The story of the great split: Why Steaua changed its name to FCSB

One of the most renowned names in Romanian football, Steaua Bucharest, is no longer part of the country’s top-tier league, currently competing in the second division. Meanwhile, a team named FCSB, which considers itself the successor to the legendary Steaua, plays in Romania’s highest division. How did this happen? The Dailysports team delves into the history behind this controversy.

The founding of Steaua and the communist era

Let’s return to the post-World War II period when Romania became a socialist state. During this time, every football club was tied to a specific institution or sector. Founded in 1947, Steaua was no exception. The club was affiliated with the army and became the favorite team of Romania’s dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Under this name, the Romanian football giant became the first team from Eastern Europe to win the European Cup in 1986. In 1989, the Romanian Revolution led to the collapse of communism in the country. As in many former socialist states, state-owned institutions transitioned into private hands.

Capitalism arrives in Romania and Steaua

Steaua, previously owned by the Ministry of National Defense, became privatized in 1998. The club’s new owners were Viorel Păunescu and Gigi Becali. At the same time, an agreement was reached with the army to lease the rights to the club's logo and name for 20 years. For a long period, the Ministry of Defense did not object to Steaua's private ownership. However, this changed in the 21st century.

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Legal battles and disputes over trophies

Before the lease agreement expired, the Ministry of Defense filed a lawsuit to reclaim the rights to the logo and name, ultimately winning the case. In 2017, Steaua was forced to change its name to FCSB. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense purchased a lesser-known club from Romania’s fourth division and renamed it Steaua.

Football authorities in Romania and Europe (including UEFA) recognized FCSB as the legitimate successor to the original Steaua, crediting the club with all historical achievements. However, Romanian courts ruled that trophies won before 1998, when the club was privatized, remain the property of Steaua.

Despite reclaiming the name, the army-run Steaua faces a significant obstacle: it cannot compete in Romania’s top-tier league, as the Superliga prohibits state-owned clubs from participating. Meanwhile, FCSB continues to thrive as a powerhouse in Romanian football and competes in European tournaments.

In summary, who is who?

• FCSB (Fotbal Club FCSB): Based in Bucharest, founded in 1998. Seven-time Romanian champion, four-time Romanian Cup winner, UEFA Cup semifinalist (2005/06). 2023/24 Romanian champion.
• CSA Steaua Bucharest: Based in Bucharest, founded in 1948. Twenty-time Romanian champion, nineteen-time Romanian Cup winner, three-time Supercup winner. Winner of the 1986 European Cup and UEFA Super Cup. 2023/24: seventh place in Liga II.