FC Noah, named after a significant biblical figure, have captured the imagination of football fans as they prepare to face Chelsea in Thursday’s Conference League clash at Stamford Bridge. With the legendary Luis Figo lending encouragement to the side, this encounter promises to be one of the most enthralling moments of the season.
Making history as they reached the tournament proper, the Armenian club stood out among the 50 entrants in the first qualifying round. Displaying impressive tenacity, they netted a staggering 18 goals in the qualifying matches. Among their notable moments was goalkeeper Ognjen Cancarevic scoring with a spectacular long clearance against AEK Athens, followed by a dramatic 88th-minute winner, despite being reduced to ten men after squandering a 3-0 aggregate lead in the play-off.
With a spirited start to their league campaign, FC Noah triumphed over Czech side Mlada Boleslav with a convincing 2-0 victory but fell short against Rapid Vienna, losing 1-0. These early matches have fueled their ambitions of advancing to the knockout stages of the competition.
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Founded in 2017 as Artsakh, the team rebranded to Noah in 2019 amidst a backdrop of ongoing changes, including a shift in ownership and relocations. Their resilience shines through, having clinched the Armenian Cup in 2020 before achieving their first European knockout round this season.
Vardges Vardanyan, the club’s owner and a prominent businessman, took the reins in August 2023. His vision has sparked a significant transformation within the squad, as he brought in Portuguese manager Rui Mota and 16 new players in a summer overhaul. No current player has been at the club for more than two seasons, indicating a fresh start aimed at European recognition.
“The Conference League has spotlighted our club, showing European football who we are,” Mota remarked. “Facing Chelsea is a monumental occasion for us; it’s a testament to our journey and a moment to cherish for Armenian football.”
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Vardanyan elaborated on the strategic shifts, stating, “After starting with just nine players back in June, we dedicated ourselves to assembling a competitive team suited to our goals. Just reaching the group stage was seen as ambitious, yet we’ve succeeded against the odds.”
With a broader vision in mind, Vardanyan aims to foster the growth of Armenian football and establish an enduring legacy. “My long-term objective is to cultivate a competitive club that holds a distinguished position in European football, winning titles and nurturing young talent,” he added.
Davit Alaverdyan, chief editor of Mediamax Media Company, pointed out the anomaly of FC Noah: “While founded in 2017, the club’s metamorphosis makes it feel brand new, and this success is unprecedented.”
Amidst the surprising collaborations, Vardanyan has also linked his ambition with that of Figo, who expressed early support for the project. “Luis was among the first to believe in this vision and remains a close advisor as we look to elevate Noah’s profile on the international stage,” Vardanyan stated.
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FC Noah’s journey is marked by a nomadic existence, having transitioned through various stadiums, including the Republican Stadium in Yerevan, and is currently in the process of building a new stadium in Echmiatsin. Alaverdyan noted, “Their nascent fanbase is growing with each successful match, and plans are in place for a 20,000-capacity stadium and an accompanying academy.”
The club’s biblical name holds deep significance; lore suggests Noah’s Ark rested on Mount Ararat, an iconic sight on the Yerevan skyline. Armenia being the first nation to adopt Christianity cements the reverence for such historical figures.
Captain Hovhannes Hambardzumyan, a pivotal player who joined in August 2023, summed up the squad’s mentality, stating, “Joining FC Noah is more than just playing football; it’s about representing our nation, pride, and heritage while striving to make the name of Noah resonate in the global football arena.”
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