Many football teams have been established over the years. Sadly, for some, they have not been able to stand the test of time and have for one reason or the other been disbanded. Today we highlight some well-known clubs that have fold and ceased to exist.
1. Wimbledon FC
Wimbledon was a former English club side that was based in London, until its relocation and change of name in 2001, 2004 respectively. Wimbledon was an established side in the old English first division featuring prominently in the 80s and 90s. The Dons most famous triumph was their 1988 FA Cup success when they upset favorites Liverpool 1-0 to win the trophy. Wimbledon officially ceased to exist in 2004 when the management changed the name of the club to Milton Keynes Dons. A large section of the fan base broke off to establish their own club called AFC Wimbledon. Some famous players who have featured in the past for them include John Fashanu, Vinnie Jones, and Dennis Wise.
2. New York Cosmos
Cosmos was an American club side that was involved in the short-lived North American Soccer League. Cosmos was in operation between 1970-1985. The club was hugely popular in the mid to late 70s following the acquisition of world-famous soccer players like Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia, and football genius, Edson Arantes do Nascimento otherwise known as Pele. The Cosmos won the NASL Championship 5 times (1972, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982) before they unceremoniously folded up in 1985.
3. Dukla Prague
Dukla was one of the most successful club sides in old Czechoslovakia. During their heydays, they were 11-time Czechoslovakian league champions and 8-time national cup winners. The club began to experience decline after Czechoslovakia split into two countries, namely the Czech Republic and Slovakia. They were finally dissolved in 1996. 1962 Ballon d’Or winner Josef Masopust was their most famous player.
4. KSV Waregem
Waregem was once a powerhouse in the Belgian top flight. They won leagues and several cup titles, even going as far as competing in European club competitions. KSV, unfortunately, fell into financial troubles, and were finally dissolved in 2001, when they merged with another Belgian side Zultse V.V.
5. Dalian Shide FC
Dalian was a Chinese side that competed for many years in the Asian country’s top flight. Shide won several league and cup titles before their unexpected fall from grace when owner Xu Ming began to stop funding the club due to reasons surrounding politics and corruption. Dalian finally dissolved in 2012 after they were acquired by business enterprise Aerbin group.
