Honka
Full nameFC Honka
Founded1957
GroundTapiolan Urheilupuisto,
Espoo
Capacity6,000
ManagerMika Väyrynen
LeagueKakkonen
2023Veikkausliiga, 5th of 12 (bankruptcy)
WebsiteClub website

FC Honka is a Finnish football club based in Espoo. It was founded in 1957 as Tapion Honka, and changed its name to FC Honka in 1975. The club will play in Kakkonen in the 2024 season, after Esport Honka filed for bankruptcy in November 2023. The club previously played in the Finnish premier division (Veikkausliiga), having been promoted for the first time in their history at the end of the 2005 season. It plays its home matches at the Tapiolan Urheilupuisto.

FC Honka is largely renowned in Finland for its extensive youth scheme with over 1,000 youth players playing in various age groups. It also has a women's team in the Kansallinen Liiga.

History

Until 2005 FC Honka was thought of as a "nearly, but not quite" team, a promising but always underachieving side in the Finnish First Division (Ykkönen). In the late 1990s the objective was promotion, but year after year they failed. At the beginning of the 21st century FC Honka almost went bankrupt but was saved at the last moment. In early 2005 the club was taken over by Jouko Pakarinen and Jouko Harjunpää, who had a plan to turn FC Honka from underachievers to a UEFA Champions League candidate.

In the first year of their take-over of FC Honka, the new management succeeded in assembling a squad which won the First Division (Ykkönen) with ease and also made the semi-finals of the Finnish Cup where they eventually lost 1–0 to FC Haka.

FC Honka was able to fight for top positions instantly, but narrowly missed the top three in their first two seasons. In 2007 the team reached the Finnish Cup final, losing to Tampere United on penalties after extra time. As Tampere United also won the league title that season, FC Honka qualified for the 2008–09 UEFA Cup. In 2008, FC Honka achieved its highest place by finishing 2nd in the league.

Financial difficulties

FC Honka won the Finnish Cup in 2012. However, due to financial difficulties the team was relegated to the third tier Kakkonen in 2015. In 2015 the fitness center company Esport bought the club and after that, the club has also been known as Esport Honka. The club dominated their first season in the Kakkonen in 2015 and lost only two games, but were defeated in the promotion battle. After the 2016 season, the team was promoted to the second tier Finnish First Division (Ykkönen). After the 2017 Ykkönen season Honka was promoted to the highest Finnish tier (Veikkausliiga) after Promotion playoffs against HIFK.

Financial problems again and the bankruptcy

On 31 October 2023, it was widely reported in Finnish media, that with no prior announcement or warning, Honka hadn't paid the salaries for the staff or the players on time.[1] Kurt Möller, the head of development and public relations of Esport, the company currently running the club, stated that Esport Honka had ran out of money. On 5 November 2023, it was further reported that the severe financial difficulties might force Honka into bankruptcy, as it's probable that the owner Färid Ainetdin is not willing to keep covering the annual losses of millions of euros anymore.[2][3] Möller or Hexi Arteva, the General Manager of the club, did not comment on the reports in media.[4]

On 8 November 2023, it was reported that the General Manager Hexi Arteva had resigned from his job two days earlier, with no announcement or comments.[5]

On 10 November 2023, it was reported that Honka is unable to fulfill the requirements for the league license of Veikkausliiga and will not play in the top tier in the 2024 season. Henri Aalto, the former captain of Honka who announced his retirement from his professional career after the 2023 season, criticized the club in an interview with Yle: "Every time, when Honka faces financial difficulties, I am frustrated by how poorly things are communicated and solved with the players, coaches and the rest of the staff. Nothing is announced beforehand. And when something negative happens, even then you have to be the one asking for information and to live in uncertainty."[6]

On 15 November 2023, when Honka wasn't able to get a league license for the second or the third tier, Henri Aalto commented on a case again to Finnish media. The players and the staff were still yet to get their salaries and bonuses. Foreign-born players are still stuck in the country clueless of the future. The owner Färid Ainetdin hasn't commented a word on the situation, and no one has managed to get a contact to him.[7]

Finally on 16 November 2023, Färid Ainetdin spoke to a small free local newspaper Länsiväylä. He stated that the reason for the sudden cutting of funding of the club, is the long delay in the new stadium project in Tapiola, and he is not ready to fund the club for four more years and waiting for the possible new stadium to be built and completed. According to Ainetdin, there are no financial conditions for Honka to keep playing in any of the three highest tiers of Finnish football. He also wishes that the players would get their salaries soon via insurance.[8] On the same day, Esport Honka filed for bankruptcy at the Court of Länsi-Uusimaa.[9] On 21 November 2023, Esport Honka was declared for bankruptcy.[10]

2024: New era

On 16 November 2023, after Esport Honka had filed for bankruptcy, the club, FC Honka ry, announced that Honka will continue playing in Kakkonen, which will be the fourth-tier division starting in 2024. Honka will gain the division position of its former reserve team Honka II, and use the name Honka Akatemia.[11] On 24 November 2023, the club announced that Mika Väyrynen will be the new first team head coach.[12]

Honours

League

Veikkausliiga

Ykkönen

Cups

Finnish Cup

Finnish League Cup

Friendly

La Manga Cup

  • Winners: 2009

European competitions

As runners-up in the 2007 Finnish Cup to Tampere United, who had also won the league title, FC Honka qualified for the 2008–09 UEFA Cup, beating the Icelandic club ÍA 4–2 in the 1st qualifying round and the Norwegian club Viking in the 2nd. In the first round of actual competition, they were drawn against Racing Santander and lost 0–2 on aggregate.

Next year, Honka qualified for the new UEFA Europa League, starting from the second qualifying round. The club beat Welsh side Bangor City F.C. 3–0 on aggregate but lost 1–3 to FK Karabakh from Azerbaijan in the third qualifying round.

For the 2010–11 season, FC Honka was again drawn against Bangor City in the second round but lost 3–2 on aggregate.

During the winter of 2009, Honka won the annual La Manga Cup, beating FC Nordsjælland in the final.

European cups record

Competition Pld W D L GF GA
UEFA Europa League / UEFA Cup 17 5 3 9 14 21
UEFA Europa Conference League 6 1 3 2 5 5
UEFA Intertoto Cup 4 1 3 0 7 5
Total 27 7 9 11 26 31

Matches

Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
2007 UEFA Intertoto Cup First round Estonia TVMK 0–0 4–2 4–2
Second round Denmark AaB 2–2 1–1 3–3 (a)
2008–09 UEFA Cup First qualifying round Iceland IA Akranes 3–0 1–2 4–2
Second qualifying round Norway Viking Stavanger 0–0 2–1 2–1
First round Spain Racing Santander 0–1 0–1 0–2
2009–10 UEFA Europa League Second qualifying round Wales Bangor City 2–0 1–0 3–0
Third qualifying round Azerbaijan Qarabağ FK 0–1 1–2 1–3
2010–11 UEFA Europa League Second qualifying round Wales Bangor City 1–1 1–2 2–3
2011–12 UEFA Europa League First qualifying round Estonia JK Nõmme Kalju 0–0 2–0 2–0
Second qualifying round Sweden BK Häcken 0–2 0–1 0–3
2013–14 UEFA Europa League Second qualifying round Poland Lech Poznań 1–3 1–2 2–5
2014–15 UEFA Europa League First qualifying round Estonia Sillamäe Kalev 3–2 1–2 4–4 (a)
2020–21 UEFA Europa League First qualifying round Denmark AGF 2–5
2021–22 UEFA Europa Conference League First qualifying round Faroe Islands NSÍ Runavík 0–0 3–1 3–1
Second qualifying round Slovenia Domžale 0–1 1–1 1–2
2023–24 UEFA Europa Conference League First qualifying round Kazakhstan Tobol 0–0 1–2 1–2

UEFA club ranking

This is the UEFA Club Ranking As of June 2021, including season 2013–14.[13]

Last update: 22 June 2021

RankTeamPoints
397Northern Ireland Ballymena United FC1.391
398Northern Ireland Glenavon FC1.391
399Georgia (country) FC Dinamo Batumi1.375
400Moldova FC Dinamo-Auto Tiraspol1.375
400Finland FC Honka 1.375
402Moldova Speranța Nisporeni1.375
403Finland FC Lahti1.375
404Finland IFK Mariehamn1.375
405Finland VPS Vaasa1.375

Season to season

Season to Season
Season Level Division Section Administration Position Movements
1964 Tier 4 Aluesarja (Fourth Division) Group 1 Helsinki & Central Uusimaa Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 4th
1965 Tier 4 Aluesarja (Fourth Division) Group 2 Helsinki & Central Uusimaa Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 1st Promoted
1966 Tier 3 Maakuntasarja (Third Division) Helsinki Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 2nd
1967 Tier 3 Maakuntasarja (Third Division) Helsinki & Uusimaa Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 1st Promoted
1968 Tier 2 Suomensarja (Second Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 8th
1969 Tier 2 Suomensarja (Second Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 3rd
1970 Tier 2 II Divisioona (Second Division) East Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 7th
1971 Tier 2 II Divisioona (Second Division) East Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th
1972 Tier 2 II Divisioona (Second Division) East Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 8th
1973 Tier 3 II Divisioona (Second Division) East Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 3rd
1974 Tier 3 II Divisioona (Second Division) East Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 12th Relegated
1975 Tier 4 III Divisioona (Third Division) Group 2 Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 2nd
1976 Tier 4 III Divisioona (Third Division) Group 2 Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 5th
1977 Tier 4 III Divisioona (Third Division) Group 1 Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 1st Promoted
1978 Tier 3 II Divisioona (Second Division) East Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 1st Promoted
1979 Tier 2 I Divisioona (First Division) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 10th Relegation Group 6th – Relegation Playoff
1980 Tier 2 I Divisioona (First Division) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 7th Relegation Group 1st
1981 Tier 2 I Divisioona (First Division) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th Promotion Group 7th
1982 Tier 2 I Divisioona (First Division) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 5th Relegation Group 1st
1983 Tier 2 I Divisioona (First Division) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 11th Relegation Group 6th – Relegated
1984 Tier 3 II Divisioona (Second Division) East Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 6th
1985 Tier 3 II Divisioona (Second Division) West Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 6th
1986 Tier 3 II Divisioona (Second Division) East Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th
1987 Tier 3 II Divisioona (Second Division) West Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 11th Relegated
1988 Tier 4 III Divisioona (Third Division) Group 2 Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 3rd
1989 Tier 4 III Divisioona (Third Division) Group 2 Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 2nd
1990 Tier 4 III Divisioona (Third Division) Group 2 Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 9th Relegation Playoff – Relegated
1991 Tier 5 IV Divisioona (Fourth Division) Group 3 Helsinki & Uusimaa Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 9th
1992 Tier 5 IV Divisioona (Fourth Division) Group 3 Helsinki & Uusimaa Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 3rd
1993 Tier 5 Nelonen (Fourth Division) Group 3 Helsinki & Uusimaa Helsinki & Uusimaa (SPL Uusimaa) 1st Promoted
1994 Tier 4 Kolmonen (Third Division) Section 1 Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 2nd Playoffs – Promoted
1995 Tier 3 Kakkonen (Second Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 2nd Promoted
1996 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 5th
1997 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 5th Promotion Group 9th
1998 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 6th Relegation Group South 6th
1999 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 5th Promotion Group 5th
2000 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 7th Relegation Group South 6th
2001 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th
2002 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 3rd Lower Group South 3rd
2003 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th
2004 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 3rd
2005 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 1st Promoted
2006 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th
2007 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th
2008 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 2nd
2009 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 2nd
2010 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th
2011 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th
2012 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 7th
2013 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 2nd
2014 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 11th Did not get a new Veikkausliiga license due to finances. Continued in Kakkonen (Tier 3).
2015 Tier 3 Kakkonen (Second Division) South Group Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 1st Playoffs – Not promoted
2016 Tier 3 Kakkonen (Second Division) Group B Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 1st Playoffs – Promoted
2017 Tier 2 Ykkönen (First Division) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 2nd Playoffs – Promoted
2018 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th
2019 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 3rd
2020 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 4th
2021 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 9th
2022 Tier 1 Veikkausliiga (Premier League) Finnish FA (Suomen Palloliitto) 3rd

[14]

Current squad

As of 1 January 2024.[15]

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

No. Pos. Nation Player

Out on loan

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

No. Pos. Nation Player

Management

Updated 19 February 2021.[16]

Name Role
Finland Mika Väyrynen Head coach
Finland Sampo Koskinen Coach
Finland Eemeli Reponen Goalkeeping coach
Finland Juha Saavalainen Kit manager
Finland Harri Kokko Fitness Coach
Finland Max Thibault Physiotherapist and fitness coach

FC Honka Akatemia

FC Honka Akatemia is the reserve team of FC Honka. The team plays in Kakkonen in 2022 season.

Managers

See also

Footnotes

    References

    1. FC Hongan pelaajien palkat ovat myöhässä – ”Ei ole tällä hetkellä rahaa kassassa”, Helsingin Sanomat
    2. MTV: FC Hongan toiminta jalkapalloilussa on talousvaikeuksien takia uhattuna, Yle
    3. Isoissa vaikeuksissa oleva Honka tehnyt järkyttäviä tappioita, sportti.com, 7 November 2023
    4. FC Hongan Veikkausliiga-joukkueen tulevaisuus vaakalaudalla – jopa konkurssi uhkaa, MTV Oy, 4 November 2023
    5. MTV Urheilun tiedot: Talousvaikeuksissa rypevän Hongan manageri irtisanoutui – palkkarästeistä uhka jatkolle, MTV Oy
    6. HS ja MTV: Honka ulos Veikkausliigasta – seura ei hae liigalisenssiä, Yle
    7. FC Hongan pelaajat surkeassa tilanteessa – Yhden perhe jumissa Suomessa, omistaja vaikenee, Iltalehti, 15 November 2023
    8. FC Hongan pääomistaja Länsiväylälle: Tapiolan stadionin viivästyminen on syy, miksi Hongan rahoitusta ei jatketa – "Edellytyksiä ei ole", Länsiväylä, 16 November 2023
    9. Esport Honka hakeutuu konkurssiin, Iltalehti, 16 November 2023
    10. Hongan taustayhtiö asetettiin konkurssiin, Helsingin Sanomat, 21 November 2023
    11. FC Hongan tarinalle uusi alku – FC Honka ry tulee ottamaan haltuunsa Miesten kakkosdivisioonan sarjapaikan ja P17 SM-karsintasarjapaikan
    12. Mika Väyrynen miesten edustusjoukkueen päävalmentajaksi – Toiminnan suunnittelu hyvällä mallilla!, fchonka.fi, 24 November 2023
    13. "Club coefficients 2020/21". UEFA. 22 June 2021. Archived from the original on 11 July 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
    14. "Index of SPL Finnish League Suomen Cup Seasons". Archived from the original on 2 July 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
    15. "Joukkue" [Team]. esporthonka.com (in Finnish). Archived from the original on 15 April 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
    16. "Valmentajat" (in Finnish). Esport Honka. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
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