Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The club competes in one of the top leagues of Indian football,[3] the Indian Super League under license from All India Football Federation (AIFF). The club was established on 20 July 2013, and began their first competitive season in the I-League a few months later on 22 September 2013. Since their foundation, the club has won two I-league titles, including one in their debut season, two Federation Cup titles, one Indian Super League title and a Super Cup championship. They became the champions of the 2018–19 Indian Super League season defeating FC Goa in the final.

Bengaluru FC
Full nameBengaluru Football Club
Nickname(s)The Blues
Short nameBFC
Founded20 July 2013 (2013-07-20)[1]
GroundSree Kanteerava Stadium
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Capacity25,810[2]
OwnerJSW Group
ChairmanSajjan Jindal
Head coachCarles Cuadrat
LeagueIndian Super League
2019–20Indian Super League, 3rd of 10
Playoffs: Semi-finals
WebsiteClub website

The club is owned and operated by the Mumbai–based JSW Group and its managing director Sajjan Jindal.[1] Bengaluru have played every home match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium since the beginning of the 2014–15 season. Despite only playing four seasons in the I-League, the club were considered one of the model clubs of Indian football.[4] Bengaluru drew praise for bringing a new sense of professionalism to Indian football, including the use of on field equipment meant to help player fitness.[5] The club is also known for their fan base, including the supporters group, West Block Blues, which has gained a reputation for being one of the most vocal and passionate fan bases in India.[4]

Bengaluru played its inaugural match on 22 September 2013, earning a 1–1 draw against Mohun Bagan in the league. The club would go on to win the I-League in their debut season and then again two seasons later in 2015–16. As well as two league titles, Bengaluru also won two Federation Cups in 2015 and 2017. Between 2015 and 2018, the club also represented India in Asian club competition, competing in the AFC Cup for four consecutive years. During the 2016 AFC Cup, Bengaluru made it to the final where they lost 1–0 to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya of Iraq.[6]

From 2017–2018 season, Bengaluru FC joined Indian Super League and won their maiden title in 2018–19 season defeating FC Goa 1–0 in the final which was held on 17 March 2019.[7][8] On 28 September 2019 Bengaluru FC announced partnership with the Scottish club Rangers.[9]

History

Inception

Around the beginning of January 2013, word managed to get out about whether Mumbai Tigers (then Dodsal) had failed to register for the upcoming I-League 2nd Division.[10] It was also rumored that the club could instead enter the I-League, India's top football league, directly through a cash payment to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), India's football association, and if the club promised to create a new football stadium.[10] Later that month, on 12 January, it was announced that the AIFF had called for an executive meeting to decide whether to allow teams into the I-League directly for the 2013–14 season.[11] At around the same time, uncertainty started to arise over whether institutional clubs Air India or ONGC and then-suspended Mohun Bagan would be allowed to play in the league that season.[11]

During the AIFF executive meeting on 15 January, it was officially announced that the federation would be accepting bids from corporate groups for two new direct-entry clubs for the 2013–14 season.[12] This was being done in an effort to make the I-League more pan-Indian. The bidding corporate groups could only bid to create teams outside of Kolkata and Goa and they would have to create new infrastructure in their city.[12] The winning bids would be announced in March 2013 and they would be replacements for Air India and ONGC.[12]

On 8 March 2013, it was reported that JSW Group were interested in bidding for a spot in the I-League after contemplating making a team in Bangalore in the past.[13] It was also reported that AR Khaleel, the President of the Karnataka State Football Association and a senior official with the AIFF, had suggested Bangalore could be a host venue for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup and that a corporate team in the city could help build new infrastructure.[13] A couple of months later, on 15 May 2013, it was announced that the AIFF had received three bids for two direct-entry spots.[14] The bids came from JSW Group, Dodsal Group, and a consortium from Kerala.[14]

Finally, on 28 May 2013, it was officially announced that JSW Group had won the rights to form a direct-entry team for the 2013–14 I-League season in Bangalore and that it would be done through their sports branch, JSW Sports.[15] It was also announced that JSW Group would set up a youth academy in Bangalore, as well as brand new infrastructure.[15] Two months later, on 20 July, JSW Group launched the club officially as "Bengaluru Football Club" while hosting a mega launch event at the Bangalore Football Stadium, which was also announced as the club's home stadium for the upcoming season.[1] Along with the club name and stadium, the club crest and colours were also unveiled as well as the team's home kit for the season and the squad.[1]

Ashley Westwood era (2013–2016)

Straight away after winning the rights for a direct-entry side, JSW Group began the process of creating their team. The club's first signing was midfielder Thoi Singh from Mumbai Tigers.[16] On 2 July 2013, it was announced that former Blackburn Rovers assistant manager Ashley Westwood would become the club's first ever head coach.[17] A few weeks later, on 16 July, JSW Group signed the club's first two foreign players, defenders John Johnson and Curtis Osano.[18] Three days later, it was announced that the club had signed the India national team captain, Sunil Chhetri, from Sporting Portugal B.[19]

After the club launched, on 25 August 2013, Bengaluru played their first ever match, a friendly against the India national team during their preparations for the upcoming 2013 SAFF Championship.[20] The match ended 1–1 with Johnny Menyongar scoring Bengaluru's first goal and future Bengaluru player Lenny Rodrigues scoring India's equalizer.[20] A month later, on 22 September 2013, the club played their first official match in the I-League against Mohun Bagan at the Bangalore Football Stadium. After a scoreless first-half, Bengaluru scored their first ever official goal in the 49th minute through Sean Rooney.[21] However, in injury time, Mohun Bagan found an equalizer through Chinadorai Sabeeth to end the match 1–1.[21] It took until their next match though for Bengaluru to win their first match when they defeated Rangdajied United 3–0 at the Bangalore Football Stadium.[22]

The club played their first match away from home on 26 October 2013 against East Bengal at the Kalyani Stadium. The match would also turn out to be the first defeat for Bengaluru as they fell 2–0 to the Kolkata-based side.[23] Exactly a month later, on 26 November, the club would win their first away match against Salgaocar at the Duler Stadium. Bengaluru won 2–1.[24]

In January 2014, Bengaluru took part in their first domestic cup competition, the Federation Cup.[25] They played their first match in the tournament on 15 January 2014 against Sporting Goa at the Manjeri Stadium. Bengaluru won 5–3 but would then go on to draw and lose one match each as they would be knocked out in the group stage of the tournament.[26]

On 21 April 2014, Bengaluru defeated Dempo 4–2 at the Fatorda Stadium to claim their first I-League title in only their debut season.[27]

During the 2014–15 season, Bengaluru participated in the Federation Cup again. They claimed their first cup on 11 January 2015, defeating Dempo in the final 2–1. Despite the cup victory and entering the season as defending league champions, Bengaluru could not reclaim the I-League title as the club lost it on the last day of the season. They drew against Mohun Bagan in their last game 1–1 and thus gave Bagan the title. However, despite losing the title, Bengaluru did end the season with a 13-match unbeaten run. Besides playing in the league and cup, Bengaluru also participated in Asian club competition for the first time. The club failed the qualify for the AFC Champions League but they did manage to reach the Round of 16 for the AFC Cup.

The next season, Bengaluru managed to win their second I-League title. They defeated Salgaocar 2–0 at home on 17 April 2016 to confirm the league. The club was also able to advance further in the AFC Cup this season, reaching the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup after defeating Kitchee 3–2 in the Round of 16. However, despite the club's achievement, Ashley Westwood and club decided to part ways at the end of the season.

Albert Roca Era and transition to Indian Super League (2016–2018)

Bengaluru FC appointed former FC Barcelona assistant coach Albert Roca as the head coach for two seasons.[28] In his first game in charge of the club, Bengaluru FC won 1–0 against Tampines Rovers in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup, 2016. Subsequently, it went on to become the third Indian team to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament. Under Roca, on 19 October 2016 Bengaluru FC became the first Indian team to qualify for the finals of the AFC Cup by defeating defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. 3–1 at home in the 2nd leg of the semi-finals. On 5 November, Bengaluru F.C. competed against the Iraqi outfit Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the finals of the 2016 AFC Cup finals at the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium in Qatar. However, Bengaluru emerged as runners-up- being defeated by Al Quwa by a narrow margin of 1–0.[29] Bengaluru FC became the first Indian football club to reach the finals of the competition. However, the first I-League under Roca wasn't as successful, as Bengaluru FC managed only fourth position, the lowest since 2013, in 2016–17 I-League after the winless streak of seven games between January and February 2017. The club won their second Federation Cup title under Albert Roca in 2017 defeating Mohun Bagan 2–0 in the final. The club also managed to reach Inter-zonal final in 2017 AFC Cup.


Carles Cuadrat Era (2018–present)

After two seasons as Assistant at Bengaluru FC, Carles Cuadrat took over the reins as the Head Coach in July 2018[30] for the first time in his career. His debut as Head Coach saw the Blues winning the fifth edition of the Indian Super League for first time in their history. In fact, the season was laden with multiple records, as the team went on a League-record 11 match unbeaten run while winning six matches in a row (another record). They became the first team to finish on top of the regular season twice in succession and also became the first team to win the title after finishing top in the league phase. In 2019–20, Bengaluru FC made it to the play-offs of the Indian Super League after finishing 3rd in the league phase managing to break the curse of the defending champions where apart from ATK in 2015, all defending champions had failed to make it to the top-4. Under Cuadrat, Bengaluru set a few new records in 2019–20, as they became the first team to keep 11 clean sheets. They also came to be known as the team deadly from set-pieces scoring almost 62% of their goals (15 goals from 24) from them. In fact, the Blues made the Sree Kanteerava Stadium a true Fortress, as they went on a 17-match unbeaten run at home. Towards the end of the 2019–20 season, Bengaluru notched their biggest-ever win after beating Paro FC 9–1 at the Kanteerava in the AFC Cup qualifiers.[31]

Colours and badge

Unveiled during the 21 July JSW launch, the crest features the Bangalore Palace coloured in white in order to symbolize "victory" from when the Wodeyars won the palace back.[32] The pride, resilience, and bravery of the people of Bengaluru is represented by a picture of a blue Gandaberunda – a mythical two-headed bird that is said to possess magical might – in the middle of the crest.[32] The use of the Gandaberunda is from the coat of arms for the state of Karnataka and is the symbol of the state.[32] On 24 January 2015, Bengaluru revealed Eddie The Eagle as its official mascot.[33]

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors
Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
2013—2014 None JSW
2014—2018 Puma
2018—present Kia[34]

In July 2014, Bengaluru signed a deal with Puma as their official kit sponsors from the 2014–15 season.[35] Bengaluru FC's parent company, JSW Group were principal sponsors of the team from inception till 2018. In 2018, Benglauru FC signed four-year deal with South Korean motor company Kia Motors as the principal sponsors.[36]

Kit evolution
2013–14
2014–15
2015–16
2016–17
2017–18
2018–2019
2019–

Stadium

Bengaluru FC played all its matches in the first season at the Bangalore Football Stadium which was located in the heart of the city. The West stand was the largest and could accommodate the maximum number of people. The West stand also housed the VIP boxes during I-League and other major matches. During the launch of the club, it was announced that the team would play at the Bangalore Football Stadium for the 2013–14 I-League season.[1] The Bangalore Football Stadium was a 15,000 capacity football stadium which used astroturf.[37]

From the 2014–15 season the club started playing their matches at the 24,000 capacity Sree Kanteerava Stadium.[38] There are 8 entrances to the stadium, of which five are for public, one for the VIPs, one for stadium officials and one for players. There are a total of 9 stands used for Bengaluru FC matches. West Block A stand is the largest stand in the stadium and is home to the vociferous West Block Blues. Due to criticisms with the pitch in the earlier stadium, the new stadium decided to do away with astroturf and instead adopted natural grass. All stands except the North Stand have permanent seating. Due to Bengaluru FC's impressive home record, the Sree Kanteerva stadium is often referred to as 'The fortress' by its fans.

Players

First-team squad
As of 20 June 2020[39]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  IND Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
2 DF  IND Rahul Bheke
3 DF  ESP Albert Serrán
4 DF  IND Pratik Chaudhari
4 DF  IND Sairuat Kima
5 DF  ESP Juanan
6 MF  AUS Erik Paartalu
7 MF  IND Eugeneson Lyngdoh
8 MF  IND Kean Lewis
10 DF  IND Harmanjot Khabra
11 FW  IND Sunil Chhetri (captain)
12 MF  BRA Raphael Augusto
13 DF  IND Rino Anto
14 MF  ESP Dimas Delgado
No. Pos. Nation Player
18 FW  IND Thongkhosiem Haokip
19 FW  IND Ashique Kuruniyan
21 FW  IND Udanta Singh
23 FW  BRA Cleiton Silva
26 FW  JAM Deshorn Brown
27 MF  IND Suresh Singh Wangjam
28 MF  IND Parag Shrivas
32 GK  IND Aditya Patra
33 DF  IND Gursimrat Singh Gill
38 FW  IND Leon Augustine
— GK  IND Lalthuammawia Ralte
— DF  IND Joe Zoherliana
— DF  IND Wungngayam Muirang

Reserves and academy
Further information: Bengaluru FC Reserves and Academy

Current technical staff
Position Name
Head Coach Carles Cuadrat[40]
Assistant Coach Javier Pinillos[41]
Assistant Coach/
Head Coach (reserve team)		 Naushad Moosa[42]
Goalkeeping Coach Julen Esnaola[41]
Fitness Coach Mikel Guillén

Support

Bengaluru FC is reputed for one of the most vocal fanbases in India. The fans are known as the West Block Blues, named such after West Block A in the Bangalore Football Stadium.[43][44] The players and the coach have often acknowledged the fans' support in the success and called them The 12th Man.[45][46][47]

Team records
Main article: List of Bengaluru FC seasons

Overview
Season League Teams Position Federation Cup
Super Cup		 AFC competition(s)
2013–14 I-League 13 1 Group stage — —
2014–15 I-League 11 2 Winner AFC Champions League Preliminary Round 1
AFC Cup Round of 16
2015–16 I-League 9 1 Quarter-final AFC Cup Runners-up
2016–17 I-League 10 4 Winner AFC Champions League Preliminary Round 2
AFC Cup Interzonal Finalist
2017–18 ISL 10 League – 1st
Playoffs – Runner-up		 Winner AFC Cup Interzonal Semi-finalist
2018–19 ISL 10 League – 1st
Playoffs – Winner 		Quarter-final — —
2019–20 ISL 10 League – 3rd
Playoffs – Semifinals		 — AFC Cup Play-off Stage

Head Coaches' record
As of 8 March 2020
NameNationalityFromToPWDLGFGAWin%
Ashley Westwood  England 2 July 2013 31 May 2016 89 49 17 23 144 103 055.06
Albert Roca  Spain 6 July 2016 31 May 2018 73 43 14 16 130 64 058.90
Carles Cuadrat  Spain 1 July 2018 present 49 25 10 14 75 51 051.02

Honours

National

Leagues
Winners (1): 2018–19
Runners-up (1): 2017–18
Winners (2): 2013–14,[48] 2015–16[49]
Runners-up (1): 2014–15

Cups
Winners (2) : 2014–15,[50] 2016–17[51]
Winners (1) : 2018[52]

Asian
Runner-up (1): 2016[53]

Performance in AFC competitions
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See also

Footnotes
  1. "JSW Sports launches Bengaluru FC". I-League. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  2. "Bengaluru FC – Venue". Indian Super League. Archived from the original on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  3. Vasavda, Mihir (17 November 2017). "ISL vs I-League: Deep divide between the two first divisions". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 9 March 2018. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  4. Ghosh, Sayan (23 November 2017). "Why the I-League will miss Bengaluru FC this season". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 3 February 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  5. Sharma, Akash (25 December 2016). "Bengaluru FC: In a league of its own". LiveMint. Archived from the original on 3 February 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  6. "Air Force Club beat Bengaluru FC 1-0:AFC Cup 2016 Final LIVE Score, Bengaluru FC vs Air Force Club Iraq". Archived from the original on 20 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  7. "ISL: Bengaluru FC beat FC Goa to win maiden title". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 March 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  8. Marar, Nandakumar (17 March 2019). "Indian Super League final: Bheke makes it a fantastic day for Bengaluru FC". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  9. "ISL Champions Bengaluru FC Announce Partnership with Rangers FC". Archived from the original on 20 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
  10. "Dodsal FC might get a direct entry in next year's I-League". Kick Off India. Archived from the original on 5 August 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  11. Mergulhao, Marcus. "AIFF chief proposes direct entry for teams in I-League". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  12. "AIFF lifts ban on Mohun Bagan, let off with Rs 2 crore fine". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  13. Babu Cyriac, Biju. "I-League: Jindal Group back in talks". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  14. "JSW, two others bid for new I-League clubs". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  15. Mazumdar, Rakhi. "JSW bags franchisee rights for Bengaluru team in I-league, group forays into football". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 19 July 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  16. "Indian Football Transfer Gossip: Thoi Singh to shift his base from Mumbai Tigers to JSW Bangalore, Malswamtulunga set to join hands with East Bengal". Kick Off India. Archived from the original on 5 August 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
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  18. "JSW add Premier League touch to squad". I-League. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013. Retrieved 30 July 2013.
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  23. "East Bengal end Bengaluru's unbeaten run in I-League". NDTV Sports. Archived from the original on 28 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  24. "Bengaluru FC move to second spot in I-League". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 November 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
  25. "Federation Cup 2013–14 to kickoff on Jan 14 with 16 teams". Zee News. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
  26. "Federation Cup: East Bengal knock out Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan to play Churchill". NDTV Sports. Archived from the original on 30 January 2014. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
  27. "Bengaluru FC edge past Dempo SC 4–2 to win maiden I-League title". CNN-IBN. Archived from the original on 24 April 2014. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
  28. "I-League: Bengaluru FC appoint Spaniard Albert Roca as new head coach". Goal.com. 6 July 2016. Archived from the original on 10 October 2016. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  29. "AFC Cup Report: Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya 1–0 Bengaluru FC: Air Force Club fly in champions orbit as Bengaluru can't span wings to title". Archived from the original on 7 November 2016.
  30. "Carles Cuadrat named Bengaluru FC coach on 1-year deal".
  31. "Bengaluru FC romp to 9-1 win over Paro FC at Kanteerava".
  32. "The club crest decoded: Everything BFC stands for". Bengaluru FC (Facebook). Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  33. "The big signing we told you about has just walked the field – Eddie the eagle! BFC now has a new mascot, people! #BFCvDEM". 24 January 2015. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 27 February 2015 – via Twitter.
  34. "Kia Motors are Bengaluru FC's new principal sponsors". Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  35. "Puma is the official kit sponsor of Bengaluru FC". goal.com. 17 July 2014. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 23 July 2014.
  36. @bengalurufc (4 October 2018). "A new journey begins today! Bengaluru FC is proud to announce @KiaMotorsIN as its principal sponsors. #KiaDrivesBFC #WeAreBFC #PowerToSurprise" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  37. Ameerudheen, TA. "Turf inauguration put off in Bangalore football stadium". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 August 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
  38. "Move on Stadium May Hit Football Future". 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
  39. "Squad". Bengaluru Football Club. Archived from the original on 8 April 2019. Retrieved 27 September 2019.
  40. "Coach Carles Cuadrat extends Bengaluru FC stay until 2021". Archived from the original on 7 June 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  41. "Blues appoint Julen Esnaola as goalkeeping coach". 30 January 2020.
  42. "Every day is a learning experience: Bengaluru FC's assistant coach Naushad Moosa".
  43. "We shall be victorious one day". All India Football Federation. 10 November 2015. Archived from the original on 20 November 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  44. "BFC fans give Bangalore football an 'ultra' flavour". The Times of India. 27 March 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
  45. "Robin Singh: Fans Played The Biggest Part in Our Title Win". 24 February 2015. Archived from the original on 2 March 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  46. Arjun V Namboothiri. "Ashley Westwood: Special thanks to the fans". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  47. Akash Manjunath (9 April 2014). "Bengaluru FC's Home Support: Their 12th man!". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  48. "Bengaluru FC crowned champions on I-League debut". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  49. "Bengaluru FC are the champions of I-League 2015-16, claim their second title in three years". Goal.com. 15 April 2016. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  50. "Dempo SC 1-2 Bengaluru FC: The Blues win their first Federation Cup". Goal.com. 11 January 2015. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  51. "As it happened: Bengaluru FC win Federation Cup". ESPN. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  52. "Super Cup final: Bengaluru FC beat East Bengal 4-1 to lift title".
  53. "Indian Football in 2016: Bengaluru FC Shine in Another Dull Year". Archived from the original on 20 October 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
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