History of Feyenoord Rotterdam

The history of Feyenoord, a Dutch football club formed in 1910, is among the longest and most successful in Dutch football. The club won their first national championship in 1924. [ [http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/coventric.html Coventric] , rsssf.com] , and over nearly a century have won thirty major trophies.

1908-1939

The football club Wilhelmina was founded in the pub "De Keijser" on 19 July 1908 [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Oprichting Wilhelmina] , frgoals.nl] and played in blue-sleeved red shirts and white shorts. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Oprichting Wilhelmina] , frgoals.nl] The club changed its name to Hillesluise Football Club in 1909 [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie HFC en Celeritas] , frgoals.nl] and joined the Rotterdamse Voetbalbond (Rotterdam Football Association). As the league already included a team known as "HFC" (present-day Koninklijke HFC, based in Haarlem} Hillesluise underwent another name change to become RVV Celeritas. Feijenoord were promoted to the 1e klasse (1st division) and moved to the ground "Kromme Zandweg". [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Tot Feijenoord en de eerste prijzen] , frgoals.nl]

Sixteen years after the formation of the club and a mere three years after they were promoted to the highest level of Dutch football Feijenoord earned their first honours by capturing the national league championship in 1924. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Tot Feijenoord en de eerste prijzen] , frgoals.nl] The team enjoyed a string of successes in the latter half of the decade, taking divisional titles in 1926, 1927, 1928 and 1929, and winning their second national championship in 1928. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Tot Feijenoord en de eerste prijzen] , frgoals.nl]

Feijenoord won their first Dutch Cup in 1930 by scoring the only goal in a derby final against Excelsior Rotterdam. [http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nedcuphist.html Netherlands Cup Finals] , rsssf.com] They continued to dominate their division with three consecutive titles, but were winless in subsequent championship finals. Five years after their first cup win, Feijenoord took the prize for a second time in 1935 by beating Helmond Sport. [http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nedcuphist.html Netherlands Cup Finals] , rsssf.com]

Feijenoord started to attract more fans to their stadium at Kromme Zandweg, so in 1933 a decision to build a new facility was taken. With the help of businessman Daniël George van Beuningen property was purchased next to the Kreekweg for the construction of a new ground. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Feijenoord werkt aan prijzenkast] , frgoals.nl] Rotterdam architect L.C. van der Vlugt designed a stadium that was unique in Europe at that time, an oval stadium comprising two platforms where the second platform overhung the first. Fans visiting the stadium were close to the pitch, but their views were obstructed by poles. Construction of the stadium started on 23 July 1935 and Feijenoord's first match in the new Feijenoord Stadion (nicknamed "De Kuip" or "the Tub") was played on 27 March 1937. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Feijenoord werkt aan prijzenkast] , frgoals.nl] Leen Vente became the first player to score a goal in the new stadium [ [http://www.vasf.nl/historie.php Historie van Stadion Feijenoord] , vasf.nl] in a 5-2 victory over Belgian club Beerschot. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Feijenoord werkt aan prijzenkast] . frgoals.nl] A few months later the first international match was played between the national teams of the Netherlands and Belgium, won 1-0 by the Dutch. [ [http://www.feyenoordleven.nl/dekuip2006.html De Kuip] , feyenoordleven.nl]

During this period Feijenoord won three consecutive division titles from 1936 to 1938, with their third and fourth national championships coming in 1936 and 1938. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Landstitel in Sparta Stadion] , frgoals.nl]

1940-1969

During World War II Feijenoord played their matches at Sparta Rotterdam's Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel, as the Nazis had occupied De Kuip. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Landstitel in Sparta Stadion] , frgoals.nl] When Het Kasteel was unavailable due to clashes with Sparta fixtues, Feijenoord played at their former ground, the Kromme Zandweg. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Landstitel in Sparta Stadion] , frgoals.nl]

Feijenoord's again won a division title with a national championship in 1940, their fifth Dutch title. During the German occupation of the Netherlands from 1940 to 1945 play continued in Dutch football leagues, though the 1945 championship was cancelled as the war came to its conclusion. [http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nedchamp.html Dutch Championships] , rsssf.com] During this period Feijenoord did not win any trophies other than a divisional championship in 1943. After the war Feijenoord did not perform as well as they had in previous decades, not seriously challenging in their division and so missing the national playoff rounds. More generally, the war had a devastating effect on the city and its citizens and there seemed to be less enthusiasm for football. [ [http://www.holland.com/oorlogssporen/gb/index.html?page=http://www.holland.com/oorlogssporen/gb/operations/1940.html Bombing of Rotterdam] , holland.com]

With the city of Rotterdam still rebuilding after the war the club was unable to compete for trophies. Feijenoord's chairman Cor Kieboom organised a meeting on 30 June 1954 in Utrecht together with the chairman of the other Rotterdam teams, Jos Coler (Sparta) and Henk van Zon (Excelsior). [ [http://www.rodaworld.limboo.com/specials/specials/caspersomers/index.php In memoriam Casper Somers] , rodaworld.limboo.com] At the meeting several chairmen of other clubs showed up as well as a delegation of the KNVB to discuss the start of professional football in the Netherlands. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie De nieuwe start] , frgoals.nl] Despite the presence of several sceptics, Kieboon pushed the idea of professionalism through, resulting in the first Eredivisie season in 1954/1955. [http://www.feyenoord.nl/domains/default/pages/content.asp?content=12770000000050_2_10000000001651&contentcode=Varkenoord&navid=12770000000010_12770000000047 Over Mario Giovanni en het dromen in de schaduw van de Kuip] , feyenoord.nl] Feijenoord was one of the clubs participating in the inaugural Eredivisie and have never been relegated. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie De nieuwe start] , frgoals.nl] One of the most memorable matches in these first years of professional football was the clash between Feijenoord and De Volewijckers at 2 April 1956, which Feijenoord won 11-4 with nine goals by Henk Schouten. He even scored a tenth time, but this goal was disallowed. [http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/story/s2/de+club+-+historie+-+gedenkwaardige+wedstrijden.aspx Gedenkwaardige wedstrijden] , feyenoord.nl] The first memorable Klassieker from a Feijenoord point of view took place at 11 November 1956 when Daan den Bleijker scored four times to give Feijenoord a 7-3 win over their arch rivals. [http://www.feyenoord.com/pages/story/s2/the+club+-+history+-+the+rival.aspx The rival] , feyenoord.nl] On 27 November 1957 46,000 supporters travelled to De Kuip for the first match at night in the stadium. In a match against Bolton Wanderers FC, which was lost 3-0 Feijenoord introduced their newly built floodlight system. [ [http://www.feyenoord.com/pages/story/s2/de+club+-+history+-+new+stadium.aspx New Stadium] , feyenoord.nl]

Feijenoord claimed their first professional Eredivisie Championship and their sixth Dutch Championship in history in 1961. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Landstitels en de dubbel(s)] , frgoals.nl] On the road to the title Ajax were beaten 9-5 in De Kuip, four of Feijenoord's goals were scored by Henk Schouten. The following season, they played their first European Cup match facing IFK Göteborg. The Swedes were beaten 0-3 in Gothenburg and 8-2 in Rotterdam. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/802.html IFK Göteborg - Feyenoord 0 - 3] ,voetbalstats.nl] [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/803.html Feyenoord - IFK Göteborg 8 - 2] ,voetbalstats.nl] Feijenoord were eliminated by Tottenham Hotspur in the following round. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] , voetbalstats.nl] In 1962 Feijenoord successfully defended their Dutch Championship title and reached the final of the Intertoto Cup 1961-62 by beating SK Hradec Králové and FC Baník Ostrava in the quarter and semi-finals. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Landstitels en de dubbel(s)] , frgoals.nl] Feijenoord faced arch-rivals Ajax in the final, which was won by the Amsterdam team 4-2. [ [http://rsssf.com/tablesi/int61.html Intertoto Cup 1961/62] , rsssf.com]

On 12 December 1962 Feyenoord played a decisive match versus Vasas SC in the second round of the European Cup 1962-63. The first two legs, in Rotterdam and Budapest both ended in 1-0 home victories, and a replay on a neutral ground took place. [http://www.feyenoord.com/domains/default/pages/content.asp?content=12770000000113_2_10000000001651&contentcode=feyenoord_historiedaden Passage to Lisbon] , feyenoord.com] The match was played in Antwerp, Belgium and 30,000 Feijenoord fans travelled by bus to see their team play. For the third time the final score was 1-0, with the only goal scored by Rinus Bennaars who was immediately nicknamed "The hero of Deurne" (the neighbourhood in Antwerp where the match was played). The events in Antwerp resulted in an enduring friendly relationship between the fans of Feyenoord and Royal Antwerp FC.

In 1963 hundreds of thousands of people stood ashore by the Nieuwe Maas and the Nieuwe Waterweg to wave two ships, de"Groote Beer" and the "Waterman" goodbye. The ships transported thousands of Feijenoord fans to Lisbon where the club faced SL Benfica on 8 May 1963 in the European Cup semi-finals. The first leg, held in Rotterdam a month earlier, finished 0-0. [ [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/814.html 10-04-1963 Halve finale EC1 Feyenoord-Benfica 0-0] , voetbalstats.nl] Feijenoord eventually lost the match against Benfica 3-1, but this turned out to be the start of the most successful period in the club's history. [ [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/815.html 08-05-1963 Halve finale return EC1 Benfica-Feyenoord 3-1] , voetbalstats.nl] Feijenoord won the double for the first time in their history in 1965 and managed to win another double a few years later in 1969. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Landstitels en de dubbel(s)] , frgoals.nl] The 1965 title secured Feijenoord a spot in the European Cup 1965-66 where they faced multiple cup champions Real Madrid on 8 September 1965 in the preliminaries. During the match Hans Kraay had to leave the pitch injured after 31 minutes, without being substituted. He returned at the start of the second half and scored the goal which resulted in a 2-1 win. Later during the match fans' favourite Coen Moulijn was attacked roughly by a Spanish defender. Moulijn then chased the defender all over the pitch. Several other players did the same, as did some fans who entered the pitch. The referee could do nothing but suspend the match at 2-1 in Feijenoord's favour. Two weeks later Real comfortably beat Feyenoord 5-0, and eventually won the European Cup that season. [ [http://www.feyenoordgeschiedenis.net/wedstrijden/1965-Feyenoord-Real-Madrid.htm De avond waarop Puskas in De Kuip speelde] , feyenoordgeschiedenis.net]

1970-1999

As the 1969 Dutch champions Feijenoord participated in the European Cup 1969-70. After thrashing Knattspyrnufélag Reykjavíkur 16-2 on aggregate in the first round the team faced AC Milan. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] , voetbalstats.nl] Feijenoord lost the first leg 1-0 in Italy, but overcame the deficit in their own stadium following a 2-0 win, securing a place in the quarter finals where they faced ASK Vorwärts Berlin. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] , voetbalstats.nl]

The tie followed the same pattern as the previous round, Feijenoord losing the first match 1-0 away, then winning 2-0 at home. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] , voetbalstats.nl] In the semi-finals Legia Warszawa were beaten 2-0 on aggregate, earning Feijenoord their first European final. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] , voetbalstats.nl] Ajax had reached the same final in 1969 but were not able to win. [ [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/369.html 1969 European Cup Final] , voetbalstats.nl] Feijenoord faced Celtic in the final, held in the San Siro stadium in Milan. Goals by Tommy Gemmell and Rinus Israël resulted in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes. Three minutes before the end of the extra time Ove Kindvall scored Feijenoord's winning goal to make them the first Dutch team to claim a major European trophy. [ [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/828.html 1970 European Cup Final] , voetbalstats.nl]

As the cup holders Feijenoord participated in the European Cup 1970-71 despite relinquishing the Dutch title, which was won by Ajax. Feijenoord were eliminated in the first round following a surprise defeat by Romanian team UT Arad. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] , voetbalstats.nl] However, as reigning European champions Feijenoord faced Estudiantes La Plata in the Intercontinental Cup. [ [http://www.netvasco.com.br/mauroprais/futbr/toyotacup.html Toyota Intercontinental Cup] , netvasco.com.br] The first match in Buenos Aires' La Bombonera finished in a 2-2 draw. Back in Rotterdam Feijenoord managed a 1-0 victory (winning goal by Joop van Daele) to win the world club crown, the first Dutch team to do so. [ [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Vervolg van succesvolle jaren] , frgoals.nl] Estudiantes player Oscar Malbernat got frustrated and grabbed Van Daele's glasses and trampled on it. "You are not allowed to play with glasses." was his excuse, "At least not in South America." [http://www.feyenoord.com/pages/story/s2/the+club+-+history+-+party+in+rotterdam.aspx Party in Rotterdam] , feyenoord.nl] In 1971 Feijenoord won their 10th Dutch Championship. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Feyenoord gaat door] , frgoals.nl]

In 1973 the club decided to change their name to Feyenoord, as people from outside the Netherlands found it difficult to pronounce the "ij" in Feijenoord. [ [http://www.stadionfeijenoord.nl/pagestadion.php?id=4&l=2&i=5 Wist u dat...] , stadionfeijenoord.nl] Under their new name they played in the UEFA Cup 1973-74, reaching the final following a 4-3 aggregate win over VfB Stuttgart in the semi finals. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] , voetbalstats.nl] The opponent in the final was Tottenham Hotspur. In the first leg at White Hart Lane Spurs took a 2-1 lead, but Theo de Jong equalised after 85 minutes and the match ended in a 2-2 draw. [ [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/851.html Tottenham Hotspur-Feyenoord 1974] , voetbalstats.nl] Feyenoord then won their match in Rotterdam 2-0 thanks to goals by Wim Rijsbergen and Peter Ressel, and became the first Dutch team to win the UEFA Cup. [ [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/852.html Feyenoord-Tottenham Hotspur 1974] , voetbalstats.nl] As a result, Spurs fans started to riot, [ [http://www.guardian.co.uk/footballviolence/article/0,,333905,00.html England told: more rioting and you're out] , guardian.co.uk] introducing Dutch football to the spectre of hooliganism in the process. In the remainder of the decade Feyenoord won only one more honour, the Dutch Championship in 1974. [http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nedchamp.html Dutch Championships] , rsssf.com] In 1978 the club divided their professional and amateur sides to form two separate teams, Feyenoord for professionals and Sportclub Feyenoord for amateurs. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Splitsing en weer prijzen] , frgoals.nl]

Feyenoord won their fifth Dutch Cup in 1980 by beating Ajax 3-1 in the final. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Splitsing en weer prijzen] , frgoals.nl]

In 1984 Feyenoord had another bright season, winning the double for the third time in their history. [http://www.frgoals.nl/index.php?pagina=historie Splitsing en weer prijzen] , frgoals.nl] Key players in the squad from this period included Johan Cruijff, Ruud Gullit and Peter Houtman (who later became the Feyenoord stadium announcer). [http://www.cruijff.com/eng/player/feyenoord_eng/ Playing for Feyenoord] , cruijff.com] Cruijff reacted to Ajax's decision not to offer him a new contract at the start of the season and signed for arch rivals Feyenoord instead. [http://www.cruijff.com/eng/player/feyenoord_eng/ Playing for Feyenoord] , cruijff.com] Cruijffs move to Rotterdam was criticised and increased Ajax's motivation to beat Feyenoord. In the Olympic Stadium of Amsterdam Feyenoord suffered their heaviest ever defeat: 8-2. [ [http://www.footballderbies.com//results/match_details.php?id=9&match_id=421 1983 Ajax-Feyenoord 8-2] , footballderbies.com] However, Feyenoord later defeated Ajax in Rotterdam 4-1 and Ajax were subsequently beaten a second time in the Dutch Cup. [ [http://www.rsssf.com/tablesa/ajaxfeyenoord.html Ajax vs. Feyenoord since 1922] , rsssf.com] Feyenoord proceeded to win a league and cup double by beating Fortuna Sittard in the cup final. [ [http://www.foot.dk/Holpokal.asp KNVB-beker finales] , foot.dk]

After the successful season Feyenoord experienced a lean period and were unable to finish the season in a higher position than third. [ [http://www.foot.dk/Holklubres.asp?id=33 Feyenoord Final League Standings] , foot.dk] In 1989/1990 the club struggled to remain in the Eredivisie, but eventually managed to avoid relegation. [ [http://www.foot.dk/Holstilling.asp?SeasonID=92 Eredivisie 1989/90] , foot.dk] The club had financial problems, the staff was unable to recover and their main sponsor HCS went bankrupt. [ [http://home.student.uva.nl/joost.vanbloois/historie/historie.html De zwarte bladzij] , uva.nl]

When Wim Jansen was appointed as the interim manager to replace Günder Bengtsson and Pim Verbeek after a 6-0 defeat against PSV, the outlook began to improve for the club. [ [http://home.wanadoo.nl/ronald.zwiers/Clubs/F/Feyenoord/Feyenoord.htm Feyenoord manager history] , ronaldzwiers] PSV, the strongest Dutch club of the period, were knocked out of the KNVB Cup by a Henk Fräser goal in Eindhoven. Feyenoord, progressed to the 1991 final, where they beat BVV Den Bosch 1-0 to win the competition. [ [http://www.ronaldzwiers.0catch.com/Competities/Amstel%20Cup/1991/1991.htm Amstel Cup 1990-1991] , ronaldzwiers] As the cup holders they faced champions PSV again, this time in the 1991 Dutch Supercup, the first Supercup held since 1949. PSV were beaten 1-0 by a Marian Damaschin goal to add another honour to the club's achievements. [ [http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nedsupcuphist.html Netherlands list of Super Cup finals] , rsssf.com] They went on to win another Dutch Cup in 1992, beating Roda JC 3-0 in the final. [ [http://www.ronaldzwiers.0catch.com/Competities/Amstel%20Cup/1992/1992.htm Amstel Cup 1991-1992] , ronzwiers] The same year Feyenoord reached the semi finals in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1991-92 beating Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter final before being knocked out by AS Monaco on away goals after two draws. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] , voetbalstats.nl]

In 1993 Feyenoord secured another Dutch Championship by beating FC Groningen 5-0 in the last league match of the season. [http://www.qontour.nl/HTML/QHistory/qmatches_neth_fcgf310593.html 1993 Groningen-Feyenoord 0-5] , qontour.nl] The match was played at the Oosterpark Stadion in Groningen, so 40.000 Feyenoord fans watched the game on giant screens in De Kuip. [http://www.qontour.nl/HTML/QHistory/qmatches_neth_fcgf310593.html 1993 Groningen-Feyenoord 0-5] , qontour.nl] The title was followed by another two Dutch Cups in 1994 (beating NEC Nijmegen (2-1)) and 1995 (beating FC Volendam (2-1)). [http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nedcuphist.html Netherlands Cup Finals] , rsssf.com] During the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1994-95 Feyenoord reached the quarter finals after beating SV Werder Bremen in the second round. They eventually lost to Real Zaragoza. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] , voetbalstats.nl] In the quarter final in the 1995 KNVB Cup Feyenoord visited Ajax, the team that would win the UEFA Champions League 1994-95 later that season. Ajax was leading 1-0 when Ruud Heus equalised with a penalty just before time. In the extra time Feyenoord became the only team to beat Ajax the season they won the Eredivisie and the Champions League unbeaten. The goal scored by Mike Obiku was the decider as the new golden goal rule became in use. [ [http://www.feyenoord.com/pages/newsdetail/S1/10010000003287-2-10010000000003.aspx Ajax-Feyenoord, Mike Obiku scoort in sudden death] , feyenoord.nl] [ [http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/The-Curious-World-of-Ajax-123430.html The curious world of Ajax] , funtrivia.com] During the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1995-96 Everton FC and Borussia Mönchengladbach were beaten. A total of 14,000 Feyenoord fans travelled to Germany to support the team against Mönchengladbach. [ [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/935.html Borussia Mönchengladbach-Feyenoord] , voetbalstats.nl] [ [http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/story/s2/de+club+-+historie+-+het+legion.aspx Over de Grote Beer, havenarbeiders op de tribune en veertienduizend fans in Düsseldorf] , feyenoord.nl] Feyenoord were knocked out in the semi finals by a Carsten Jancker inspired SK Rapid Wien. [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/c93.html Feyenoord in Europa] , voetbalstats.nl] [ [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/938.html Rapid Wien-Feyenoord 3-0] , voetbalstats.nl]

Feyenoord made their UEFA Champions League debut during the UEFA Champions League 1997-98, finishing third in their group behind Manchester United and Juventus, however Juventus were beaten 2-0 in Rotterdam, both goals scored by Julio Ricardo Cruz. [ [http://www.zanziball.it/en/26/91c.html Champions League 1997/1998 Standings and results] , zanziball.it] In 1998 the Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) visited Feyenoord because of suspected fraud. [http://www.feyenoord.nl/domains/feyenoord/pages/article_v2.asp?content=12790000011664_2_12770000000008 LAATSTE WOORD JORIEN VAN DEN HERIK IN HOGER BEROEP ’FIOD-AFFAIRE’] , feyenoord.nl] Mainly based on the signings of Aurelio Vidmar, Christian Gyan and Patrick Allotey. [ [http://www.precision-football.com/scripts/news.asp?action=show&ID=1466&lang=en&sitetypID=2&sessionID= Feye fraud] , precision-football.com] This became an ongoing scandal in the years to come with chairman Jorien van den Herik as the main suspect. [http://www.feyenoord.nl/domains/feyenoord/pages/article_v2.asp?content=12790000011664_2_12770000000008 LAATSTE WOORD JORIEN VAN DEN HERIK IN HOGER BEROEP ’FIOD-AFFAIRE’] , feyenoord.nl] On 25 April 1999 Feyenoord secured their 14th Dutch Championship. 250,000 fans celebrated with the team in the center of Rotterdam. However, later in the evening heavy rioting started. [ [http://www.sovs.nl/index.php?newsId=13&mode=NIEUWS&action=archive&yy=&mm= Harde maatregelen voorkomen rellen niet] , sovs.nl] Before the start of the new 1999/2000 season Ajax were beaten in their own stadium when Feyenoord won their second Dutch Supercup after a free kick by Patrick Paauwe who secured a 3-2 win. [ [http://www.rsssf.com/tablesn/nedsupcuphist.html Netherlands list of Super Cup finals] , rsssf.com]

Recent history

During the UEFA Champions League 1999-00 Feyenoord participated in the UEFA Champions League for the second time. This time the club managed to finish second in their group behind Rosenborg B.K., but in front of Borussia Dortmund. [http://www.zanziball.it/en/26/a50.html Champions League 1999/2000 Standings and results] , zanziball.it] Feyenoord reached the second group stage and secured wins versus Olympique Marseille (at home) and S.S. Lazio (away). Chelsea FC won both clashes and as a result Feyenoord had to win their last group match away to Marseille to reach the knock-out stages. The final result was 0-0 and Feyenoord were eliminated. [http://www.zanziball.it/en/26/a50.html Champions League 1999/2000 Standings and results] , zanziball.it]

Feyenoord again participated in the Champions League in 2001-02, finishing third in a group containing FC Bayern Munich, AC Sparta Praha and FC Spartak Moscow. [ [http://www.zanziball.it/en/26/1033.html Champions League 2001/2002 Standings and results] , zanziball.it] This meant Feyenoord had to continue their European season in the UEFA Cup 2001-02 instead of the 2nd Champions League group stage. [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UEFACup/history/Season=2001/intro.html Van Hooijdonk fires Feyenoord up] , uefa.com] The disappointment of failing to reach the second group stage eventually resulted in optimism and celebration. By winning over SC Freiburg and Rangers, Feyenoord faced fellow Dutch team PSV in the quarter finals. [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UEFACup/history/Season=2001/intro.html Van Hooijdonk fires Feyenoord up] , uefa.com] Both matches ended in 1-1 draws, and the clash went into extra time and a penalty shoot-out. [ [http://www.voetbalstats.nl/ec/1390.html UEFA Cup 2002 - Feyenoord-PSV] , voetbalstats.nl] Pierre van Hooijdonk who had a superb season by scoring many goals from free kicks secured Feyenoord's win by scoring in the 90th minute equalizer before finishing PSV off by scoring the last goal in the penalty shoot-out. [ [http://home.planet.nl/~rapo/psv/europacup/uefacup.html PSV in de UEFA Cup] , planet.nl] A win in Milan (0-1) over Inter and a 2-2 return match in Rotterdam earned Feyenoord their spot in the final, in which Borussia Dortmund was the opponent. [ [http://www.the-english-football-archive.com/non_domestic_competitions/results/uefa_cup/2002.htm UEFA Cup Results/Fixtures 2002] , the-English-football-archive.com] The final was held in De Kuip and as a result most spectators inside the stadium were Feyenoord fans. Feyenoord took a 2-0 lead thanks to another free kick and a penalty by Pierre van Hooijdonk. [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UEFACup/history/Season=2001/intro.html Van Hooijdonk fires Feyenoord up] , uefa.com] Early in the second half Jan Koller scored a goal to make it 2-1. Jon Dahl Tomasson then made it 3-1 and things looked good for Feyenoord. [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UEFACup/history/Season=2001/intro.html Van Hooijdonk fires Feyenoord up] , uefa.com] Dortmund only managed to score one more goal and the cup was won by Bert van Marwijk's Feyenoord. [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UEFACup/history/Season=2001/intro.html Van Hooijdonk fires Feyenoord up] , uefa.com]

A huge party erupted in and outside De Kuip not only because of the title, but also because the final was held several days after Rotterdam's political "hero" Pim Fortuyn was murdered. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/uefa_cup/1972447.stm Low-key plans for Uefa final] , bbc.co.uk] Lots of fans were still full of emotion before and after the match. As a result of Fortuyn's murder, the cup was not officially celebrated in the city center. [ [http://xsi.cheeseheadz.net/feyenoord/ Feyenoord UEFA Cup Finale 2002] , cheeseheadz.net] Feyenoord hasn't won any further honours since the 2002 UEFA Cup win. They reached the final of the Dutch Cup in 2003, held in De Kuip, but were not able to beat FC Utrecht, which shocked the club with a 4-1 win. [ [http://www.ajax-usa.com/teams/utrecht.html FC Utrecht, Holland's supreme cupfighters] , ajax-usa.com] Sebsequently Feyenoord has yet to reach any more finals or to win any more Dutch Championship titles.

In between, Feyenoord and chairman Jorien van den Herik were found to be not guilty in 2002. The Attorney General however appealed, but in 2005, after three years of investigations the results stayed the same. Still, the Attorney General has not given up the case yet. [ [http://www.soccerway.com/news/2002/november/29/feyenoord-cleared-of-fraud Feyenoord cleared of fraud] , soccerway.com]

The 2005/06 season ended in disappointment for Feyenoord. The team challenged for the Dutch Championship for most of the season, but eventually lost out to PSV. [ [http://www.foot.dk/Holstilling.asp?SeasonID=108 Eredivisie 2005/06] , foot.dk] The newly created Dutch play-offs then proved to be gloomy for Feyenoord. Ajax, which finished several points behind in the regular league, was Feyenoord's opponent in the play-offs. Ajax ouclassed them and Feyenoord lost out on a Champions League place. [ [http://www.ajax-usa.com/matches/m05-06/feyenoord-s-play-off-nightmare-comes-true-at-arena-3-0.html Feyenoord's play-off nightmare came true at ArenA: 3-0] , ajax-usa.com] During the summer break Feyenoord had to sell two of their key players, Salomon Kalou and the very popular Dirk Kuyt. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/5023196.stm Chelsea sign Feyenoord star Kalou] , bbc.co.uk] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4801197.stm Liverpool complete deal for Kuyt] , bbc.co.uk] Only a small amount of the money became available to invest in new players. When Angelos Charisteas was signed from archrivals Ajax to replace Dirk Kuyt hundreds of die-hard fans pressured the Feyenoord board to force Van den Herik to resign. [ [http://www.hln.be/hlns/cache/det/art_253133.html?wt.bron=hlnMatrix Fans Feyenoord zijn woedend na komst Charisteas] , hln.be]

In the meantime Feyenoord was placed under special guardianship because of their financial problems. [ [http://www.nrc.nl/sport/article431695.ece Feyenoord onder curatele] , nu.nl] In the Eredivisie the team was underperforming and Feyenoord hooligans gave the club a bad name in Europe due to several incidents. Blackburn Rovers midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen was hit by a plastic beer cup thrown from the crowd during a UEFA Cup match. [ [http://www.itv-football.co.uk/Story/0,14272,6091_1710686,00.html Pedersen hit by beer bomb] , itv-football.co.uk] . A few weeks later in Nancy Feyenoord hooligans damaged the city prior to the match versus AS Nancy and during the match they broke through walls of glass, forcing the police to use tear gas, causing a 30 minute suspension of the match. [ [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/UEFACup/FixturesResults/Round=2365/match=85046/Report=RP.html Feyenoord sink as Nancy roar] , uefa.com]

The UEFA charged Feyenoord at a disciplinary hearing on 7 December 2006. [ [http://www.uefa.com/uefa/Keytopics/kind=512/newsId=485946.html UEFA charges Feyenoord] , uefa.com] , fining the club 130,000 Euros and issuing a suspended penalty of playing two matches behind closed doors. The UEFA appealed and demanded Feyenoord to be excluded from competition and to be suspended for the first upcoming season they qualify for Europe. [ [http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20061214beroep_uefa.aspx Aanklager UEFA in beroep tegen straf Feyenoord] , feyenoord.nl] Van den Herik still remained in function, but the pressure grew. He did not show up at the club anymore and left a lot of questions. [ [http://www.feyenoordleven.nl/fel0210066.html RTV Rijnmond: Van den Herik beraadt zich over positie] , feyenoordleven.nl]

A group of some Feyenoord icons, with former chairman Gerard Kerkum as their leader, operated under the name of "Commissie Kerkum" to restructure Feyenoord's future. [ [http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20061102Kerkum.aspx Commissie Kerkum voor het eerst bijeen.] , feyenoord.nl] In December 2006 they published their thoughts and came to the conclusion that Van den Herik should leave the club. [ [http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20061205KERKUM_ADVIES_ONLINE.aspx Advies Commissie Kerkum nu online] , feyenoord.nl] Still Van den Herik did not want to leave, but as the decission of the Commissie Kerkum was final he was expected to step back and he announced his retirement in mid December. [http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20061208VANDEN_HERIK_KONDIGT_VERTREK.aspx Van den Herik kondigt vertrek aan] , feyenoord.nl] Van den Herik himself said not the thoughts of the Commissie Kerkum were the key factor for his decision, but the upcoming final result in the fraud case was. The final try of the FIOD in their case against Feyenoord was dismissed on 19 December 2006 and Feyenoord had been cleaned from all blames. [ [http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20061219vrijspraak.aspx Na nieuwe vrijspraak definitief einde aan FIOD-zaak.] , feyenoord.nl] When this case was closed Van den Herik decided to step back and was temporary succeeded by Gerard Kerkum himself for the rest of the season, before Dick van Well will take over Van den Herik's position. [ [http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20061221raadvancommissarissen.aspx Kerkum volgt Van den Herik tijdelijk op, daarna komt Van Well] , feyenoord.nl] A new start for the team was announced in January 2007, but the start was interrupted a few days later already. The results of the UEFA commission considering the story about Feyenoord hooligans in Nancy were made public and Feyenoord was excluded immediately from the UEFA Cup competition. [ [http://www.feyenoord.nl/pages/newsdetail/S2/20061214beroep_uefa.aspx Aanklager UEFA in beroep tegen straf Feyenoord.] , feyenoord.nl] The initial fine was reduced to a smaller fine of 60.000 Euros [ [http://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefacup/news/kind=1/newsid=498654.html Feyenoord excluded from UEFA Cup] , uefa.com] However, the club chose to appeal against the UEFA decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which has announced that a final decision will be rendered 9 February 2007 latest. [ [http://www.tas-cas.org/en/medias/media4.htm Feyenoord Rotterdam to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)] , tas-cas.org ]

In 2008 Feyenoord celebrates her 100th birthday and will organize many events throughout the year. The old "golden logo" will return as Feyenoord's official logo, which was presented at the 2007 new years brunch. [ [http://www.feyenoordleven.nl/feyenoord100jaar.html Feyenoord 100 jaar] , feyenoordleven.nl] During the summer a historical tournament will be held between Feyenoord and the three opponents they met in de European Cup finals they played, Borussia Dortmund, Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic FC. [http://www.ad.nl/sport/article1004946.ece Borussia, Spurs en Celtic naar Kuip] , ad.nl]

References