Friday, June 20, 2008

Never Relegated Top Division Clubs

This is a listing of clubs that have never been relegated after becoming a member of the top division in their country. I've only included clubs that have been in the top-flight since at least 1950, so these are VERY long standing members of each nation's highest division.


Argentina
River Plate, Independiente, Boca Juniors

Austria
Austria Wien, SK Rapid Wien

Bulgaria
Levski Sofia, CSKA Sofia

Chile
Colo Colo

Colombia
Independiente Santa Fe, Millonarios

Egypt
Al-Ahly, Zamalek

Republic of Ireland
Bohemians

Israel
Maccabi Tel-Aviv

Italy
Inter Milan

Mexico
Club America, Chivas Guadalajara, Necaxa

Peru
Universitario Lima

Portugal
SL Benfica, FC Porto, Sporting CP

Romania
Dinamo Bucuresti, Steaua Bucuresti

Scotland
Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen

Spain
Athletic Bilbao, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid

Uruguay
Peñarol, Nacional


There are a few teams entering the top flight for the first time this season that have obviously never been relegated from the highest division. Here they are:

Belgium - AFC Tubize
Brazil - Ipatinga
England - Hull City
Germany - TSG Hoffenheim
Iceland - Fjölnir
Romania - CS Otopeni

Good luck to these clubs, I'll check back 50 years from now to see if any of them can be added to the "never-relegated for half a century" list. Not likely on both counts, but hey, anything can happen right?

1 comment:

  1. Before 1963, the highest German divisions were regional leagues, but Hamburger SV has been in the highest division available since 1919 without relegation, so I'd argue they should be in your list ;)

    ReplyDelete