{{About|the original football club named Politehnica Timișoara|the side which inherited the fanbase and is allowed to use the FC Politehnica brand and records|SSU Politehnica Timișoara|other uses|Politehnica Timișoara (disambiguation){{!}}Politehnica Timișoara}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}} {{Infobox football club | clubname = Politehnica Timișoara | current = | image = Poli timisoara 2010 logo.png | image_size = 200px | fullname = {{nowrap|Fotbal Club Politehnica Timișoara}} | short name = Poli Timișoara | nickname = {{unbulleted list |''Alb-violeții'' (The White-Purples) |''Băieții în Ghete'' (Boys in Boots) |''Timișorenii'' (The Timișoara People) |''Bănățenii'' (The Banat People) |{{nowrap|''Echipa de pe Bega'' (The Bega River Team)}} }} | founded = 4 December 1921 | dissolved = 2012 | ground = Dan Păltinișanu | capacity = 32,972 | league = | season = | position = | pattern_la1 = _whiteflareatshoulder | pattern_b1 = _fcpt1112h | pattern_ra1 = _whiteflareatshoulder | leftarm1 = 5B0CB3 | body1 = 5B0CB3 | rightarm1 = 5B0CB3 | shorts1 = 5B0CB3 | socks1 = 5B0CB3 | pattern_la2 = | pattern_b2 = | pattern_ra2 = | pattern_sh2 = | pattern_so2 = | leftarm2 = FFFFFF | body2 = FFFFFF | rightarm2 = FFFFFF | shorts2 = 5B0CB3 | socks2 = FFFFFF }} '''Fotbal Club Politehnica Timișoara''' ({{IPA|ro|poliˈtehnika timiˈʃo̯ara}}), commonly known as '''Politehnica Timișoara''' or simply '''Poli Timișoara''', was a Romanian football club from Timișoara, Timiș County, established in 1921<ref name="founding">{{cite web |url=http://www.fcupoli.com/cms1/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=41&Itemid=66&lang=en |title=History |publisher=fcupoli.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929080826/http://www.fcupoli.com/cms1/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=41&Itemid=66&lang=en |archive-date=29 September 2008}}</ref> and dissolved in 2012. During its existence, the team won two Cupa României trophies and was twice runner-up in the Liga I. It amassed 49 seasons in the latter competition.

Named after and initially run by the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, the club was founded in 1921 by mathematician Traian Lalescu. After two decades spent in the regional leagues, Politehnica promoted to the top flight in 1948. It claimed its first trophy in the 1957–58 season, when it defeated Progresul București in the national cup final. Internationally, "the White-Violets" made their European debut in the 1978–79 UEFA Cup, when they went past MTK Hungária in the first round.

Politehnica obtained its highest result in the national championship after finishing second in the 2008–09 Liga I. It repeated the performance in the 2010–11 season, but was relegated after not being able to obtain a new participation license due to unpaid debts, and was eventually dissolved in 2012.

Following Politehnica Timișoara's dissolution, two entities claimed to be its moral successors—ACS Poli Timișoara and SSU Politehnica Timișoara. The Polytechnic University, the owner of the brand and all of FC Politehnica records, ceded these for free use to ACS Poli between 2012 and 2021, but then moved them to SSU Politehnica starting from 2021. SSU also inherited the old club's fanbase since inception.

==History==

===Beginnings and lower leagues (1921–1945)=== The club was founded in 1921 by the Polytechnic University of Timișoara under the name '''Societatea Sportivă Politehnica'''.<ref name="founding" /><ref name=GSP>{{cite web | url=https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-2/poli-timisoara-centenar-tumultuos-retro-648581.html | title=Poli Timișoara, centenar tumultuos "Înainte de '89, trebuia să fii ori cu Dinamo, ori cu Steaua. Poli a refuzat prostituția sportivă" | publisher=Gsp.ro | language=ro | trans-title=Poli Timișoara, tumultuous centenary "Before '89, you had to be with either Dinamo or Steaua. Poli refused sports prostitution" | date=4 December 2021 | access-date=10 December 2021 | archive-date=9 February 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209160750/https://www.gsp.ro/fotbal/liga-2/poli-timisoara-centenar-tumultuos-retro-648581.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

Its initial aim was to provide an opportunity for university students to work on their fitness within a competitive environment. The logistics of the sport proved problematic, as there were limited financial means available. Thanks to contributions gathered from university professors and employees, the club bought their first football kits, with white-black vertical stripes, and rented the "Patria" football stadium. It was not until 1928 that the club developed its own training grounds, "Politehnica", which were built by volunteers. Players for the team were chosen on merit from the pool of Timișoara students and high-schoolers, who trained after school hours during the week and played football on weekends. The football landscape in the city was already developed at that time, with CAT, RGMT and Chinezul Timișoara dominating locally.<ref name=GSP/>

After spending three years in the District Championships II, Politehnica won promotion to the first tier in 1924, by defeating Kadima Timișoara. In 1926, Austrian coach of Italian origin, Tony Cargnelli came to train CAT, but he also worked as a volunteer for Politehnica, thus becoming the first coach of the club.<ref name=cargnelli>{{cite web| url=https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/special/istorii-nestiute-episodul-8-antrenor-tony-cargnelli-poli-timisoara-torino-inter-milano-serie-a-748841.html| title=Fabulos! A antrenat două echipe din România, dar le-a lăsat baltă și s-a dus în Italia, unde a cucerit două titluri în Serie A! A scris istorie la AC Torino și la Inter Milano| publisher=Gsp.ro| language=Romanian| trans-title=Fabulous! He coached two teams in Romania, but left them behind and went to Italy, where he won two Serie A titles! He wrote history at AC Torino and Inter Milan| date=4 August 2024| access-date=13 September 2024| archive-date=12 September 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912100841/https://www.gsp.ro/gsp-special/special/istorii-nestiute-episodul-8-antrenor-tony-cargnelli-poli-timisoara-torino-inter-milano-serie-a-748841.html| url-status=live}}</ref> He managed both clubs including when they played against each other, after Politehnica's 3–0 win over CA from 1927 in the District Championships I, the ''Universul'' newspaper wrote: "The people of Timișoara had the opportunity to see a beautiful game between two teams that each in their own way showed what they owed to the joint coach Cargnelli".<ref name=cargnelli/> Cargnelli finished the 1926–27 District Championships I with CA on the fifth place and with Politehnica on the second with 23 points, just one below first place Chinezul Timișoara who qualified to the national championship.<ref name=cargnelli/> The club became established in the years to come, even finishing 2nd in the 1926–27 District Championships I, when Politehnica lost out to Chinezul by a single point, who were one of Romania's most famous football names at the time. However, the competitive level could not be easily sustained by a university club, as it was subject to the inflow and outflow of players conditioned by their student status. After a decline towards the end of the decade, the low-point came at the beginning of the 1930s, between 1931 and 1933, when due to insufficient material resources, Politehnica had to suspend its football activities.<ref name=GSP/> It reappeared in 1934 but remained a modest club, with mid-table classifications in the District Championships I, as well as the Divizia C and Divizia B, once they were founded. As war beckoned, the national championships were suspended and all football activities reduced to friendly matches and the "Cupa Eroilor" (1943–44).

Until the second World War, Politehnica was far from the number one Timișoara football club. Chinezul and then Ripensia won multiple Romanian championships, whereas the students' club failed to achieve similar results.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesr/roemchamp.html|title=Romania&nbsp;– List of Champions|publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation|access-date=2 February 2023|archive-date=9 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209160748/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesr/roemchamp.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It did, however, propel several players to the Romania national football team, with the likes of Sfera, Ignuţa, Deheleanu, Chiroiu, Pop, Protopopescu and Sepi all wearing the national jerseys.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Haide "Poli"!|last=Jiva|first=Mircea|publisher=Editura Stadion|year=1973|location=Bucuresti|pages=18–26}}</ref>

===Becoming one of the city's notable clubs (1945–1991)=== [[File:Dan Păltinişanu.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Dan Păltinișanu totalled 271 league matches for Politehnica Timișoara between 1973 and 1983. The largest stadium in the city is named after him.]] With Romania under a communist regime, these decades were a challenge for Politehnica, as the club represented an educational institution of the highest tier. The numerous promotions and relegations between the first two national leagues were contrasted by the two Romanian cups won and the club's first forays into international football.<ref name=GSP/>

Politehnica was first promoted to Romanian top league, the Divizia A, in 1948,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1947_48.shtml|title=Season 1947–48|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=5 August 2011|archive-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013214310/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1947_48.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and played under the name '''CSU Timișoara''' in the first season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1948_49.shtml|title=Season 1948–49|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=5 August 2011|archive-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013214110/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1948_49.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly thereafter (from 1950<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1950.shtml|title=Season 1950|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=5 August 2011|archive-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013214410/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1950.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>), the club was renamed Știința Timișoara, in line with the desired nomenclature of the times. In spite of suffering its first relegation in 1951,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1951.shtml|title=Season 1951|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=5 August 2011|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091947/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1951.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> the decade was an unusually consistent one, with the club returning swiftly to the top division<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1952.shtml|title=Season 1952|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=5 August 2011|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091857/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1952.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and staying there until the season 1959.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1958_59.shtml|title=Season 1958–59|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012114120/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1958_59.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The high-point of the Ştiinţa years was winning the 1957–58 Romanian Cup, a 1–0 victory against Progresul București,<ref name="History">{{cite web|url=http://www.tempo-poli.ro/com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=133|title=History of Poli|publisher=Tempo Poli}}{{dead link|date=June 2017|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> with the club finishing joint first in the league in the same season, but losing out on goal difference.<ref name=GSP/> thumb|left|250px|{{center|Știința Timișoara squad in 1965}} The next decade saw the club struggle to remain in the first league, particularly towards the end of the 60s. However, it was then that the club's modern identity started taking shape. Firstly, in 1963, the largest stadium in Timişoara was completed. It was initially named "1 Mai", honoring the socialist workers' day, before being renamed several times in the 90s and finally settling on Stadionul Dan Păltinişanu.<ref name=GSP/> Secondly, the club reverted to its previous name of ''Politehnica Timișoara''<ref name="s1967">{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1966_67.shtml|title=Season 1966–67|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013213752/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1966_67.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> in 1966 and went to play during the next five decades on the then-erected stadium.<ref name=GSP/>

When Politehnica returned to the first league in 1973, after struggling to win promotion for several years, it went on to celebrate one of its best streaks in the top flight. With the likes of Emeric Dembrovschi and Dan Păltinişanu in the team, who both played for Romania and went on to become some of the most capped players in the club's history, and under the management of prof. Ion V. Ionescu, Politehnica lost that season's cup final. After managing a third place in the league with manager Angelo Niculescu in 1978, Politehnica took part in a continental competition for the first time. It was the 1978–79 UEFA Cup, where ''Poli'' defeated MTK Budapest (2–0 and 1–2), before going down to Honved Budapest (2–0 and 0–4) in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statisticifotbal.ro/statistici_istoria_cupe_europene_1970-1980.htm|title=1970–1980|publisher=StatisticiFotbal.ro|access-date=2016-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005202514/http://www.statisticifotbal.ro/statistici_istoria_cupe_europene_1970-1980.htm|archive-date=2011-10-05|url-status = dead}}</ref>

The club remained steady and managed to win its second cup trophy the following season, by beating Steaua București with 2–1, after extra time.<ref name="History" /> Politehnica thereby qualified for the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, where it managed to eliminate Celtic Glasgow (1–0 and 1–2), before being defeated by West Ham United (1–0 and 0–4) in second leg.<ref name=GSP/><ref name="stats80">{{cite web|url=http://www.statisticifotbal.ro/statistici_istoria_cupe_europene_1980-1990.htm|title=1980–1990|publisher=StatisticiFotbal.ro|access-date=2016-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005202527/http://www.statisticifotbal.ro/statistici_istoria_cupe_europene_1980-1990.htm|archive-date=2011-10-05|url-status = dead}}</ref> In spite of losing another Romanian Cup final in 1981, the club qualified once more for the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, where they lost to Leipzig 2–5 on aggregate.<ref name="stats80" />

After being relegated in 1983, Politehnica yo-yo-ed between Divizia A and the Divizia B, with promotions in 1984,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1983_84.shtml|title=Season 1983–84|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091950/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1983_84.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> 1987,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1986_87.shtml|title=Season 1986–87|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092031/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1986_87.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> 1989<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1988_89.shtml|title=Season 1988–89|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092332/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1988_89.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and relegations in 1986<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1985_86.shtml|title=Season 1985–86|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092026/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1985_86.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and 1988.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1987_88.shtml|title=Season 1987–88|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327092140/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1987_88.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Fans ironically called this period as the 'ABBA years'. As the Romanian Revolution, which started in Timișoara, signalled the end of an era, Politehnica managed to grab its most impressive result yet in European competitions, by eliminating Atlético Madrid (2–0 and 0–1) in the 1990–91 UEFA Cup.<ref name="stats90">{{cite web|url=http://www.statisticifotbal.ro/statistici_istoria_cupe_europene_1990-2000.htm|title=1990–2000|publisher=StatisticiFotbal.ro|access-date=2016-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005202634/http://www.statisticifotbal.ro/statistici_istoria_cupe_europene_1990-2000.htm|archive-date=2011-10-05|url-status = dead}}</ref>

===After privatisation (1991–2001)=== By state order, all public institutions were forced to relinquish and reorganize any owned sports clubs in 1991, to effectively privatize them. As a result, alongside the newly organized football club appeared a non-profit association, '''AFC Politehnica Timișoara'''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://evz.ro/boit-craciun-i-a-dat-palmaresul-lui-zambon-822299.html|title=Boiţ: "Crăciun i-a dat palmaresul lui Zambon!"|date=27 September 2008|access-date=4 December 2017|archive-date=22 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922060349/https://evz.ro/boit-craciun-i-a-dat-palmaresul-lui-zambon-822299.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The latter, consisting of previous club players and staff, was mandated with owning and protecting the club records and intellectual property.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/poli-transfer-de-identitate-metamorfoza-de-pe-dan-paltinisanu-11126973|title=Poli – transfer de identitate!|website=ProSport|date=17 July 2013|access-date=4 December 2017|archive-date=21 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921200128/https://www.prosport.ro/fotbal-intern/liga-1/poli-transfer-de-identitate-metamorfoza-de-pe-dan-paltinisanu-11126973|url-status=live}}</ref>

The club's swan song near the top of Romanian football for the next decade was to be the 1991–92 season. Poli finished 5th and also reached the Romanian Cup final, only to lose it on penalties against Steaua București. The consequent participation in the 1992–93 UEFA Cup, saw the club draw against Real Madrid (1–1 in Timișoara), before being defeated in the return leg (0–4).<ref name="stats90" /> Politehnica lost several key players in the years after the forced privatization, which slowly lead to the team's downfall. In fewer than twenty four months from their draw against Real, the club was relegated to the Divizia B in 1994.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1993_94.shtml|title=Season 1993–94|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013214004/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1993_94.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite a fast return to the first league in 1995,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1994_95.shtml|title=Season 1995-95|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013214124/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1994_95.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Poli failed to consolidate their position and were soon relegated once more after the 1996–97 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1996_97.shtml|title=Season 1996–97|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091900/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/1996_97.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

An inability to rebound lead to mounting financial pressures. The club was temporarily owned by a Timișoara based businessman between 1998 and 2000, before the local authorities accepted the bid of an Italian investor, Claudio Zambon, to take over Politehnica.<ref name=GSP/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://adevarul.ro/news/eveniment/vinovati-afacerea-poli-claudio-zambon-1_50ad0c4f7c42d5a6638ded33/index.html|title=Vinovaţi în afacerea Poli-Claudio Zambon|date=8 September 2008|access-date=4 December 2017|archive-date=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204222825/http://adevarul.ro/news/eveniment/vinovati-afacerea-poli-claudio-zambon-1_50ad0c4f7c42d5a6638ded33/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite an initial financial outlay, Poli finished 15th and was relegated to the third league, Divizia C, where it had last played in 1938. To avoid such an outcome, Zambon and the local authorities struck a deal with a league two club, Dacia Pitești, and purchased their license to participate in the Divizia B.<ref name=GSP/> After failing to earn promotion to top flight, the 2001–02 season posed an insurmountable challenge for Politehnica. Zambon's departure following disagreements with the local authorities meant the club found itself in dire financial straits.<ref name=GSP/> Forced to use mostly youth players, Politehnica finished the season dead last, with one win and four draws to its name, but negative eight points in the standings, due to unpaid debts. Once again the club was bound to be relegated to the third division.<ref name=GSP/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.druckeria.ro/ioan-cartis-am-incredere-ca-se-va-cauta-solutia-cea-mai-buna/|title=Ioan Carțiș: "Am încredere că se va căuta soluția cea mai bună"|date=28 June 2012|access-date=4 December 2017|archive-date=28 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928010039/https://www.druckeria.ro/ioan-cartis-am-incredere-ca-se-va-cauta-solutia-cea-mai-buna/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Identity crisis, glory years and downfall (2002–2012)=== [[File:Poli Timisoara 0 - 0 Steaua Bucuresti (meciul vazut din tribuna) - 2 aprilie 2011 30.jpg|310px|thumb|right|Poli Timișoara supporters during a first division game against FC Steaua București, April 2011.]] In 2002, AEK Bucharest were promoted to Liga I, Romanian football's top division, for the first time,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/2001_02.shtml|title=Season 2001–02|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=13 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013213817/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/2001_02.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> whereupon Anton Doboș, the club's owner, moved it to Timișoara.<ref name=GSP/> It was renamed Politehnica AEK Timișoara after merging with CSU Politehnica, a club owned and run by the Politehnica University, and received the full support of local authorities and white-purple fans. After a rocky first season, which required a spectacular relegation play-off against Gloria Buzău<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.agenda.ro/old/2003/25-03-23.htm|title=Poli remaining in Divizia A|publisher=Agenda|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513224848/http://www.agenda.ro/old/2003/25-03-23.htm|archive-date=2008-05-13|url-status = dead}}</ref> to avoid demotion, Poli AEK consolidated during the next season, finishing on a safe mid-table position. Moreover, starting with the 2004–05 season, the team changed its name to FCU Politehnica Timișoara, trying to reestablish its former identity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/2004-05.shtml|title=Season 2004–05|publisher=RomanianSoccer.ro|access-date=5 August 2011|archive-date=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204115106/http://www.romaniansoccer.ro/divizia_a/tables/2004-05.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

Financially difficulties looming, Politehnica changed ownership once more. Former president Anton Doboș stayed on at the club for another year in a new position, while Balkan Petroleum Ltd., owned by Marian Iancu, took full charge. Significant investments in the transfer market transformed the club overnight, as it received the nickname "EuroPoli" for its newly found ambitions to reach the top of Romanian football.<ref name=GSP/>

During the takeover by Marian Iancu, a dispute regarding the proprietary rights for the club name, colors and records arose. After prolonged litigation, Politehnica was forced to change its name to FC Timișoara, following a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.<ref name=GSP/> It was deemed that the colors and records dating before 2002 were lost in favor of former Politehnica Timișoara owner, Claudio Zambon.<ref name=GSP/> The Italian had struck a deal with AFC Politehnica, the non-profit association which owned said proprietary items, when he left Timișoara during the 2001–02 season.<ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://jurisprudence.tas-cas.org/sites/CaseLaw/Shared%20Documents/1109.pdf|title=Arbitration CAS 2006/A/1109|publisher=Court of Arbitration for Sport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005053452/http://jurisprudence.tas-cas.org/sites/CaseLaw/Shared%20Documents/1109.pdf|archive-date=2011-10-05|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Results on the pitch improved immediately after the takeover, but a leap to the Liga 1 podium proved elusive until 2008–09, when Politehnica finished runner-up, a feat repeated two seasons later. The club did, however, rejoin European football the season before that by qualifying for the UEFA Cup<ref name="UEFA">{{cite web|url=http://www.realitatea.net/liga-i-etapa-32-poli-timisoara-si-a-asigurat-calificarea-in-cupa-uefa_183411.html|title=Poli qualified to UEFA Cup after 16 years|publisher=Realitatea TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204085615/http://www.realitatea.net/liga-i-etapa-32-poli-timisoara-si-a-asigurat-calificarea-in-cupa-uefa_183411.html|archive-date=2011-02-04|url-status = dead}}</ref> – sixteen years after its last appearance against Atletico Madrid. More European appearances followed, culminating with the qualification for the 3rd preliminary round of the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League.<ref name="UCL">{{cite web|url=http://www.timpul.md/articol/poli-timisoara-s-a-calificat-in-preliminariile-uefa-champions-league-23512.html|title=Poli qualified in UEFA Champions League|date=22 May 2011|publisher=Timpul|access-date=9 August 2011|archive-date=4 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204171228/http://www.timpul.md/articol/poli-timisoara-s-a-calificat-in-preliminariile-uefa-champions-league-23512.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The team defeated the reigning UEFA Cup champions Shakhtar Donetsk, but were eliminated from the competition during the playoff round, which still meant the club would take part in the 2009–10 UEFA Europa League group stage.<ref name=GSP/><ref name="stats 2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.statisticifotbal.ro/statistici_istoria_cupe_europene_2000-2010.htm|title=2000–2010|publisher=StatisticiFotbal.ro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005202811/http://www.statisticifotbal.ro/statistici_istoria_cupe_europene_2000-2010.htm|archive-date=2011-10-05|url-status = dead|access-date=2016-10-23}}</ref>

In November 2010, the Romanian Court of Appeal returned Politehnica's name, colors and records to FC Timișoara.<ref name=GSP/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.opiniatimisoarei.ro/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Citatie-poli.pdf|title=comunicare|publisher=Opinia Timişoarei|access-date=5 August 2011|archive-date=23 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023202536/http://www.opiniatimisoarei.ro/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Citatie-poli.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite finishing second in the 2010–11 Liga I, the team was relegated to Liga II after the club failed to meet the requirements for obtaining the necessary licence to play in the first division.<ref name=GSP/><ref>{{Cite web|title=13 cluburi din Liga I au primit licenţa pentru sezonul 2011–2012|url=http://frf.ro/sectiune/stiri/articol/licentiere-13-cluburi-liga-i-au-primit-licenta-sezonul-2011-2012|date=31 May 2011|publisher=FRF|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115053421/http://www.frf.ro/sectiune/stiri/articol/licentiere-13-cluburi-liga-i-au-primit-licenta-sezonul-2011-2012|archive-date=15 January 2013}}</ref> They played in the 2011–12 Liga II under the name of Politehnica Timișoara, and gained promotion back to the Liga I but were again denied the licence and were dissolved in September 2012.<ref name=GSP/> ACS Recaș was moved to Timișoara and was renamed ACS Poli Timișoara but the fans decided to support the amateur team ASU Politehnica Timișoara, considering ACS Poli Timișoara to be a fraud and a political maneuver.<ref name=GSP/>

The Romanian Football Federation announced before the start of the 2021–22 Liga II championship, that the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, the owner of the logo, history and all of Politehnica Timișoara's football records, approves the use of these by SSU Politehnica Timișoara.<ref name=GSP/> So from a legal point of view, from now on, this team will be considered as the official and legal successor of the old FC Politehnica Timișoara team.<ref name=GSP/>

==Support== Historically, Poli has been the most prominent football club in Timișoara after 1945, playing consistently in either the first or the second tier of Romanian football. Local rivalries with CFR Timișoara<ref>{{cite web|title=CFR Timișoara, legendă a fotbalului bănățean|url=http://www.ripensia-sport-magazin.ro/istoria-fotbalului/cfr-timisoara-legenda-a-fotbalului-banatean/|website=Ripensia Sport Magazin|date=3 August 2016|access-date=17 June 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195929/http://www.ripensia-sport-magazin.ro/istoria-fotbalului/cfr-timisoara-legenda-a-fotbalului-banatean/|url-status=live}}</ref> and UM Timișoara<ref>{{cite web|title=Poveste UMT-ului|url=http://www.ripensia-sport-magazin.ro/istoria-fotbalului/povestea-umt-ului-cenusareasa-fotbalului-timisorean/|website=Ripensia Sport Magazin|date=27 January 2016|access-date=17 June 2021|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209233736/http://www.ripensia-sport-magazin.ro/istoria-fotbalului/povestea-umt-ului-cenusareasa-fotbalului-timisorean/|url-status=live}}</ref> were relevant until the early 2000s. Afterwards, the former was relegated to a semi-professional status in the lower leagues and the latter was dissolved in 2008. Nationally, Politehnica Timișoara's most important rivalries were the ones with Dinamo București and UTA Arad. The cities of Timișoara and Arad are located in proximity of each other in the western part of Romania; Both cities also claim to be the first place where football was played in the country. Poli fans, which now support ASU Politehnica Timișoara, had a friendly relationship with the supporters of Rapid București and Borussia Mönchengladbach.<ref name="Friendship">{{cite web|url=http://www.tempo-poli.ro/com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=797|title=Fan friendship|publisher=Tempo Poli}} {{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

==Honours== ===Domestic=== *'''Liga I''' **Runners-up (2): 2008–09, 2010–11 *'''Liga II''' **'''Winners (10):''' 1947–48, 1952, 1959–60, 1964–65, 1972–73, 1983–84, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1994–95, 2011–12 '''(record)''' **Runners-up: 1970–71

*'''Cupa României''' **'''Winners (2):''' 1957–58, 1979–80 **Runners-up (6): 1973–74, 1980–81, 1982–83, 1991–92, 2006–07, 2008–09

==European record== {{Main|FC Politehnica Timișoara in European football}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff"| Competition ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;width:28px"| {{Tooltip| S | Seasons}} ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;width:28px"| {{Tooltip| P | Played}} ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;width:28px"| {{Tooltip| W | Won}} ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;width:28px"| {{Tooltip| D | Drawn}} ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;width:28px"| {{Tooltip| L | Lost}} ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;width:28px"| {{Tooltip| GF | Goals for}} ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;width:28px"| {{Tooltip| GA | Goals against}} ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;width:28px"| {{Tooltip| GD | Goal difference}} |- | align=left| UEFA Champions League / European Cup | 1 || 4 || 0 || 3 || 1 || 2 || 4 || −2 |- | align=left| UEFA Cup Winners' Cup / European Cup Winners' Cup | 2 || 6 || 3 || 0 || 3 || 5 || 11 || −6 |- | align=left| UEFA Europa League / UEFA Cup | 6 || 22 || 6 || 4 || 12 || 20 || 38 || −18 |- ! Total || 9 || 32 || 9 || 7 || 16 || 27 || 53 || −26 |} ===Notable wins=== {| class="toccolours" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" align="left" style="margin:0.5em;" |- bgcolor=#CADCFB ! Season ! Match ! Score |- !colspan="4" bgcolor=#EFEFEF |UEFA Cup / Europa League |- | align="center" | 1978–79 | align="left" | '''Poli Timișoara'''&nbsp;– {{flagicon|HUN}} MTK Budapest | align="center" | '''2&nbsp;– 0''' |- | align="center" | 1978–79 | align="left" | '''Poli Timișoara'''&nbsp;– {{flagicon|HUN|}} Honvéd Budapest | align="center" | '''2&nbsp;– 0''' |- | align="center" | 1990–91 | align="left" | '''Poli Timișoara'''&nbsp;– {{flagicon|ESP}} Atlético Madrid | align="center" | '''2&nbsp;– 0''' |- | align="center" | 1990–91 | align="left" | '''Poli Timișoara'''&nbsp;– {{flagicon|POR}} Sporting Lisbon | align="center" | '''2&nbsp;– 0''' |- | align="center" | 2009–10 | align="left" | '''Poli Timișoara'''&nbsp;– {{flagicon|CRO}} Dinamo Zagreb | align="center" | '''2&nbsp;– 1''' |- !colspan="4" bgcolor=#EFEFEF |UEFA Cup Winners' Cup |- | align="center" | 1980–81 | align="left" | '''Poli Timișoara'''&nbsp;– {{flagicon|SCO}} Celtic Glasgow | align="center" | '''1&nbsp;– 0''' |- | align="center" | 1980–81 | align="left" | '''Poli Timișoara'''&nbsp;– {{flagicon|ENG}} West Ham United | align="center" | '''1&nbsp;– 0''' |- |} {{clear}}

==Players==

===Most capped players=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;width:28px"| # ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;"| Name ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;"| Career ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;"| Matches ! style="background:#653978;color:#ffffff;border:1px solid #ffffff;"| Goals |- ! 1 | align="left"| Sorin Vlaicu | 1987–2001 | 288 | 29 |- ! 2 | align="left"| Simion Surdan | 1963–1975 | 282 | 58 |- ! 3 | align="left"| Constantin Varga | 1986–1999 | 274 | 71 |- ! 4 | align="left"| Dan Păltinișanu | 1970–1985 | 271 | 24 |- ! 5 | align="left"| Stelian Anghel | 1974–1984 | 262 | 72 |- ! 6 | align="left"| Adrian Stoicov | 1987–1998 | 246 | 3 |- ! 7 | align="left"| Iosif Lereter | 1957–1967 | 227 | 89 |- ! 8 | align="left"| Gheorghe Șerbănoiu | 1975–1984 | 222 | 13 |- ! 9 | align="left"| Aurel Șunda | 1979–1987 | 218 | 10 |- ! 10 | align="left"| Emerich Dembrovschi | 1966–1981 | 208 | 51 |- |}

===Notable former players=== <!-- Have played at least 30 matches for the club or scored a minimum of 15 goals --> {{Category see also|FC Politehnica Timișoara players}}

==Former managers== {{div col|colwidth=22em}} *{{Flagicon|AUT}} Tony Cargnelli (1926–1927) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Rudolf Bürger (1942–1946) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Ion Lăpușneanu (1948–1949) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Vasile Deheleanu (1950) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Rudolf Bürger (1950) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Eugen Mladin (1954) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Vasile Deheleanu (1955–1956) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Dincă Schileru (1958) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Vasile Deheleanu (1958–1959) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Nicolae Reuter (1961) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Vasile Gain (1961–1962) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Coloman Braun-Bogdan (1962–1963) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Nicolae Reuter (1963–1964) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Colea Vâlcov (1964) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Nicolae Godeanu (1967–1968) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Stere Zeană (1968) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Gheorghe Drăghiescu (1969) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Ion V. Ionescu (1972–1975) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Constantin Rădulescu (1975–1977) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Angelo Niculescu (1977–1979) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Constantin Rădulescu (1979) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Ion V. Ionescu (1980–1981) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Marcel Pigulea (1981–1982) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Cicerone Manolache (1982) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Emerich Dembrovschi (1983–1985) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Ion Dumitru (1985) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Robert Cosmoc (1985–1986) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Ion V. Ionescu (1986–1988) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Constantin Rădulescu (1988–1991) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Viorel Vișan (1991) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Ion V. Ionescu (1991–1992) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Constantin Rădulescu (1994–1996) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Emerich Dembrovschi (1996–1997) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Victor Roșca (1997) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Flavius Domide (1999) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Mihai Zamfir (2000) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} George Ciorceri (2001) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Basarab Panduru (2002) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Gheorghe Mulțescu (2003) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Viorel Vișan (2003) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Basarab Panduru (2003–2004) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} George Ciorceri (2004) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Gheorghe Mulțescu (2004) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Călin Zanc (2004) (caretaker) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Dumitru Dumitriu (2004) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Cosmin Olăroiu (2005) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Gheorghe Hagi (2005–2006) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Sorin Cârțu (2006) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Iosif Rotariu (2006) (caretaker) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Alin Artimon (2006–2007) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Iosif Rotariu (2007) (caretaker) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Valentin Velcea (2007) (caretaker) *{{Flagicon|CZE}} Dušan Uhrin Jr. (2007–2008) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Gabi Balint (2008–2009) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Valentin Velcea (2009) (caretaker) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Ioan Sabău (2009–2010) *{{Flagicon|SRB}} Vladimir Petrović (2010) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Cosmin Contra (2010) *{{Flagicon|CZE}} Dušan Uhrin Jr. (2010–2011) *{{Flagicon|ROU}} Valentin Velcea (2011–2012) {{div col end}}

==See also==

*FC Politehnica II Timișoara

==References== {{Reflist}} {{SSU Politehnica Timișoara}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Politehnica Timisoara}} Category:FC Politehnica Timișoara Category:Defunct football clubs in Romania Category:Football clubs in Timiș County Category:University and college association football clubs in Romania Category:Association football clubs established in 1921 Category:Association football clubs disestablished in 2012 Category:1921 establishments in Romania Category:2012 disestablishments in Romania Category:Sport in Timișoara