F.C. TARPEDA MIENSK

Tarpeda Miensk – one of the most titled club in Belarus. Football club Tarpeda was found in 1947, as a football class of sport club that belongs to Miensk Automobile Plant. Tarpeda is a fivefold champion of Belarus, four times the club was silver medallist, three times - bronze medallist, three times Tarpeda won a Cup of Belarus.

In 1991 when Belarus became an independent country, Miensk Automobile Plant had remained a principle shareholder though there were financial difficulties. Only at the beginning of this century American firm had got one small part of shares. The team was playing at First Division.

But unexpectedly before season 2005, The administration of club announced that the team would begin the season at Third Division because of financial difficulties. But it was not reduction in class only, it was very troubling sign: some seasons earlier basketball club, that was financed by Miensk Automobile Plant, was liquidated.

It is necessary to say that the plant belongs to State, and is controlled by appointed executive, who nevertheless has an opportunity to carry on financial activity ILLIGALLY. In 2005 it was bruited about big money were laundered through the club.

Then American firm tried to pay up shares in order to save ZAO (private limited liability company) “Tarpeda” and the place at First Division. But ZAO “Tarpeda” was liquidated and ZAO “Tarpeda-maz” was founded. Was announced that “Tarpeda-maz” is an assignee of former “Tarpeda”, however as a new corporate body the club had lost the place at the first league. In the third league the team took the first place in spite of the fact that most of good players had left the club, and administration didn’t plan to take part at the second league.

At the beginning of 2006 mass media informed that football-club “Tarpeda-MAZ” has joined with another Miensk club – “Smena” (the team that haven’t any traditions in professional football, and in point of fact a football school financed by municipal government). The new project was named Football Club “Minsk”. Was announced about Belorusian super club with serious school for young football player and perfect coaching stuff. Opinions and protests of fans were set aside. The press was wondered at the displeasure of fans: “A new super club was found on basis of your, what wrong?”

There are some topics that are not discussed in mass media in our country. But when in half year Miensk Automobile Plant general director was appointed deputy minister everything was clear. He liquidated the club in order to disguise wheeler and dealer finance with public money. No Tarpeda – no problem. It needs to say that new football club “Minsk” tumbled out of first league in a year!!!

The most die-hard fans supported youth “Tarpeda”, that continued to take part in youth championship of Belarus in 2006.But in 2007 this team was liquidated. However some trusty coaches organized new young team “Tarpeda” and took part in the Championship of Miensk (fourth division), thanks to financial support of municipal administration. The team wins the 5 place. Games didn’t take place at the native stadium because the SUPER-CLUB “Minsk” are playing there now. The support of die-hard fans was very important the only one in this league.

Before season 2008 administration refused to finance, another sponsors were not found, that’s why the fans took upon need flow. Now Tarpeda plays at 4th league, but future is unknown, because of lack of money the team can’t get into higher division.