2000–01 Divizia B was the 61st season of the second tier of the Romanian football league system. The format has been maintained to two series, each of them having 18 teams. At the end of the season, the winners of the series promoted to Div ...
season, the club was taken over by Marius Vizer, who started a project to bring in three years FC Bihor in the elite football. In his first season with Vizer as owner, FC Bihor finished 4th after a great second part of the championship succeeded by the players and their coach
Ioan Andone Ioan Andone (; born 15 March 1960) is a Romanian professional football coach and former player. Club career Corvinul Hunedoara Ioan Andone, nicknamed "Fălcosul" was born on 15 March 1960 in Șpălnaca , and when he was 14 years old, he playe ...
. In
2001–02 Divizia B The 2001–02 Divizia B was the 62nd season of the second tier of the Romanian football league system. The format has been changed from two series of 18 teams to two series, each of them having 16 teams. At the end of the season, the winners of ...
team reached the last podium position after
UTA Arad Asociația Fotbal Club UTA Arad (), commonly known as UTA Arad or simply UTA (''Uzina Textilă Arad''; ), is a Romanian professional football club based in the city of Arad, Arad County that competes in the Liga I. The team was founded in 1945 ...
and
FC Baia Mare Minaur Baia Mare, known also as ''Minerul Baia Mare'', is a Romanian football club, based in Baia Mare, Maramureș County, northern Romania, founded in 1947. It currently plays in Romania's third division, Liga III. It played for seven seasons ...
, then in the 2002–03 season FC Bihor has made a step forward, being in the second position after Unirea Alba Iulia. In those circumstances, ''Fotbal Club Oradea'' (as it was called then), coached by
Ionuț Popa Ionuț Popa (17 April 1953 – 25 June 2020) was a Romanian professional footballer and manager. Popa managed teams such as UTA Arad, Bihor Oradea, Politehnica Iași and ACS Poli Timișoara, among others. Managerial career Popa was the coach ...
and chaired by Ioan Lucian, qualified for the Divizia A play-off, a match against Oțelul Galați. After the first round, FC Bihor lost 1–2, in
Galați Galați ( , , ; also known by other #Etymology and names, alternative names) is the capital city of Galați County in the historical region of Western Moldavia, in eastern Romania. Galați is a port town on the river Danube. and the sixth-larges ...
, but they took the revenge on the Municipal Stadium with 20,000 fans in the stands, beating Oțelul Galați with 3–1, the "golden goal" was scored by Bogdan Vrăjitoarea in overtime. Besides, all four goals in the double confrontation with Oțelul were scored by Bogdan Vrăjitoarea. The squad: Rotaru - Fl.Lazăr, Zaha, Cr.Munteanu - Gado, Naidin (Fele '63),
Dumitra Dumitra (; ) is a commune in Bistrița-Năsăud County, Transylvania, Romania. It is composed of three villages: Cepari (''Tschippendorf''; ''Csépán''), Dumitra, and Tărpiu (''Treppen''; ''Szásztörpény''). The commune is situated on the Tra ...
(captain), Fl.Călin ('67 Lungan) Sfârlea -
Csehi Csehi is a village in Vas County, Hungary Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Spanning much of the Pannonian Basin, Carpathian Basin, it is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and ...
, Vrăjitoarea. Substitutions: Mârne - Dianu, Măuță and Siminic. They could not play because of injuries, Coțan and Keșerü. The game against Oțelul accounted for FC Bihor supporters as the most important and beautiful game played by FC Bihor at home in its post-revolutionary history. It also was the last game in which the audience was allowed to access in the second stand. The match observer was very close not to allow disputing the match on the stadium because the capacity was exceeded. The stadium announcer even made an appeal to supporters from the second stand to manifest without coming off the places which they occupy because there was a danger of collapse due to weight. The adventure of ''FC Oradea'' in
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
was a short-lived one. After a hesitant first part of the season dotted with extraordinary results, like that 1-1 from the first round against
Rapid București Rapid(s) or RAPID may refer to: Hydrological features * Rapids, sections of a river with turbulent water flow * Rapid Creek (Iowa River tributary), Iowa, United States * Rapid Creek (South Dakota), United States, namesake of Rapid City Sport ...
(the defending champions at that time), but also unexpected defeats as that against FC Brașov, in the last round of the first part. One of the artisans of the promotion, coach
Ionuț Popa Ionuț Popa (17 April 1953 – 25 June 2020) was a Romanian professional footballer and manager. Popa managed teams such as UTA Arad, Bihor Oradea, Politehnica Iași and ACS Poli Timișoara, among others. Managerial career Popa was the coach ...
, was dismissed. It was the "beginning of the end". The club management, from which Marius Vizer withdrew, leaving the responsibility to the local government, decided to put in office the former coach of Steaua București,
Dumitru Dumitriu Dumitru Dumitriu (born 19 November 1945 in Bucharest), commonly known as Țiți Dumitru or Dumitriu III, is a retired Romanian footballer and coach. He is the younger brother of Emil Dumitriu ''(Dumitriu II)'' who was an International footballe ...
, a move which proved to be unfortunate. In the first game of the second part, ''FC Oradea'' not gathered too many points and Dumitriu was sacked. By the end of the season, "the Red and Blues" failed to obtain the points necessary to maintain in
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
and were relegated after only one year in the big football. After the return to
Divizia B The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football league system. The league changed its name from Divizia B just before the start of the 2006–07 football season. It is currently sponsored by Casa Pariu ...
, ''Orădenii'' concluded the
2004–05 Divizia B The 2004–05 Divizia B was the 65th season of the second tier of the Romanian football league system. The format has been maintained to three series, each of them consisting of 16 teams. At the end of the season, the winners of the series promo ...
season in 3rd place after
Jiul Petroșani Jiul may refer to these places in Romania: * the River Jiu ( + ) ** Jiul de Vest ** Jiul de Est * A village in Țuglui Țuglui is a commune in Dolj County, Oltenia, Romania Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, ...
and
Gaz Metan Mediaș Gaz may refer to: Geography *Gaz, Kyrgyzstan Iran * Gaz, Darmian, village in South Khorasan province * Gaz, Golestan, a village in Bandar-e Gaz County * Gaz, Hormozgan, a village in Minab County * Gaz, Kerman, a village * Gaz, North Khorasan, a ...
. In the next season,
Bihor County Bihor County (, ) is a county (județ) in western Romania. With a total area of , Bihor is Romania's 6th largest county geographically and the main county in the historical region of Crișana. Its capital city is Oradea (Nagyvárad). Toponymy ...
had two teams on the first two places: Liberty Salonta, which gave its
Divizia A Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
place to
UTA Arad Asociația Fotbal Club UTA Arad (), commonly known as UTA Arad or simply UTA (''Uzina Textilă Arad''; ), is a Romanian professional football club based in the city of Arad, Arad County that competes in the Liga I. The team was founded in 1945 ...
and FC Bihor (President, Alexandru Sătmăreanu; Technical director Emerich Jenei; Coach Alexandru Kiss) which disappointed at the promotion play-off, which was played on the Lia Manoliu Stadium. In the first match FC Bihor lost 0-2 (0–1), against
Forex Brașov The foreign exchange market (forex, FX, or currency market) is a global decentralized or over-the-counter (OTC) market for the trading of currencies. This market determines foreign exchange rates for every currency. By trading volume, it i ...
and cracked too in the last game, score 2-4 (1–4) against
Unirea Urziceni Fotbal Club Unirea Urziceni, commonly known as Unirea Urziceni (), was a Romanian professional Association football, football Club (organization), club based in Urziceni, Ialomița County. Unirea became Divizia A Final Tables, national champions ...
, result which promoted Unirea in the first league. The goals were scored for FC Bihor by Fl.Neaga and Foro. In that two games, for FC Bihor played: Mijanović - Oroș, Lupuț, D. Muscă, Lungan - Foro, Gr. Tudor, Strapak, (Szélesi '66), Fl. Neaga - Voiculeț ('46 Lupașcu), Miculescu ('61 V. Grigore), with
Forex Brașov The foreign exchange market (forex, FX, or currency market) is a global decentralized or over-the-counter (OTC) market for the trading of currencies. This market determines foreign exchange rates for every currency. By trading volume, it i ...
, respectively: Mijanović - Oroș, Lupuț ('36 Pătrașcu), D. Muscă, Lungan - Foro, Gr.Tudor, Strapak ('71 Voiculeț), Fl.Neaga - Miculescu ('46 V.Grigore), Széles.


A new beginning (2006–2010)

After the play-off, president and technical director, Alexandru Sătmăreanu and Emerich Jenei, were dismissed and FC Bihor has set itself as an objective to rebuild the team. President was named Alexandru Toth Ardelean and coaches in the
2006–07 Liga II The 2006–07 Liga II was the 67th season of the second tier of the Romanian football league system. The name of the leagues in Romania was changed started with this season. (Divizia A was renamed as Liga I, Divizia B as Liga II, Divizia C as Liga ...
season were Alexandru Kiss and Florin Farcaș. It was a very difficult championship, FC Bihor managed to save from relegation in the last round after a win, 3–1, away at Auxerre Lugoj. Even if the seniors had problems, not the same can be said about the republican youth squad (coach Horia Rădulescu) and B youth squad (coach Gheorghe Silaghi) who managed to get the bronze medals in the final of the National Championship. Remarkable was that the second team, FC Bihor II (coach Mircea Fodor), managed to promote to
Liga III The Liga 3, most often spelled as Liga III, is the third level of the Romanian football league system. It was founded in 1936 and was called Divizia C until 2006. An exception was the seasons 1992–93 to 1996–97, in which the league was call ...
after a play-off match won, 3–2 against FC Zalău. In the
2007–08 Liga II The 2007–08 Liga II was the 68th season of the second tier of the Romanian football league system. The season began on 25 August 2007 and lasted until 24 May 2008. The format has been maintained to two series, each of them consisting of 18 team ...
season, FC Bihor started with a new technical staff composed of Gheorghe Silaghi (manager), Zoltan Vig (assistant manager), Mircea Fodor (assistant manager) and Dorin Mudura (goalkeeping coach). FC Bihor II was taken by Horia Rădulescu, who was helped by Alexandru Gergely. The club was financially supported by Oradea City Council and Bihor County Council. At the end of the
2007–08 Liga II The 2007–08 Liga II was the 68th season of the second tier of the Romanian football league system. The season began on 25 August 2007 and lasted until 24 May 2008. The format has been maintained to two series, each of them consisting of 18 team ...
season FC Bihor has managed to stay away from the relegation places, occupying 8th place, with a record of 13 wins, 8 draws, 13 defeats and 47 points, far away from the objective of the club, which had a squad consisting of valuable players and a budget that could allowed the promotion to the first league. The squad of FC Bihor, managed by Gheorghe Silaghi: Lipitor, Fildan, Bonta- V.Indrieș, Ambruș, Muscă, Lőrincz, Opriceană, Teșan, A.Achim, Andor, Ayza, Floruț, R.Lukács, C.Bucur, Gongolea, S.Achim, Săndulescu, Mihu, Cosma, V.Florea, Predică, Radu, Széles and L.Todea. On the same line of the modest progress, FC Bihor occupied 10th place, in the 2008–09 season, when they accumulated 46 points after winning 13 matches, 7 matches had ended in a draw and 14 defeats. Without significant changes in the group of players, but with a new coach in the person of Zoltan Vig and a budget of about 1 million
The euro sign () is the currency sign used for the euro, the official currency of the eurozone. The design was presented to the public by the European Commission on 12 December 1996. It consists of a stylized letter E (or epsilon), crossed by t ...
. The management of FC Bihor was criticized for goal setting, a place from 1 to 10. At the end of the season ''Bihorenii'' finished on the 10th place. The preparing of the next season was made under a new chairman, Gheorghe Alexandrescu, who held the job only from June 2009 to October 2009, after that the destinies of ''the Red and Blues'' were taken over by Ioan Lucian. FC Bihor has played in that edition of the championship equally disappointing, finally occupying the 9th place with a line of 10 victories, 12 draws and 10 defeats. In the 2009–10 season the team was coached by Ioan Petcu, then replaced by Ovidiu Lazăr. In the second part of the season FC Bihor recovered with a new coach, Dan Dobai, and a squad with a lot of players from Liberty Salonta ( Petrache, Tegzes, Chiș, Coroian, Sorian, Danci). In June 2010, between the local administration and businessman Marius Vizer, the chairman of the International Judo Federation and owner of Liberty Football Academy, was signed a two-year partnership on the takeover of the club's management.


Premature promotion (2010–2013)

With young players coming mostly from Liberty Salonta, FC Bihor managed in the first year of the collaboration with Liberty, a very good season in the
Liga II The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football league system. The league changed its name from Divizia B just before the start of the 2006–07 Liga II, 2006–07 football season. It is currently Sponso ...
. Although officially the target wasn't the promotion, the club managed to finish 2nd in the
2010–11 Liga II The 2010–11 Liga II was the 71st season of the second tier of the Romanian football league system. The season started on 28 August 2010 and ended on 4 June 2011. FRF approved the new system with two divisions of 16 teams each, compared to the ...
season, and thus obtain the access to
Liga I Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
. The performance was possible after the team from Oradea has fared consistently in the championship, especially in the second part when though have some opponents who have announced from the start that aim to promote, teams like Voința Sibiu,
CSMS Iași A Cyber Security Management System is a form of Information security management system, particularly focussed on protecting automation and transport systems. The EU Cybersecurity Act, of 2019, led to the creation of UNECE working groups which develo ...
and
Dacia Mioveni Clubul Sportiv Mioveni (), commonly known as CS Mioveni or simply Mioveni, was a Romanian professional football Football is a family of team sports that involve, to varying degrees, kick (football), kicking a football (ball), ball to scor ...
, FC Bihor managed to defeat them and conquer important points on their home grounds. From that "red-blue" squad were part players such as:
Adrian Mărkuș Adrian Alexandru Mărkuș (born 4 October 1992, in Oțelu Roșu) is a Romanian footballer A football player or footballer is a sportsperson who plays one of the different types of football. The main types of football are association footbal ...
,
Andrei Florean Andrei Alexandru Florean (born 3 April 1992) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a right midfielder. Club career Florean made his Liga I debut playing for Săgeata Năvodari on 20 July 2013 in a match against Gaz Metan Mediaș. ...
, Sergiu Oltean, Dumitru Muscă, Krisztián Pogacsics, Cătălin Chiș, Alexandru Sorian, Florin Pop or Mihai Deaconescu, among others. The first eleven that was sent on the pitch in the last game, a 4–2 win, against Gaz Metan CFR Craiova: Pogacsics - Oltean, Muscă, Deaconescu, Lupu - Chiș, M.Popa, Selagea - Florean, Cigan, Bîrză. In the second half, entered: Sorian, Petrache and Fl. Pop; manager: Gheorghe Ghiț. Three of the four goals in that game from the last round of the championship were scored by Cătălin Chiș and the other one by Ciprian Selagea. The joy of the promotion obtained on the football pitch, which was then celebrated in front of the Oradea City Hall by hundreds of fans, city and county officials, it was not a long-term one. A decision of the
Romanian Football Federation The Romanian Football Federation (; FRF) is the governing body of football in Romania. They are headquartered in the capital city of Bucharest and affiliated with FIFA and UEFA since 1923 and 1955 respectively. The Federation organizes the men's ...
, which has tightened the criteria for licensing, not made possible the evolution of FC Bihor in the following
Liga I Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
season, because of the historic debts accumulated by the former management of the club. It was a controversial decision of the Licensing Commission of the FRF, marking the first time when a team that has obtained the right to play in
Liga I Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
was relegated due to the financial situation. Subsequently, after the economic crisis appeared, the licensing criteria have become milder. However, ''Orădenii'' were forced to start over again from
Liga II The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football league system. The league changed its name from Divizia B just before the start of the 2006–07 Liga II, 2006–07 football season. It is currently Sponso ...
in the next season. But although they have proposed to promote, the target could not be obtained on the ground. The disappointment caused by the promotion ban was quite high and affected the morale of players who had an average age rather low. Thus, FC Bihor finished the 2011–12 season only 8th with 44 points, as a result of 12 wins, 8 draws and 10 defeats. Meanwhile, the partnership with businessman Marius Vizer and his company, Liberty, was extended, the objective of promotion was more pressing than ever. Unfortunately, although there were big ambitions, the first part of the
2012–13 1 (one, unit, unity) is a number, numeral, and glyph. It is the first and smallest positive integer of the infinite sequence of natural numbers. This fundamental property has led to its unique uses in other fields, ranging from science to sp ...
season did not bring the expected results and the team was far from the objective. Coach
Claudiu Niculescu Claudiu Iulian Niculescu (born 23 June 1976) is a Romanian football coach and former striker, currently in charge of Liga II club CSM Slatina. Club career Early career Claudiu Niculescu was born in Slatina and started playing football at th ...
was dismissed and
Marian Pană Marian Pană (born 24 December 1968, in Moreni) is a football manager and former professional footballer. He previously managed teams like Cetatea Suceava, FC Știința Bacău, Știința Bacău, ACF Gloria Bistrița, Gloria Bistrița, FC Universi ...
was hired instead and five valuable players have signed contracts with FC Bihor: Florin Lazăr,
Ciprian Vasilache Ciprian Vasilache (born 14 September 1983) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Vasilache made his début in Liga I with Gloria Bistrița, in 2002. Between January 2004 and January 2007 he played for Rapid B ...
, Ovidiu Mihalache,
Cristian Bud Cristian Ionuț Bud (; born 26 June 1985) is a Romanian professional Association football, footballer who plays as a Forward (association football)#Striker, striker for CS Făurei. Career Early years In 2004, Bud began his career with his home ...
and Daniel Vădrariu. In the second part of the season it has been tried an evolution without mistake, a journey of force to return on the top places, but unfortunately, FC Bihor ranked only 7th with 33 points.


Insolvency and bankruptcy (2013–2016)

The disappointment caused by the failure of promotion, but also the fact that he was elected the president of
SportAccord SportAccord is a global sports event organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland, that is governed by stakeholders representing the Olympic and non-Olympic International Federations and has currently taken on some of the activities of the dissolve ...
, determined businessman Marius Vizer not to extend the partnership with
Oradea Oradea (, , ; ; ) is a city in Romania, located in the Crișana region. It serves as the administrative county seat, seat of Bihor County and an economic, social, and cultural hub in northwestern Romania. The city lies between rolling hills on ...
and
Bihor County Bihor County (, ) is a county (județ) in western Romania. With a total area of , Bihor is Romania's 6th largest county geographically and the main county in the historical region of Crișana. Its capital city is Oradea (Nagyvárad). Toponymy ...
authorities. After the separation of Liberty and supported only by the Oradea City Council and Bihor County Council, the club tried to rebuild the team, relying only on local players and young players from their own academy. In 2009 the new chairman of FC Bihor at that time, Ioan Lucian, discovered large debts and introduced the club into insolvency to avoid bankruptcy. Then, during the partnership with Liberty the insolvency plan has been respected and 14 installments have been paid. After the withdrawal of Liberty, no more installments were paid and the bankruptcy was delayed several times. Later, during the reconstruction of the team and due to the severe financial situation, a collaboration was possible with Luceafărul Felix, the second team of
Bihor County Bihor County (, ) is a county (județ) in western Romania. With a total area of , Bihor is Romania's 6th largest county geographically and the main county in the historical region of Crișana. Its capital city is Oradea (Nagyvárad). Toponymy ...
, which decided to withdraw from
Liga II The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football league system. The league changed its name from Divizia B just before the start of the 2006–07 Liga II, 2006–07 football season. It is currently Sponso ...
and give their best players to FC Bihor. The team was rebuilt under Gheorghe Ghiț, who managed the 2011 promotion. In the first part of the season the results were poor and Gheorghe Ghiț was replaced by
Alexandru Pelici Alexandru Pelici (born 10 January 1974) is a Romanian former professional footballer and currently a manager. He is in charge of Liga III club Unirea Alba Iulia. Player career He started the player career in his hometown, Timișoara, at Prog ...
, but results remained unchanged and FC Bihor ended in the 2013–14 Liga II season on 9th place, just above the relegation zone. In the summer of 2014 Oradea City Council, one of the owners of the club, withdrew and left the team in a tough situation. As a result of this action, the president of the club, Șerban Morcan refused to renew his contract with FC Bihor. At that time, the club was heading to dissolution. However, the other owner, Bihor County Council tried to reorganize the team and appointed a new chairman, in the person of Viorel Nemeș. However, the situation worsened after Bihor County Council faced legal problems related to the absence of the other owner from the club's organization chart. The club lived entire season with money received from the transfers of players and sponsorships, but that money was not enough to pay the wages. Because of the financial situation and the lack of results, coach
Alexandru Pelici Alexandru Pelici (born 10 January 1974) is a Romanian former professional footballer and currently a manager. He is in charge of Liga III club Unirea Alba Iulia. Player career He started the player career in his hometown, Timișoara, at Prog ...
has resigned and was replaced by his assistant, Călin Cheregi. In March 2015, president Viorel Nemeș has resigned due to the poor financial situation. Mircea Fodor, former player and coach of FC Bihor, was appointed as the new chairman, he was the only one who has assumed the disastrous situation. Fodor was also the chairman who saved FC Bihor's boat in 1996, at the last critical moment, but this time chances of success seemed to be low. Then, in April, Călin Cheregi has resigned too and was replaced by Gheorghe Silaghi, former coach of FC Bihor II. The 2014–15 season was a real disaster for FC Bihor, which ended in the relegation zone, on 10th place, being saved only by the dissolution of Olt Slatina and Fortuna Poiana Câmpina. In the summer of 2015, a new sponsor was brought to the club, in the person of Mihai Giurgiu, the owner of a football academy from
Cluj-Napoca Cluj-Napoca ( ; ), or simply Cluj ( , ), is a city in northwestern Romania. It is the second-most populous city in the country and the seat of Cluj County. Geographically, it is roughly equidistant from Bucharest (), Budapest () and Belgrade ( ...
. He assumed all the club's debts estimated at 1 million
The euro sign () is the currency sign used for the euro, the official currency of the eurozone. The design was presented to the public by the European Commission on 12 December 1996. It consists of a stylized letter E (or epsilon), crossed by t ...
, but after a short period he gave up to finance the team. In the
2015–16 Liga II The 2015–16 Liga II was the 76th season of the Liga II, the second tier of the Romanian football league system. The season began on 29 August. The 28 teams were divided in two series (with 14 teams each). The regular season was played in a ro ...
season, the team was always threatened with bankruptcy and exclusion from championship and only the efforts made by Mircea Fodor and the players, who were not paid for several months, kept the team alive. In October Gheorghe Silaghi has resigned and was replaced by Dan Mănăilă, the only coach who agreed to work for free. In January 2016, FC Bihor was kicked out from its headquarters and coach Dan Mănăilă chose to coach a
Liga IV Liga IV is the fourth level of the Romanian football league system and is run in all 41 counties and in the Municipality of Bucharest. It was known as the Regional Championship, County Championship, Divizia C – County Phase and Divizia D. Its ...
side instead of FC Bihor. Finally, after a year in which it lived from day to day, FC Bihor has been declared bankrupt on 12 January 2016. After the declaration of bankruptcy,
CSM Oradea CSM Oradea is a Romanian sports society from Oradea, Romania Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Central, Eastern Europe, Eastern and Southeast Europe. It borders Ukraine to the north and east, Hungary to t ...
announced the establishment of the football department and took the youth academy of FC Bihor, in an attempt to save what was still possible.


Youth program

Youth academy of FC Bihor gave important names for the Romanian and international football such as: Sebastian Achim, Cosmin Bărcăuan, Zeno Bundea, Cristian Cigan,
Viorel Domocoș Viorel Domocoș (born 11 April 1975) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder, currently assistant coach at Liga II The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football leag ...
, Ioan Filip,
Ramses Gado Ramses Gado (born 9 May 1982), also known as ''Pharaoh, The Pharaoh'', is a Romanian former Association football, footballer who played as a Winger (football), winger. In his career Gado played for teams such as FC Bihor Oradea (1958), FC Bihor, ...
, Ovidiu Hoban,
Claudiu Keșerü Claudiu Andrei Keșerü (; born 2 December 1986) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is currently serving as sporting director at Liga II club Bihor Oradea. After starting out at his hometown side Bihor Or ...
, Attila Kun, Ovidiu Lazăr, Raymond Lukacs,
Marius Popa Marius Cornel Popa (born 31 July 1978) is a Romanian former professional footballer who serves as a goalkeeping coach for Liga I club FCSB. Club career He started his career at the local team, Bihor Oradea in 1997 and three years later moved t ...
, Daniel Usvat or Ion Zare. After the declaration of bankruptcy,
CSM Oradea CSM Oradea is a Romanian sports society from Oradea, Romania Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central Europe, Central, Eastern Europe, Eastern and Southeast Europe. It borders Ukraine to the north and east, Hungary to t ...
announced the establishment of the football department and took the youth academy of FC Bihor.


Grounds

The club played its home matches on Stadionul Iuliu Bodola from
Oradea Oradea (, , ; ; ) is a city in Romania, located in the Crișana region. It serves as the administrative county seat, seat of Bihor County and an economic, social, and cultural hub in northwestern Romania. The city lies between rolling hills on ...
. The second team and youth teams played their matches on Stadionul Motorul, also located in
Oradea Oradea (, , ; ; ) is a city in Romania, located in the Crișana region. It serves as the administrative county seat, seat of Bihor County and an economic, social, and cultural hub in northwestern Romania. The city lies between rolling hills on ...
.


Support

FC Bihor has many supporters in
Oradea Oradea (, , ; ; ) is a city in Romania, located in the Crișana region. It serves as the administrative county seat, seat of Bihor County and an economic, social, and cultural hub in northwestern Romania. The city lies between rolling hills on ...
and especially in
Bihor County Bihor County (, ) is a county (județ) in western Romania. With a total area of , Bihor is Romania's 6th largest county geographically and the main county in the historical region of Crișana. Its capital city is Oradea (Nagyvárad). Toponymy ...
. The ultras group of FC Bihor Oradea it is known as ''Peluza Nord Oradea (PNO)''. FC Bihor supporters consider
Olimpia Satu Mare Fotbal Club Olimpia MCMXXI Satu Mare, commonly known as Olimpia Satu Mare, Olimpia MCMXXI or simply as Olimpia, is a Romanian professional football club from Satu Mare, Satu Mare County, Romania, founded on 5 May 1921, re-founded in 2010 and 20 ...
supporters to be their allies, fans of both teams had the opportunity to support the other during matches.


Rivalries

The most important rivalry for FC Bihor is the one against
UTA Arad Asociația Fotbal Club UTA Arad (), commonly known as UTA Arad or simply UTA (''Uzina Textilă Arad''; ), is a Romanian professional football club based in the city of Arad, Arad County that competes in the Liga I. The team was founded in 1945 ...
. This derby it is known as ''The West Derby'', name used also for other two rivalries: UTA Arad Vs. Politehnica Timișoara and FC Bihor Oradea Vs. Politehnica Timișoara. Apart from these two rivalries, against
UTA Arad Asociația Fotbal Club UTA Arad (), commonly known as UTA Arad or simply UTA (''Uzina Textilă Arad''; ), is a Romanian professional football club based in the city of Arad, Arad County that competes in the Liga I. The team was founded in 1945 ...
and Politehnica Timișoara, FC Bihor have also a rivalry against FCM Baia Mare and a local one against Luceafărul Oradea, also known as ''Oradea Derby''.


Seasons


Historical squads

File:Crisul Oradea 1965-1966.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1966-1967.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1974-1975.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1975-1976.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1978-1979.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1981-1982.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1982-1983.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1983-1984.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1985-1986.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1986-1987.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1988-1989.jpg, File:FC Bihor 1989-1990.jpg,


Honours


Leagues

*
Liga II The Liga 2, most commonly spelled as Liga II, is the second level of the Romanian football league system. The league changed its name from Divizia B just before the start of the 2006–07 Liga II, 2006–07 football season. It is currently Sponso ...
**Winners (5): 1962–63, 1970–71, 1974–75, 1981–82, 1987–88 **Runners-up (8): 1967–68,
1972–73 Year 197 ( CXCVII) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar. At the time, it was known as the Year of the Consulship of Magius and Rufinus (or, less frequently, year 950 ''Ab urbe condita''). The denomination 197 for this y ...
, 1973–74, 1979–80, 1992–93, 2002–03, 2005–06,
2010–11 1 (one, unit, unity) is a number, numeral, and glyph. It is the first and smallest positive integer of the infinite sequence of natural numbers. This fundamental property has led to its unique uses in other fields, ranging from science to sp ...
*
Liga III The Liga 3, most often spelled as Liga III, is the third level of the Romanian football league system. It was founded in 1936 and was called Divizia C until 2006. An exception was the seasons 1992–93 to 1996–97, in which the league was call ...
**Winners (1): 1997–98


Friendly

*Norcia Winter Cup Italy **Winners (1): 2004 **Runners-up (1): 2005


Other performances

*Appearances in
Liga I Liga I (; ''First League''), also spelled as Liga 1 and officially known as SuperLiga for sponsorship reasons, is a professional association football league in Romania and the highest level of the Romanian football league system. Contested by 1 ...
: 18 *Best finish in Liga I: 7th place in the 1963–1964, 1983–84 and 1988–89 seasons. *Place 24 of 98 teams in the Liga I All-time table


Shirt sponsors and manufacturers


Player statistics


All-time most appearances


All-time top scorers

*Only players for which information is available are taken into consideration.


Notable former players

The footballers enlisted below have had international cap(s) for their respective countries at junior and/or senior level and/or more than 100 caps for FC Bihor Oradea. ;Romania * Cristian Albeanu * Cosmin Bărcăuan *
Ovidiu Bic Ovidiu Alexandru Bic (; born 23 February 1994) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Liga I club Universitatea Cluj. Club career On 5 January 2018, Bic signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with CS Universitatea ...
* Zeno Bundea * Marius Cheregi * Cristian Cigan * Sorin Cigan * Andrei Coroian * Zoltan Crișan *
Ion Dumitra Ion Dumitra (born 30 January 1976) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for teams such as Bihor Oradea, Jiul Petroșani, Minerul Lupeni Clubul Sportiv Viitorul Minerul Lupeni, commonly referred to as Mineru ...
*
Andrei Florean Andrei Alexandru Florean (born 3 April 1992) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a right midfielder. Club career Florean made his Liga I debut playing for Săgeata Năvodari on 20 July 2013 in a match against Gaz Metan Mediaș. ...
* Nicolae Florescu *
Ramses Gado Ramses Gado (born 9 May 1982), also known as ''Pharaoh, The Pharaoh'', is a Romanian former Association football, footballer who played as a Winger (football), winger. In his career Gado played for teams such as FC Bihor Oradea (1958), FC Bihor, ...
* Cornel Georgescu * Alexandru Gergely * Adrian Gongolea * Petre Grosu * Sergiu Hanca * Ovidiu Hoban * Ion Ionescu *
Claudiu Keșerü Claudiu Andrei Keșerü (; born 2 December 1986) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a striker. He is currently serving as sporting director at Liga II club Bihor Oradea. After starting out at his hometown side Bihor Or ...
* Sándor Kulcsár * Attila Kun ;Greece * Giorgos Zindros ;Macedonia *
Jurica Siljanoski Jurica 'Juri' Siljanoski (born 30 December 1973) is a Macedonian former professional footballer who played as a forward. Club career Siljanoski was born in Yugoslavia. After five years of no games at clubs like FK Ohrid, Bayern Munich, AZ Al ...
;Ukraine * Serhiy Kuznetsov ;Romania * Florin Lazăr * Ovidiu Lazăr * Marcel Lăzăreanu * Gheorghe Liliac * János Lukács * Raymond Lukács * Mihai Lungan * Cornel Lupău *
Adrian Mărkuș Adrian Alexandru Mărkuș (born 4 October 1992, in Oțelu Roșu) is a Romanian footballer A football player or footballer is a sportsperson who plays one of the different types of football. The main types of football are association footbal ...
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Dorin Mihuț Dorin Adrian Mihuț (born 26 June 1982) is a Romanian former football player who played as a right back. In his career Mihuț played for teams such as: Olimpia Salonta, FC Bihor, Dinamo București and UTA Arad, among others. Honours Player ...
* Cristian Munteanu * Zsolt Muzsnay * Alexandru Nagy * Eugen Nagy * Ioan Naom * Cătălin Necula ;Romania *
Leonida Nedelcu Leonida "Loni" Nedelcu (also known as Leonida Nedelcu II; born 14 August 1952) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a striker, currently the manager of WOSPAC Palestina. In his career "Loni" Nedelcu played for various Roma ...
* Doru Nicolae *
Ion Nițu Ion Nițu (born 31 July 1952 – 15 June 2004) was a Romanian footballer who played as a defender for teams such as Steaua București, Jiul Petroșani and Bihor Oradea, among others. Honours Jiul Petroșani *Cupa României: 1973–74 Steau ...
* Cristian Oroș *
Ștefan Petcu Ștefan Petcu (born 17 March 1957) is a Romanian retired Football (soccer), footballer, who most notably played for FC Constanţa, Farul Constanţa and FC Steaua București, Steaua București. On 25 March 2008 he was decorated by the president of ...
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Marius Popa Marius Cornel Popa (born 31 July 1978) is a Romanian former professional footballer who serves as a goalkeeping coach for Liga I club FCSB. Club career He started his career at the local team, Bihor Oradea in 1997 and three years later moved t ...
* Paul Popovici *
George Pușcaș George Alexandru Pușcaș (; born 8 April 1996) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Süper Lig club Bodrum and the Romania national team. Club career Inter Milan Pușcaș made his Internazionale debut on 1 Februa ...
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Iosif Rotariu Iosif Rotariu (born 27 September 1962) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He debuted in Divizia A with Politehnica Timișoara in 1981. He won the league championship with Steaua București in 1987, 1988, ...
*
Gabriel Rotaru Gabriel Rotaru (born 8 January 1971) is a Romanian footballer who plays for Liga IV Liga IV is the fourth level of the Romanian football league system and is run in all 41 counties and in the Municipality of Bucharest. It was known as the ...
* Alexandru Sătmăreanu *
Lajos Sătmăreanu Lajos Sătmăreanu (also known as Ludovic Sătmăreanu, , born 21 February 1944) is a Romanian former football player of Hungarian ethnicity. Club career Lajos Sătmăreanu, nicknamed '' Facchetti of the Carpathians'' was born on 21 February 19 ...
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Petru Șchiopu Petru Șchiopu (28 April 1947 – 10 October 2014) was a Romanian football midfielder. Club career Petru Șchiopu was born on 28 April 1947 in Pecica, Romania, starting to play football at UTA Arad, making his Divizia A debut on 2 May 1966 in a ...
* Ciprian Selagea *
Sebastian Sfârlea Sebastian "Sebi" Ioan Sfârlea (born 26 July 1981) is a Romanian former footballer who played as a midfielder.Alexandru Sorian *
Árpád Szűcs Árpád Szűcs (also known as Arpad Suciu; born 16 March 1943) is a Romanian former professional Association football, footballer of Hungary, Hungarian ethnicity. Szűcs grew up in the youth academies of the historical local clubs Stăruința Or ...
* Alexandru Terheș *
Florin Țîrcă Florin Ionel Țîrcă (born 1 February 1984) is a Romanian football defender who plays for German German(s) may refer to: * Germany, the country of the Germans and German things **Germania (Roman era) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of ...
* Bogdan Vrăjitoarea * Anton Weissenbacher * Ion Zare *
Iosif Vigu Iosif Vigu (born 15 May 1946) is a Romanian former footballer who played as a left back. He was also a manager. Club career Vigu was born on 15 May 1946 in Șimian, Bihor, Romania, starting to play football at the junior squads of Crișul Ora ...


Former managers

* Ladislau Zilahi (1962–1963) * Constantin Voroncovschi (1963–1964) * Ladislau Zilahi (1964–1966) *
Gusztáv Juhász Gusztáv Juhász (also written as Guștav Iuhași; 19 December 1911 – 20 January 2003) was a Romanian football player and coach of Hungarian origin. He played in over 200 matches and scored 10 goals for Club Atletic Oradea. Biography Pla ...
(1966–1967) * Anton Fernbach-Ferenczi (1967–1969) * Ladislau Vlad (1969–1971) *
Ștefan Coidum Ștefan Coidum (28 December 1930 – 27 February 2015) was a Romanian professional footballer and manager. Even if he did not have a lengthy playing career, playing only 10 seasons total, and just over 60 Divizia A matches, Coidum impressed muc ...
(1971–1972) * Anton Fernbach-Ferenczi (1972–1974) * Ladislau Vlad (1974) *
Robert Cosmoc Robert "Puiu" Cosmoc (17 July 1931 – 11 December 1997) was a Romanian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Flacăra Ploiești and Jiul Petroșani. After retirement, Cosmoc was a respectable football manager, managing for yea ...
(1975) *
Gheorghe Staicu Gheorghe "Gigi" Staicu (18 December 1935 – 10 June 2021) was a Romanian professional football player and manager who played for Steaua București, having developed in the club's academy.
(1975) *
Robert Cosmoc Robert "Puiu" Cosmoc (17 July 1931 – 11 December 1997) was a Romanian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Flacăra Ploiești and Jiul Petroșani. After retirement, Cosmoc was a respectable football manager, managing for yea ...
(1976–1977) *
Ioan Reinhardt Ioan Reinhardt (also known as János Radnai; born 9 January 1920 – 6 June 1993*) was a Romanian footballer and manager. As a footballer, Reinhardt, who was a midfielder, played in 202 matches for AMEF Arad, Kolozsvári AC and Flamura Roșie ...
(1977–1978) * Emerich Jenei (1978–1980) *
Gheorghe Staicu Gheorghe "Gigi" Staicu (18 December 1935 – 10 June 2021) was a Romanian professional football player and manager who played for Steaua București, having developed in the club's academy.
(1981–1983) * Attila Kun (1983) * Attila Kun (1984) *
Constantin Teașcă Constantin Teașcă also known as Titi Teașcă (25 September 1922 – 30 July 1996) was a Romanian football player and manager. Nicknamed "Little Napoleon", Teașcă was known for his controversial training methods for which he would get in con ...
(1985) * Viorel Kraus (1985–1986) *
Viorel Mateianu Viorel Mateianu (1 June 1938 – 25 November 1997) was a Romanian football (soccer), football player and coach. Club career Mateianu was born in Lipănești, Prahova County, Prahova and started playing football in the Romanian lower leagues at F ...
(1986) *
Ștefan Coidum Ștefan Coidum (28 December 1930 – 27 February 2015) was a Romanian professional footballer and manager. Even if he did not have a lengthy playing career, playing only 10 seasons total, and just over 60 Divizia A matches, Coidum impressed muc ...
(1987–1988) *
Viorel Mateianu Viorel Mateianu (1 June 1938 – 25 November 1997) was a Romanian football (soccer), football player and coach. Club career Mateianu was born in Lipănești, Prahova County, Prahova and started playing football in the Romanian lower leagues at F ...
(1988) * Paul Popovici (1988–1989) *
Robert Cosmoc Robert "Puiu" Cosmoc (17 July 1931 – 11 December 1997) was a Romanian professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Flacăra Ploiești and Jiul Petroșani. After retirement, Cosmoc was a respectable football manager, managing for yea ...
(1989–1990) * Paul Popovici (1990) * Alexandru Muta (1990–1991) *
Ștefan Coidum Ștefan Coidum (28 December 1930 – 27 February 2015) was a Romanian professional footballer and manager. Even if he did not have a lengthy playing career, playing only 10 seasons total, and just over 60 Divizia A matches, Coidum impressed muc ...
(1994–1995) *
Árpád Szűcs Árpád Szűcs (also known as Arpad Suciu; born 16 March 1943) is a Romanian former professional Association football, footballer of Hungary, Hungarian ethnicity. Szűcs grew up in the youth academies of the historical local clubs Stăruința Or ...
(1996) * Nicolae Manea (1996–1997) *
Gavril Balint Gavril Pele "Gabi" Balint (born 3 January 1963) is a Romanian football manager and former player, who was part of the hugely successful Steaua team of the 1980s. Club career Born in Sângeorz-Băi, Bistrița, Balint made his Divizia A debut wit ...
(1998–1999) * Costel Orac (1999–2000) * Alexandru Muta (2000) *
Ioan Andone Ioan Andone (; born 15 March 1960) is a Romanian professional football coach and former player. Club career Corvinul Hunedoara Ioan Andone, nicknamed "Fălcosul" was born on 15 March 1960 in Șpălnaca , and when he was 14 years old, he playe ...
(2000–2001) *
Lajos Détári Lajos László Détári (born 24 April 1963) is a Hungarian football manager and former player who played as a midfielder. At the height of his career (1984–1994), he was a well-respected player throughout Europe, winning "Player of the Year" ...
(2001) * Alexandru Moldovan (2001–2002) *
Marin Ion Marin Ion (born 25 March 1955) is a Romanian professional football coach and a former player, currently the head coach of the Romania national under-19 team. Playing career Marin started his football career as a defender with the youth team ...
(2002) *
Ionuț Popa Ionuț Popa (17 April 1953 – 25 June 2020) was a Romanian professional footballer and manager. Popa managed teams such as UTA Arad, Bihor Oradea, Politehnica Iași and ACS Poli Timișoara, among others. Managerial career Popa was the coach ...
(2002–2003) *
Dumitru Dumitriu Dumitru Dumitriu (born 19 November 1945 in Bucharest), commonly known as Țiți Dumitru or Dumitriu III, is a retired Romanian footballer and coach. He is the younger brother of Emil Dumitriu ''(Dumitriu II)'' who was an International footballe ...
(2003–2004) * Marian Bondrea (2004–2005) * Zsolt Muzsnay (2005) *
Alin Artimon Alin Artimon (born 31 August 1971 in Timișoara, Romania) is a former Romanian football player and current manager. History Artimon started his career at CSȘ Timișoara and played for the senior team of Politehnica Timișoara before joinin ...
(2005) *
Marin Ion Marin Ion (born 25 March 1955) is a Romanian professional football coach and a former player, currently the head coach of the Romania national under-19 team. Playing career Marin started his football career as a defender with the youth team ...
(2005–2006) * Ovidiu Lazăr (2009) * Ioan Petcu (2009) *
Claudiu Niculescu Claudiu Iulian Niculescu (born 23 June 1976) is a Romanian football coach and former striker, currently in charge of Liga II club CSM Slatina. Club career Early career Claudiu Niculescu was born in Slatina and started playing football at th ...
(2012) *
Iosif Rotariu Iosif Rotariu (born 27 September 1962) is a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He debuted in Divizia A with Politehnica Timișoara in 1981. He won the league championship with Steaua București in 1987, 1988, ...
(2012) *
Marian Pană Marian Pană (born 24 December 1968, in Moreni) is a football manager and former professional footballer. He previously managed teams like Cetatea Suceava, FC Știința Bacău, Știința Bacău, ACF Gloria Bistrița, Gloria Bistrița, FC Universi ...
(2013) *
Alexandru Pelici Alexandru Pelici (born 10 January 1974) is a Romanian former professional footballer and currently a manager. He is in charge of Liga III club Unirea Alba Iulia. Player career He started the player career in his hometown, Timișoara, at Prog ...
(2013–2014)


References


External links

* * *
Club profile
on UEFA.com {{DEFAULTSORT:Bihor Oradea Defunct football clubs in Romania Football clubs in Bihor County Oradea Sport in Oradea Association football clubs established in 1958 Association football clubs disestablished in 2016 Liga I clubs Liga II clubs Liga III clubs 1958 establishments in Romania 2016 disestablishments in Romania