Marek

FC Marek (Bulgarian: ФК Марек) is a Bulgarian football club based in Dupnitsa, currently playing in the Second League, the second level of Bulgarian football league system. It was founded in 1947 following the unification of four local clubs. Home matches take place at Bonchuk Stadium, where Marek famously defeated Bayern Munich in 1977. Bonchuk stadium has a capacity of 16,000. The team last played top-flight football during the 2014–15 season, after which it has played in the third tier.

Marek's greatest achievement is winning the 1978 Bulgarian Cup.

Honours

Domestic

First League:

• Third place (2): 1948, 1977

Second League:

• Winners (1): 2014

Bulgarian Cup:

• Winners (1): 1978

History

Early history (1919–1947)

The people of Dupnitsa watched football being played for the first time by foreign troops stationed in the city during World War I. Over the next several years, four clubs were founded in the city: Slavia, Levski, ZHSK, and Athletic. In 1923, these clubs participated in the formation of the Southwest Football League and, between 1935 and 1944, they frequently took part in the finals of the national tournaments. By 1944, each of the four had their own stadium.

Marek (1947–1970)

In 1947, Slavia, Levski, ZHSK, and Athletic decided to merge into one club, which was named Marek, after the nickname of Stanke Dimitrov, a local hero of the Communist party. Marek is an abbreviation for Marxist, Antifascist, Revolutionary, Emigrant, Communist.

In 1948, Marek became a part of the newly created first division, the Bulgarian A PFG, finishing eighth out of ten clubs in season 1948–49. The club was relegated to 2nd division, B PFG, in 1950. Marek subsequently won promotions to the Bulgarian A PFG in 1952 and 1956, followed by immediate relegation to B PFG the follo

This page also has a version in other languages :  Марек (russian)