Kerala United FC

From Bharatpedia, an open encyclopedia


Kerala United Football Club
File:Official logo of Kerala United FC.svg
Full nameKerala United Football Club[1]
Nickname(s)The Hornbills
Founded1976; 48 years ago (1976) (as Calicut Quartz FC)[2]
2020; 4 years ago (2020) (rebranded as Kerala United FC)
StadiumPayyanad Stadium, Manjeri, Kerala
Capacity30,000
OwnerUnited World Group
Head coachBino George
LeagueI-League Second Division
Kerala Premier League
WebsiteClub website
Current season

Kerala United Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Malappuram, Kerala.[3] Founded in 1976 as Calicut Quartz FC,[4] the club was an amateur and academy side during its early years. In December 2011, they announced intention to turn professional and participated in the I-League 2nd Division, the second tier of Indian club football.[5]

The club spent a season 2012–13 in the second division and later played in the Kerala Premier League. In 2017–18 Kerala Premier League season, they finished as runners-up.[6][7] After the takeover of Quartz FC in 2020 by United World Group, the club was rebranded as Kerala United FC.[8][9] The club initially began their training at Seethi Haji Stadium at Edavanna. Later moved to Malappuram District Sports Complex, which is widely known as Payyanad Stadium.[3]

History[edit]

Quartz Football Club was founded in 1976 in Kozhikode, Kerala and since has been growing up step by step from district to state to national level.[10] The Quartz Academy started in 2009 and has shown good promise.[citation needed]

In December 2011, they were officially certified by the All India Football Federation to participate in the I-League 2nd Division. The I-League players like Rino Anto, Sabas Saleel, K. Noushad, Manoj Manoharan, Sherin Sam, Kamardeep Singh, Suji Kumar, J. Prasad, P.M. Britto, Salil Usman, Ajmaluddin and V.V. Farhad, the top-scorer and player of the tournament at the 2012 Santosh Trophy, were signed by the club for 2012 I-League 2nd Division but failed to gain promotion to the top tier.[11]

In November 2020, English Premier League Club Sheffield United have taken over Calicut Quartz and rebranded it as Kerala United FC. United World Group, the umbrella firm holding Sheffield, said in a statement that it envisages to make Kerala United a competitive, community-focused football club playing at the highest level possible in Indian football.[12]

“Kerala is known to be the heart of Indian football and when it comes to passion and support, no fan base in India comes close to their love for the beautiful game. Our focus will be on cementing and strengthening the foundations of the club, building an academy and developing homegrown players,”

Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, CEO of United World Group, after the takeover and rebranding of Kerala United FC.[13]

P. Haridas, who owned Calicut Quartz FC and is also the president of the Kozhikode District Football Association, said a Premier League club coming to the state will bring major changes to Kerala football. Company director Akshay Das said: “We’re looking for an overall development in the state, especially in Malabar.”

As Kerala United, they participated in the 2020–21 Kerala Premier League and qualified for the knockout stages after finishing second in the Group-B with 12 points. In the semi finals, regular time couldn't separate Gokulam Kerala FC and Kerala United FC, match ending goalless. They lost 4–2 on penalties at the Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium.[14][15]

Crest and colours[edit]

Great hornbill, the official state bird of Kerala, from which the crest of Kerala United has derived.

The United World Group had unveiled the crest after rebranding the club which features the Great Hornbill, the official state bird of Kerala.

The primary colour of team is purple which dominates their home kit, with the hornbill crest in the right side, white shorts and white socks.

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors[edit]

Period Kit Manufacturer Shirt Sponsor
2013– 2014 - Ramco
2017– 2018 Nivia ICL Fincorp
2018– 2020 Ramco[16]
2020– 2021 KESPO[17] Micro Health Laboratories
2021–Present SEGA[1]

Stadium[edit]

Former venues[edit]

Since 1977, Kerala United FC played its home matches at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode.[18]

EMS Stadium on a matchday
A view of Seethi Haji Football Ground

In 2021, Kerala United FC shifted their base from Kozhikode to Malappuram district Seethi Haji Stadium, located in Edavanna, as their training ground.[19][20]

Current venue[edit]

A view of Malappuram District Sports Complex Stadium, Manjeri

The club plays its home games at the Payyanad Stadium in nearby town called Manjeri.[3]

Support and rivalry[edit]

Supporters[edit]

During its time as Calicut Quartz FC, a club recognised Kozhikode fan club named Rose Brigade were the supporters since 2017.[citation needed] The EMS Stadium had seen an average attendance of 45,000. The players and the coach had often acknowledged the fans' support in the success and called them "The 12th Man". Since the rebranding into Kerala United FC and the move into neighbouring Malappuram the club is building a great fan following in the locality.

Rivalries[edit]

During their time at Kozhikode as Calicut Quartz FC, they enjoyed an on field rivalry with another Kozhikode based side Gokulam Kerala FC.[21] The first Kozhikode Derby match between the two teams took place in the final of 2017–18 Kerala Premier League, where Calicut Quartz FC beat Gokulam Kerala FC beat 3–2.[22] Upon change of ownership, team shifted its base from Kozhikode to Malappuram District which introduced a new Malabar Derby in Kerala Premier League. First match after acquisition was in 2020–21 Kerala Premier League semifinals, where two teams locked horns. The match ended goaless draw even after full time. Gokulam won 4–2 on penalties.[23]

Statistics[edit]

Competition Played Kerala United wins Draws Gokulam wins Kerala United goals Gokulam goals
Kerala Premier League 4 1 1 2 3 6
Total 4 1 1 2 3 6

Results[edit]

No Date Competition Venue Score Kerala United FC scorers/red cards Gokulam Kerala scorers/red cards Attendance
4 19 April 2021 2020–21 Kerala Premier League Maharaja's College Stadium, Ernakulam 0–0 Closed Doors
3 3 June 2018 2017–18 Kerala Premier League Municipal Corporation Stadium, Thrissur 0–2 Goal Brian Umony, Goal Arjun Jayaraj
2 10 May 2018 2017–18 Kerala Premier League EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode 0–2 Goal Mohamed Salah, Goal Usman Ashik
1 25 April 2018 2017–18 Kerala Premier League EMS Corporation Stadium, Kozhikode 3–2 GoalGoalGoal Emmanuel Aidoo Goal Sushanth Mathew, Goal Mama

Honours[edit]

Competition Kerala United Gokulam
Kerala Premier League 0 2[24][25]
I-League 2nd Division 0 0
I-League 0 1[26]
Super Cup (India) 0 0
Total 0 3

Players[edit]

First-team squad[edit]

As of 7 August 2021

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 DF India IND Nidhin Krishna
— DF Brazil BRA Gabriel Lima Silva
4 DF India IND Muhammed Noufal K.
6 MF India IND Adersh Mattummal
7 MF India IND Muhammed Shafeer
10 FW India IND Hafis Mohammedali
11 FW India IND Bujair Valiyattu
12 DF India IND Sachu Siby
13 MF India IND Hrishi Dath
15 MF India IND Arjun Jayaraj (captain)
16 FW India IND Arjun V.
21 MF India IND Jinshad K.
22 FW India IND Mousoof Naizan
No. Pos. Nation Player
24 DF India IND Siju Stephen
17 MF India IND Riswanali Edakkavil
— FW Ghana GHA Aaron Awannorh
— MF India IND Akhil Praveen
— FW India IND Jesin T.K.
— GK India IND Aryan Niraj Lamba
— GK India IND Christurajan Thadayus
— DF India IND Athul Unnikrishnan
— GK India IND Satyajit Bordoloi
— DF India IND Munmun Lugun
— MF India IND Antony Beautin
— MF Bhutan BHU Tshering Dorji

Notable Players[edit]

Had international caps for their respective countries whilst playing for Kerala United FC.

Managers[edit]

As of 19 October 2020

Technical staff[edit]

Position Name
Head coach India Bino George
Assistant coach India Shareef Khan
Team manager India Jewel Jose
Physiotherapist India Adhith KJ

Youth academy[edit]

Position Name
Head of grassroots development India Shajirudheen Koppilan
Head of youth development India Suneer VP
Physiotherapist India Anas Paloli

Head coaching record[edit]

Name Nationality From To P W D L GF GA Win%
Frank Braner  Germany 1 January 2012 28 May 2012 7 0 1 6 4 29 000.00
Bino George  India 29 May 2012 29 December 2012 0 0 0 0 0 0 !—
Carlton Chapman  India 28 May 2017 12 October 2020 10 6 1 3 21 20 060.00
Shajirudheen Koppilan  India 15 January 2021 4 July 2021 6 4 1 1 16 5 066.67
Bino George  India 16 August 2021 0 0 0 0 !—

Corporate heirarchy[edit]

Position Name
Chief Executive Officer India Shabeer Mannaril[27]
Managing Director India Zakariya Koduvery[28]

Statistics and records[edit]

Season KPL I-League 2nd Division
2011—12 - Group stage
2012—13 - DNQ
2013—14 Group Stage DNQ
2014—15 DNP DNQ
2015—16 DNP DNQ
2016—17 Pulled Out from the League DNQ
2017—18 Runner-Up DNP
2018—19 DNP DNQ
2019—20 DNP DNP
2020—21 Semi Final -

Affiliated clubs[edit]

The following clubs are currently affiliated with KUFC:

Honours[edit]

Domestic tournaments[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ "Kerala United FC: Calicut club renamed after United World Group takeover". Khel Now. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  2. ↑ Kumar, Ajith (26 September 2012). "Quartz SC goes on signing spree". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Newsroom. "KUFC announces Manjeri Payyanad Stadium as their home stadium | Fanport English". Retrieved 19 August 2021.
  4. ↑ Kumar, Ajith (26 September 2012). "Quartz SC goes on signing spree". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  5. ↑ "Football: Quartz Raises hope". Deccan Chronicle. 1 January 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  6. ↑ "KPL 2018-19 Matches". KFA. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  7. ↑ India - List of Kerala League Champions RSSSF. Retrieved 17 August 2021
  8. ↑ Muralidharan, Ashwin. "Indian football: Kerala's football passion gets the Sheffield United seal of 'approval'! | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  9. ↑ "Sheffield Calicut Quartz' new owner, Kerala United name". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  10. ↑ "United World Group, Owners of Sheffield United, Buy Kerala-Based Football Club". 90min.com. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  11. ↑ Kumar P K, Ajith (26 September 2012). "Quartz SC goes on signing spree". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  12. ↑ "Sheffield United owners seal takeover of India club Calicut Quartz and rename it Kerala United". examinerlive.co.uk. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  13. ↑ "Sheffield Calicut Quartz' new owner, Kerala United name". New Indian Express. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  14. ↑ "KPL: Gokulam Kerala to meet KSEB in final". www.onmanorama.com/sports. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  15. ↑ "Kerala Premier League 2021: Gokulam Kerala defeat KSEB to be crowned champions". Goal.com. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  16. ↑ "KFA Announces Kerala Premier League". Football News India. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 16 May 2014.
  17. ↑ "Kerala premier league football championship kickoff in March - Malayalam MyKhel". malayalam.mykhel.com (in മലയാളം). 8 February 2021. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  18. ↑ "football in Calicut". Kozhikode.com. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  19. ↑ Reporter, Staff (15 January 2021). "United World's soccer team begins training". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  20. ↑ Kerala United FC at Seethi Haji Stadium in Edavanna Facebook.com. Retrieved 15 April 2021
  21. ↑ "football in Calicut". Kozhikode.com. Retrieved 15 April 2021.
  22. ↑ "Welcome to Kerala Football Association". Kerala FA. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  23. ↑ "KPL: Gokulam Kerala to meet KSEB in final". OnManorama. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  24. ↑ "Kerala Premier League: Gokulam Kerala defeat Quartz to be crowned champions | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  25. ↑ "Kerala Premier League 2021: Gokulam Kerala defeat KSEB to be crowned champions | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  26. ↑ "I-League 2020-21: Gokulam Kerala crowned champions". ESPN. 27 March 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  27. ↑ Reporter, Staff (15 January 2021). "United World's soccer team begins training". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  28. ↑ Reporter, Staff (15 January 2021). "United World's soccer team begins training". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  29. ↑ "Indian football: Kerala's football passion gets the Sheffield United seal of 'approval'! | Goal.com". www.goal.com. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  30. ↑ EPL side Sheffield United owners seal takeover of Indian club Calicut Quartz and rename it Kerala United FC spotik.in. Retrieved 15 April 2021
  31. ↑ Kerala Premier League 2017–18 Final Kerala Football Association. Retrieved 27 February 2021

Maharashtra T20gully cricket leauge

External links[edit]

Information red.svg
Scan the QR code to donate via UPI
Dear reader, We kindly request your support in maintaining the independence of Bharatpedia. As a non-profit organization, we rely heavily on small donations to sustain our operations and provide free access to reliable information to the world. We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to consider donating to our cause, as it would greatly aid us in our mission. Your contribution would demonstrate the importance of reliable and trustworthy knowledge to you and the world. Thank you.

Please select an option below or scan the QR code to donate
₹150 ₹500 ₹1,000 ₹2,000 ₹5,000 ₹10,000 Other


Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/index.php?title=Kerala_United_FC&oldid=428791"