Nicknamed "the Leader of Dahieh" (Arabic: زعيم الضاحية), the club earned promotion to the Lebanese Premier League in 2019, for the first time in 16 years.[1]
History
In 1993 Bourj, captained by Mohammad Ismail, won the final the Lebanese FA Cup 4–1 in extra time, against Homenmen.[5] Mallarby and Hassan Rahhal scored a brace each, while Papken Melikian scored the sole goal for the opposing team.[5] This was the second replay of the final, after both previous encounters ended in a draw after extra time.[5] In 2008, Bourj FC were relegated to the Fourth Division.[6]
On 1 August 2021, Bourj won the Lebanese Challenge Cup for the second time, beating Tripoli in the 2021 final; they refused to attend the crowing ceremony, following a verbal altercation between Fadi Nasser, Bourj's president, and a member of the Lebanese Football Association (LFA)'s executive committee.[7] On 2 August, the LFA imposed a fine of £L22 million on the club.[8] The same day, Bourj announced their withdrawal from the Lebanese Premier League through their social media, and that they would not pay the fine imposed.[9] They eventually took part in the 2020–21 season.[10]
Supporters
Founded as the first club in the area, Bourj is considered to be the representative of all the families of the town.[11] Following the introduction of ultras groups in Lebanon in 2018, "Ultras Borjawi" (Arabic: ألتراس برجاوي) was formed at the start of the 2018–19 Lebanese Second Division season.[12]
Club rivalries
Bourj's main rival have historically been Shabab Sahel, as they both fight for supremacy over the Dahieh suburbs.[11] The match has been dubbed the Dahieh derby.[1] Another important rivalry is with Shabab Bourj, due to the fact that they are both based in the Bourj el-Barajneh district.[11]
