{"clubs":{"c001":{"kind":"club","n":1,"club":"Abu Muslim Farah","hook":"No Afghan club has ever reached the group or league stage of an AFC competition. Abu Muslim Farah have twice fallen to Paro in AFC Challenge League qualifying, in 2025 and 2026. Get them over that hurdle and take Afghan club football somewhere it has never been before.","country":"Afghanistan","fed":"AFC","div":"Afghanistan Champions League / custom DB","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c002":{"kind":"club","n":2,"club":"Vllaznia Shkodër","hook":"Albania’s oldest club were founded in 1919 and have nine league titles, but none since 2001. More than two decades without a championship gives you a proper fallen giant without making the save impossibly difficult.","country":"Albania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kategoria Superiore","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c003":{"kind":"club","n":3,"club":"ES Sétif","hook":"ES Sétif were African champions in 1988 and then did it again in 2014, bridging two completely different eras of club football. Another decade has passed since the second triumph. Rebuild Algeria's great continental specialists and become the first version of Sétif to sustain an African dynasty.","country":"Algeria","fed":"CAF","div":"Algerian Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Two-era African champion / dynasty build","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c004":{"kind":"club","n":4,"club":"JS Kabylie","hook":"JS Kabylie are one of Algeria's great clubs: multiple African trophies, 14 league titles and three straight CAF Cup wins from 2000 to 2002. Restore a giant that has slipped from its old continental standards and make Kabylie a power in Africa again.","country":"Algeria","fed":"CAF","div":"Algerian Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Fallen continental giant / dynasty rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c005":{"kind":"club","n":5,"club":"MC Oran","hook":"MC Oran have four Algerian league titles and came within one match of becoming African champions in 1989. They have not won the league since 1993. End the domestic drought, break the Algiers-heavy modern order and take Oran back to the continental final it once reached.","country":"Algeria","fed":"CAF","div":"Algerian Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Title drought / African near-miss","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c006":{"kind":"club","n":6,"club":"Inter Club d'Escaldes","hook":"Andorra finally has a club in a UEFA league phase. Inter became the first Andorran side ever to reach one in 2026/27. The save is about turning a one-off national breakthrough into something sustainable - dominate a tiny domestic league, improve the coefficient and make European football routine.","country":"Andorra","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Divisió","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"European breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/news/02a8-217485503969-de85665aa7e9-1000--historic-night-for-andorra-as-men-s-club-competition-pla/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c007":{"kind":"club","n":7,"club":"FC Andorra","hook":"FC Andorra represent a country of roughly 80,000 people but play inside the Spanish league system. They are back in Segunda División, so La Liga is realistically within reach. Take an Andorran club into one of the world's biggest leagues and then see whether a microstate can produce a Champions League-level team.","country":"Andorra (Spanish pyramid)","fed":"UEFA","div":"LaLiga Hypermotion","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Cross-border / microstate to La Liga","themes":["Climb the leagues","Nation-builder","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.fcandorra.com/en/news/fc-andorra-already-knows-its-schedule-for-laliga-hypermotion-202627","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c008":{"kind":"club","n":8,"club":"Petro de Luanda","hook":"Petro have dominated Angola and reached 20 league titles by 2026, including five in a row. The strange gap on their CV is continental success. They have come close before, so forget the domestic league and make winning Africa the entire point of the save.","country":"Angola","fed":"CAF","div":"Girabola","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Domestic dynasty / continental step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c009":{"kind":"club","n":9,"club":"Antigua Barracuda FC","hook":"One for the custom-database crowd. Barracuda were Antigua and Barbuda’s first full-time professional club and competed in the American third tier. Their final season in 2013 was extraordinary: 26 games, all of them away, 26 defeats, then the club folded. Bring them back and write a less depressing ending.","country":"Antigua and Barbuda","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Defunct / custom database","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c010":{"kind":"club","n":10,"club":"Arsenal de Sarandí","hook":"Copa Sudamericana winners in 2007, Argentine champions in 2012 and Supercopa winners later that year. They are now down in the third-tier Primera B Metropolitana. Take a former continental champion out of the depths and all the way back.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera B Metropolitana","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c011":{"kind":"club","n":11,"club":"Chacarita Juniors","hook":"Chacarita won the 1969 Metropolitano, one of the rare Argentine championships claimed by a club outside the country's permanent elite. They now sit in Primera Nacional. Take the cult Buenos Aires club back up, restore the famous red-black-white shirt to the top flight and chase a second miracle title.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera Nacional","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Cult champion / top-flight return","themes":["Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c012":{"kind":"club","n":12,"club":"Deportivo Armenio","hook":"Deportivo Armenio were founded to represent Argentina's Armenian community and still lean fully into that identity. Build a proper diaspora save around Argentine-Armenian players and take the club from Buenos Aires' lower leagues toward the top flight.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera B Metropolitana","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Diaspora identity / lower-league climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c013":{"kind":"club","n":13,"club":"Ferro Carril Oeste","hook":"Ferro won two Argentine championships in the 1980s and built one of the country's best sides without the profile of the Buenos Aires giants. They have not played top-flight football since 2000. End a quarter-century absence and restore a club whose golden era disappeared almost overnight.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera Nacional","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"1980s champion / top-flight return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c014":{"kind":"club","n":14,"club":"Patronato","hook":"Patronato won the 2022 Copa Argentina in the same season they were relegated, which meant playing Copa Libertadores football as a second-tier club. Get them back to the top flight and build a side capable of returning to continental competition the normal way.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera Nacional","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Cup miracle / second-tier rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c015":{"kind":"club","n":15,"club":"Quilmes","hook":"Founded in 1887, Quilmes are one of Argentina's oldest clubs and have national titles from 1912 and 1978. They are now back in Primera Nacional, living in the shadow of Buenos Aires' giants. Return the Cervecero to the top flight and turn the brewery city's history into a modern title challenge.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera Nacional","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic champion / promotion rebuild","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c016":{"kind":"club","n":16,"club":"Sportivo Italiano","hook":"Sportivo Italiano were founded by post-war Italian immigrants in Argentina and still wear that identity openly. Make it a full role-play save: only sign Argentine and Italian players while climbing from the lower leagues back towards the top flight.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera B Metropolitana","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Identity recruitment rule / lower-league climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c017":{"kind":"club","n":17,"club":"Ararat Yerevan","hook":"One of the great forgotten clubs of Soviet football. Ararat won the Soviet league and cup double in 1973, then reached the European Cup quarter-finals in 1975 and even beat Bayern Munich in Yerevan. Turn Armenia’s historic giant into a European name again.","country":"Armenia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Armenian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c018":{"kind":"club","n":18,"club":"Ararat-Armenia","hook":"Armenian football has never had a regular presence at this level, but Ararat-Armenia reached the 2026/27 Europa League league phase. Build on that breakthrough, raise Armenia's coefficient and try to turn a club founded only in 2017 into the country's first genuine European force.","country":"Armenia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Armenian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"European breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/02a8-217364fd42e6-7e49801d8daf-1000--2026-27-europa-league-who-has-qualified-for-the-league-phase/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c019":{"kind":"club","n":19,"club":"Pyunik","hook":"Pyunik are Armenia's most decorated league club and became the first Armenian side to reach a UEFA group stage in 2022. The barrier has been broken, but the Champions League proper remains another level. Dominate at home, raise the coefficient and make Yerevan a regular stop on the European calendar.","country":"Armenia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Armenian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Domestic giant / European nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c020":{"kind":"club","n":20,"club":"Shirak","hook":"Shirak represent Gyumri and won four Armenian league titles, making them one of the few clubs to break Yerevan's hold on the country's football. Their last championship came in 2013. Build Armenia's strongest provincial club and turn a domestic outsider into a European regular.","country":"Armenia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Armenian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Provincial giant / European nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c021":{"kind":"club","n":21,"club":"Central Coast Mariners","hook":"Central Coast Mariners entered a major ownership and financial crisis in 2026, with the league stepping in while the club's future was stabilised. Rebuild one of Australia's best youth-development clubs properly and make the academy the centre of the recovery.","country":"Australia","fed":"AFC","div":"A-League Men","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Financial rescue / academy rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c022":{"kind":"club","n":22,"club":"Marconi Stallions","hook":"Marconi were founded by Sydney's Italian community and won four National Soccer League championships before the A-League era left them in the state system. They remain one of NPL NSW's strongest clubs. Build the Italian-Australian giant into a national force again without losing the club's identity.","country":"Australia","fed":"AFC","div":"NPL New South Wales","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Diaspora giant / national restoration","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts outside a promotion-linked top division; build domestically requires a custom pathway."},"c023":{"kind":"club","n":23,"club":"Melbourne Knights","hook":"Melbourne Knights were built by Melbourne's Croatian community, won back-to-back national championships in the 1990s and helped launch Mark Viduka's career. They now play in NPL Victoria. Keep the Croatian-Australian identity, develop talent and return a former national champion to the centre of Australian football.","country":"Australia","fed":"AFC","div":"NPL Victoria","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Diaspora club / former national champion","themes":["Fallen giant","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c024":{"kind":"club","n":24,"club":"South Melbourne","hook":"South Melbourne won four National Soccer League titles, became Oceania champions in 1999 and faced Manchester United at the 2000 Club World Championship. They now sit outside the A-League in the state system. Take one of Australia's greatest pre-franchise clubs and prove sporting promotion should have a place for them.","country":"Australia","fed":"AFC","div":"NPL Victoria","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Old national giant / A-League challenge","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts outside a promotion-linked top division; reach the top flight requires a custom pathway."},"c025":{"kind":"club","n":25,"club":"Sydney Olympic","hook":"Sydney Olympic were founded by Sydney's Greek community and won two National Soccer League championships. In 2026 the former national champions were relegated from NPL NSW, sending them another step away from their old status. Start the 2027 rebuild in Football NSW League One and drag Olympic all the way back.","country":"Australia","fed":"AFC","div":"Football NSW League One (2027)","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Relegated former national champion / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c026":{"kind":"club","n":26,"club":"Wollongong Wolves","hook":"Wollongong won back-to-back Australian championships around the turn of the century before becoming champions of Oceania. Australian football has changed completely since then. Bring the Wolves back to the top in the modern era.","country":"Australia","fed":"AFC","div":"National Premier Leagues / state system","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c027":{"kind":"club","n":27,"club":"Austria Salzburg","hook":"When Red Bull took over Austria Salzburg in 2005 and transformed the club’s identity, a group of supporters started their own Austria Salzburg. They worked their way back through the pyramid and are now in the 2. Liga. Get promoted, reach the Bundesliga and eventually topple Red Bull Salzburg.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian 2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Supporter-owned / identity rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c028":{"kind":"club","n":28,"club":"LASK","hook":"LASK won the Austrian league and cup double in 2025/26, then produced a ridiculous Champions League play-off comeback against Celtic to reach the competition proper for the first time. Now turn a historic breakthrough into a permanent challenge to Salzburg, Austria's traditional giants and Europe's elite.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian Bundesliga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Domestic power shift / European breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a9-2182ea0b2967-71f1f3de557b-1000--lask-in-the-2026-27-champions-league-what-are-their-fixtu/","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c029":{"kind":"club","n":29,"club":"Wiener Sport-Club","hook":"Wiener Sport-Club were Austrian champions in 1958 and 1959 and once beat Juventus 7-0 in the European Cup. They now play in the third-tier Regionalliga Ost. Take a club with genuine European Cup history out of regional football and make Vienna about more than Rapid and Austria again.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Regionalliga Ost","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic giant / Vienna revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c030":{"kind":"club","n":30,"club":"Kapaz","hook":"Kapaz won three Azerbaijani titles during the 1990s and draw support from Ganja, the country's second-largest city. They have not been champions since 1999 while Baku clubs and Qarabağ took over. Bring the title back west and build Azerbaijan's proper second-city football power.","country":"Azerbaijan","fed":"UEFA","div":"Azerbaijan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Second-city giant / title drought","themes":["Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c031":{"kind":"club","n":31,"club":"Neftçi Baku","hook":"Neftçi finished third in the Soviet league in 1966 and became the first Azerbaijani club to reach a UEFA group stage when they qualified for the Europa League in 2012. Qarabağ have since become the country's European standard. Take Baku's historic giant back above them.","country":"Azerbaijan","fed":"UEFA","div":"Azerbaijan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Historic giant / domestic power shift","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c032":{"kind":"club","n":32,"club":"Sabah FC","hook":"Sabah reached the Champions League league phase for the first time in 2026/27. Their manager Valdas Dambrauskas famously used quiz-show winnings from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire to help fund his coaching journey. Build Azerbaijan's newest European story into a club that can challenge Qarabağ long term.","country":"Azerbaijan","fed":"UEFA","div":"Azerbaijan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"European breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.euronews.com/2026/09/02/how-a-quiz-show-and-a-dream-took-azerbaijans-sabah-to-the-champions-league","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c033":{"kind":"club","n":33,"club":"Cavalier FC","hook":"Cavalier won four Bahamian championships between 1997 and 2001. In 2025/26 they finished bottom with one victory and 99 goals conceded in 15 matches. You could hardly ask for a clearer fallen-giant rebuild.","country":"Bahamas","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"BFA Senior League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c034":{"kind":"club","n":34,"club":"Al-Muharraq","hook":"Muharraq are Bahrain's great historic club and have won the AFC Cup twice, in 2008 and 2021. They have already proved they can win below Asia's top continental level. The challenge is to take that pedigree into the Champions League and build Bahrain's first true Asian superclub.","country":"Bahrain","fed":"AFC","div":"Bahraini Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Continental winner / Asian step-up","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c035":{"kind":"club","n":35,"club":"Bahrain SC","hook":"Five-time Bahraini champions whose last title came in 1989. They were relegated again in 2025/26, so you begin in the second tier trying to resurrect one of the country’s historic powers and end a title drought approaching four decades.","country":"Bahrain","fed":"AFC","div":"Bahraini Second Division","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c036":{"kind":"club","n":36,"club":"Abahani Limited Dhaka","hook":"Abahani reached the AFC Cup Inter-Zone semi-finals in 2019, one of the best continental campaigns by a Bangladeshi club. Build another great side and see whether you can push beyond anything the country has achieved before.","country":"Bangladesh","fed":"AFC","div":"Bangladesh Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c037":{"kind":"club","n":37,"club":"Empire Club","hook":"Founded in 1914 and once champions of Barbados, Empire are now outside the top flight. Their last championship came in 1952. Take one of the country’s oldest clubs back to the top after more than 70 years.","country":"Barbados","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Barbados Premier League","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"2+","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 2 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c038":{"kind":"club","n":38,"club":"BATE Borisov","hook":"Fifteen league titles, including 13 in a row between 2006 and 2018, and five appearances in the Champions League group stage. BATE’s empire has since collapsed. Restore one of Eastern Europe’s most dominant modern dynasties and get them back onto the Champions League stage.","country":"Belarus","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belarusian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":1,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c497":{"kind":"club","n":39,"club":"Belshina Bobruisk","hook":"Belshina won the Belarusian title in 2001 and three national cups, but the years since have included repeated drops out of the top flight. They returned to the Highest League for 2026 after promotion from the second tier. Turn Bobruisk's forgotten champions into a permanent domestic power and take them into a European league phase.","country":"Belarus","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belarusian Highest League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Forgotten champion / domestic rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c498":{"kind":"club","n":40,"club":"Slavia Mozyr","hook":"Slavia Mozyr won the Belarusian title in 1996 and 2000 and reached Champions League qualifying, but their second championship remains their last. More than a quarter of a century later, win title number three and build a club from Mozyr capable of surviving in Europe.","country":"Belarus","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belarusian Highest League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen champion / title drought","themes":["Fallen giant","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c499":{"kind":"club","n":41,"club":"Dnepr Mogilev","hook":"Dnepr Mogilev were Belarusian champions in 1998, finishing above a newly promoted BATE side that would soon dominate the country. Dnepr never repeated the feat and only returned to the top flight for 2026. Recreate 1998, then become the dynasty BATE became instead.","country":"Belarus","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belarusian Highest League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"One-season champion / dynasty rewrite","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c500":{"kind":"club","n":42,"club":"Isloch Minsk Raion","hook":"Isloch were founded in 2007 as an amateur club, entered the national league system in the 2010s and reached the Belarusian top flight by 2016. They are now established near the top end of the league. Complete one of Europe's fastest modern climbs by winning Belarus and turning an amateur-born club into a Champions League regular.","country":"Belarus","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belarusian Highest League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Amateur-to-elite rise / European breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c501":{"kind":"club","n":43,"club":"FC Lida","hook":"Lida's Soviet-era predecessor Obuvshchik Lida won the Belarusian SSR championship four times in the 1980s, but the club has not played top-flight football in independent Belarus since 2000. Start in the second tier, end a 25-plus-year absence and turn old regional success into a first national title.","country":"Belarus","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belarusian First League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Soviet-era powerhouse / promotion rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c039":{"kind":"club","n":44,"club":"Beerschot","hook":"The Beerschot name has been through mergers, bankruptcies, rebirths and multiple journeys through the Belgian pyramid. The current club still plays at the historic Olympisch Stadion but is back in the second tier. Stop the cycle, build something sustainable and restore one of Antwerp's great football names.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Challenger Pro League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Repeated rebirth / stability rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c040":{"kind":"club","n":45,"club":"Lierse","hook":"The original Lierse won four Belgian titles and played Champions League football before going bankrupt in 2018. The name survives in the professional game through the current K. Lierse S.K. in the second tier. Rebuild the club's identity and take yellow and black back to the top of Belgium.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Challenger Pro League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Phoenix identity / top-flight return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c041":{"kind":"club","n":46,"club":"Lokeren-Temse","hook":"Sporting Lokeren won the Belgian Cup in 2012 and 2014 before bankruptcy ended the club in 2020. Lokeren-Temse became the vehicle for the city's football identity and has climbed into the Challenger Pro League. Complete the phoenix story and put Lokeren back into the top flight.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Challenger Pro League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Phoenix club / Belgian return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c042":{"kind":"club","n":47,"club":"RFC Liège","hook":"RFC Liège are five-time Belgian champions and were still reaching a European Cup Winners' Cup quarter-final in 1991. They have not played in Belgium's top flight since the 1990s. Take one of the country's oldest major clubs out of the second tier and restore a football city that has been waiting three decades.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Challenger Pro League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic giant / top-flight return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c043":{"kind":"club","n":48,"club":"Royal Antwerp","hook":"Royal Antwerp are Belgium's oldest registered football club and hold matricule number one. They have modern success again, but the hook is bigger than a normal title challenge: take the country's original club and turn that historical status into sustained domestic dominance and deep European runs.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belgian Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-High","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Oldest-club challenge / European growth","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.royalantwerpfc.be/nieuws/nieuws/kalender-jupiler-pro-league-2026-2027?filter=nieuws","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-high resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c044":{"kind":"club","n":49,"club":"Sint-Truidense","hook":"Sint-Truidense reached a UEFA league phase in 2026/27, giving a club usually overshadowed by Belgium's bigger names a rare European platform. Use it to close the domestic gap, build a stronger recruitment model and turn occasional European qualification into the club's normal level.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belgian Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"European breakthrough / domestic outsider","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/clubs/52883--sint-truidense/standings/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c045":{"kind":"club","n":50,"club":"Verdes FC","hook":"Verdes became the first Belizean club to win a CONCACAF League knockout tie in 2022 and have since represented the country in the Central American Cup. Take the next step and give Belize a genuine continental run.","country":"Belize","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Premier League of Belize","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c046":{"kind":"club","n":51,"club":"Dragons de l’Ouémé","hook":"Benin’s record 12-time champions have not won the league since 2003. They also reached an African Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final in 1987. Restore the country’s biggest historic club and make them relevant in Africa again.","country":"Benin","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue 1 Benin","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c047":{"kind":"club","n":52,"club":"Ugyen Academy","hook":"A genuine academy save. Ugyen Academy became Bhutanese champions in 2013 and represented the country in the AFC President’s Cup, but by 2026 they were struggling at the bottom of the Premier League. Rebuild them around Bhutanese youngsters and recreate 2013.","country":"Bhutan","fed":"AFC","div":"Bhutan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Academy / youth development","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c048":{"kind":"club","n":53,"club":"Always Ready","hook":"Always Ready play in El Alto at more than 4,000 metres above sea level, giving you one of football's most extreme home advantages. Turn altitude into a weapon, dominate Bolivia and make visiting Libertadores giants hate every trip to your ground.","country":"Bolivia","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Bolivian Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Extreme geography / continental underdog","themes":["Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c049":{"kind":"club","n":54,"club":"Čelik Zenica","hook":"Čelik won the first three championships of independent Bosnia but financial problems eventually sent one of the country's best-supported clubs into the lower leagues. Supporters helped rebuild it from the bottom, and promotion has put Zenica back in the Premier League for 2026/27. Complete one of the Balkans' best fan-led comebacks.","country":"Bosnia and Herzegovina","fed":"UEFA","div":"Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fan-led recovery / fallen champion","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c050":{"kind":"club","n":55,"club":"Velež Mostar","hook":"Velež won two Yugoslav Cups and became one of the most distinctive clubs in the old league before war transformed both Mostar and the club's home. They rebuilt at a new ground and eventually returned to winning trophies. Take the next step and make Velež champions of Bosnia and a European regular.","country":"Bosnia and Herzegovina","fed":"UEFA","div":"Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic identity / post-war rebuild","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c051":{"kind":"club","n":56,"club":"Željezničar","hook":"Željezničar were founded by railway workers, won the Yugoslav league in 1972 and came within one tie of the 1985 UEFA Cup final. Sarajevo's working-class giant has never reached a modern UEFA group or league phase. Win Bosnia, rebuild the academy and finally finish the European journey.","country":"Bosnia and Herzegovina","fed":"UEFA","div":"Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Workers' club / European breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c052":{"kind":"club","n":57,"club":"Zrinjski Mostar","hook":"Zrinjski became the first Bosnian club to reach a major UEFA group stage in 2023/24 and then produced one of the competition's wildest debuts, coming from 3-0 down to beat AZ Alkmaar 4-3. Use that night as the starting point for making Bosnia and Herzegovina a genuine European football nation.","country":"Bosnia and Herzegovina","fed":"UEFA","div":"Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"European breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C5%A0K_Zrinjski_Mostar","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c053":{"kind":"club","n":58,"club":"Jwaneng Galaxy","hook":"Founded only in 2014, Jwaneng Galaxy have already reached the CAF Champions League group stage and even went to Casablanca and beat three-time African champions Wydad. Imagine what another decade of progress could look like.","country":"Botswana","fed":"CAF","div":"Botswana Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"New club / create the history","themes":["Historic club","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c054":{"kind":"club","n":59,"club":"Township Rollers","hook":"Township Rollers are Botswana's most successful club and have dominated domestic football in multiple eras. The missing piece is Africa: Botswana has never had a CAF Champions League winner. Turn Gaborone's giant into a club that matters beyond its borders.","country":"Botswana","fed":"CAF","div":"Botswana Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Record champion / CAF nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c055":{"kind":"club","n":60,"club":"Chapecoense","hook":"Chapecoense's run to the 2016 Copa Sudamericana final ended in tragedy and they were awarded the trophy. Back in Série A, the save is to build a new era strong enough to reach a continental final on the pitch and win it for themselves.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Brasileiro Série A","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Emotional rebuild / continental mission","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c056":{"kind":"club","n":61,"club":"Corinthians","hook":"Corinthians are one of Brazil's biggest clubs, but the save begins with serious financial pressure: major debt, stadium obligations and repeated cash-flow problems. Win now without making the future worse - a giant-club save where fixing the balance sheet matters as much as trophies.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Brasileiro Série A","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Debt crisis / giant-club realism","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c057":{"kind":"club","n":62,"club":"Paraná Clube","hook":"Paraná were only formed in 1989 but quickly became one of southern Brazil's biggest success stories, reaching Série A and the Copa Libertadores. The collapse was just as dramatic and eventually left them outside the national divisions and in Paraná's state second tier. They won promotion back to the state top flight for 2027 - now rebuild the national club as well.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Paranaense 1st Division (2027)","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Collapsed modern club / state-to-national rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"State","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c058":{"kind":"club","n":63,"club":"Portuguesa","hook":"Portuguesa were relegated from Brazil's Série A in 2013 after losing four points for fielding an ineligible player, triggering a collapse few historic clubs recover from. Rebuild one of São Paulo's traditional sides and undo the administrative disaster that changed everything.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Brasileiro Série D","tier":4,"diff":"Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Administrative collapse / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c059":{"kind":"club","n":64,"club":"Santa Cruz","hook":"Santa Cruz have one of Brazil's biggest lower-league fanbases, yet financial collapse took them out of the national divisions completely in 2024. The recovery has become ridiculous: back-to-back promotions mean they have already secured Série B football for 2027. Take over in Série C, finish the climb and make the comeback sustainable this time.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Brasileiro Série C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Back-to-back promotion / financial recovery","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c060":{"kind":"club","n":65,"club":"Santos","hook":"Santos are back among Brazil's elite but still carry major financial pressure after transfer restrictions and aggressive short-term squad building. The challenge is not simply to win with one of world football's great names - it is to do it without mortgaging the club's future again.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Brasileiro Série A","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Giant-club financial rebuild / win-now pressure","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c061":{"kind":"club","n":66,"club":"São Caetano","hook":"São Caetano went from virtual obscurity to finishing runners-up in Brazil in 2000 and reaching the Copa Libertadores final in 2002. Two decades later they are in the fourth level of the São Paulo state pyramid. Recreate one of football's fastest rises from an even lower starting point and finally win the Libertadores this time.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Paulista Série A4","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Libertadores near-miss / extreme collapse","themes":["Fallen giant","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"State 4","score":10,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 8 with tiny resources; goal is to win a continental trophy."},"c502":{"kind":"club","n":67,"club":"Joinville","hook":"Joinville won Série C in 2011, Série B in 2014 and were in Brazil's Série A in 2015. Eleven years later, their 50th-anniversary season ended with relegation to the second tier of the Santa Catarina state championship and no national league place guaranteed for 2027. Rebuild one of Brazilian football's sharpest collapses from the state game back to Série A.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Catarinense Série B","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Rapid collapse / state-league rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"State 2","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 5 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c503":{"kind":"club","n":68,"club":"Guarani","hook":"Guarani won the 1978 Brazilian title and remain the only national top-flight champions from a Brazilian interior city. They now play in Série C. Take Campinas back through the pyramid and prove 1978 does not have to stand alone.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Brasileiro Série C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":1,"type":"Historic champion / interior-city challenge","themes":["Historic club","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c504":{"kind":"club","n":69,"club":"Bangu","hook":"Bangu were a penalty shootout away from winning the 1985 Brasileirão, then spent the following decades drifting out of the national elite. In 2026 they played only the Carioca but secured a Série D place for 2027. Build the alternate future that the 1985 final never produced and turn Rio's old fifth force into a national contender again.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Carioca Série A","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"1985 near-miss / national revival","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"State 1","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 4 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c505":{"kind":"club","n":70,"club":"Amazonas FC","hook":"Amazonas were only founded in 2019, won Série C in 2023 and reached Série B almost immediately. Relegation has put the Manaus club back in Série C, but the location and jaguar identity make this a very different Brazilian build. Create a top-flight power from the Amazon and drag the country's football centre thousands of kilometres north-west.","country":"Brazil","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Campeonato Brasileiro Série C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Young club / Amazon superpower","themes":["New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c062":{"kind":"club","n":71,"club":"Brunei DPMM","hook":"DPMM are a club from Brunei who compete in Singapore's league system, one of those cross-border setups that feels made for Football Manager. Dominate Singapore with a club from another country, then see how far Brunei's flagship can go in Asia.","country":"Brunei / Singapore","fed":"AFC","div":"Singapore Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Cross-border club / Asian rise","themes":["Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c063":{"kind":"club","n":72,"club":"CSKA Sofia","hook":"Thirty-one Bulgarian championships, but none since 2008. CSKA also reached two European Cup semi-finals. First get back above Bulgaria’s modern powers, then see whether you can make the club a serious European force again.","country":"Bulgaria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bulgarian First League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c506":{"kind":"club","n":73,"club":"Beroe Stara Zagora","hook":"Beroe are 1985/86 Bulgarian champions, four-time Balkans Cup winners and once beat Juventus 1-0 in European competition. In 2026 they were relegated to the second tier. Take Stara Zagora from a fresh relegation back to the title, then make the club dangerous in Europe again.","country":"Bulgaria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bulgarian Second League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Relegated champion / European restoration","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c507":{"kind":"club","n":74,"club":"Neftochimic Burgas","hook":"Neftochimic grew out of Burgas's oil-refinery workforce, surged into the top flight in the 1990s and finished runners-up in 1996/97. The club now plays in the South-East Third League. Rebuild the refinery club from semi-professional football and finish the title challenge its 1990s side never did.","country":"Bulgaria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bulgarian Third League - South-East","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Works club / lower-league rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c508":{"kind":"club","n":75,"club":"Etar Veliko Tarnovo","hook":"The Etar name reached the summit of Bulgarian football with the 1990/91 title and a European Cup campaign the following season. Today's Etar are in the second tier after another spell outside the elite. Take Veliko Tarnovo back to the top and create a second championship era.","country":"Bulgaria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bulgarian Second League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Forgotten champion / top-flight return","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c509":{"kind":"club","n":76,"club":"Marek Dupnitsa","hook":"Marek Dupnitsa beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the 1977/78 UEFA Cup, with Gerd Müller, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Sepp Maier and Uli Hoeneß in the Bayern squad. Marek now play in Bulgaria's second tier. Return Dupnitsa to Europe and give one of football's great giant-killing stories a modern sequel.","country":"Bulgaria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bulgarian Second League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Giant-killer history / European return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c510":{"kind":"club","n":77,"club":"Pirin Blagoevgrad","hook":"Pirin's academy helped produce Dimitar Berbatov and a long list of Bulgarian internationals, yet the first team sits in the second tier and has endured a dreadful start to 2026/27. Make Blagoevgrad's youth system the entire identity of the save: develop, sell and eventually win Bulgaria with academy graduates.","country":"Bulgaria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bulgarian Second League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Academy challenge / youth-only rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c511":{"kind":"club","n":78,"club":"Slavia Sofia","hook":"Slavia Sofia have seven Bulgarian championships and became the first Bulgarian club to reach a major European semi-final in 1967, but their last league title came in 1996. They have also never been relegated from the top flight. End the 30-year wait and overtake Levski and CSKA to make Slavia Sofia's number one club.","country":"Bulgaria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bulgarian First League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Capital underdog / title-drought rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c512":{"kind":"club","n":79,"club":"Spartak Varna","hook":"A predecessor of today's Spartak Varna won the Bulgarian championship in 1932 after reaching three straight national finals. The club has never added another league title. Win number two almost a century later and build a lasting challenger on the Black Sea.","country":"Bulgaria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bulgarian First League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Century title drought / provincial challenger","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c513":{"kind":"club","n":80,"club":"Botev Plovdiv","hook":"Botev Plovdiv were founded in 1912 and are recognised as Bulgaria's oldest active football club, but they have only two national championships, in 1929 and 1967. Turn that historic head start into modern dominance and make Bulgaria's oldest club its most successful one.","country":"Bulgaria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bulgarian First League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Oldest-club challenge / domestic dynasty","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c514":{"kind":"club","n":81,"club":"FC Lovech (former Litex Lovech)","hook":"Litex Lovech won four Bulgarian titles, including their first immediately after promotion in 1997/98, but the project unravelled after the club's 2015 expulsion from the top flight. Rebranded as FC Lovech, the side dropped to the third tier and withdrew in March 2026; contemporary sources now list the club as dissolved. Treat this as a database-dependent resurrection save only: if FM27 or a custom file includes them, rebuild a four-time champion from nothing.","country":"Bulgaria","fed":"UEFA","div":"No active senior league","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Defunct club / database-dependent resurrection","themes":["Fallen giant"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - FM27 representation uncertain","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c064":{"kind":"club","n":82,"club":"Majestic Sporting Club","hook":"Founded by former Burkina Faso internationals Wilfried Sanou and Jonathan Pitroipa, Majestic have helped develop players including Dango Ouattara. They have finished runners-up three times without becoming champions. Build around the academy and finally get them over the line.","country":"Burkina Faso","fed":"CAF","div":"Burkinabè Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Academy / youth development","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c065":{"kind":"club","n":83,"club":"Vital’O FC","hook":"Vital’O are Burundi’s record champions, but their most interesting achievement came in 1992 when they reached the African Cup Winners’ Cup final. No Burundian club has gone further. Domestic dominance is only the beginning.","country":"Burundi","fed":"CAF","div":"Burundi Ligue A","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Domestic dynasty / continental step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c066":{"kind":"club","n":84,"club":"CS Mindelense","hook":"Cape Verde’s record champions play in a system that begins with separate island competitions before the best clubs meet nationally. It effectively turns your domestic campaign into an island-hopping Football Manager save.","country":"Cabo Verde","fed":"CAF","div":"Cape Verdean Championship","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Geography / remote club","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c067":{"kind":"club","n":85,"club":"Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng","hook":"Svay Rieng reached the AFC Challenge League final in 2025 and lost. They returned in 2026, went 2-0 up in another final and somehow lost 4-3 after extra time. At this point you simply have to finish the job.","country":"Cambodia","fed":"AFC","div":"Cambodian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental redemption / trophy chase","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c068":{"kind":"club","n":86,"club":"Canon Yaoundé","hook":"Three-time African champions from Cameroon’s golden age of club football. Instead of simply winning another domestic title, restore Canon to the level that once made them one of the continent’s great names.","country":"Cameroon","fed":"CAF","div":"Elite One","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c069":{"kind":"club","n":87,"club":"Union Douala","hook":"Union Douala were African champions in 1979 and won the Cup Winners' Cup two years later. Cameroon has produced much bigger modern names since, while Union's continental history has faded into the background. Restore one of the country's original African champions and make Douala a CAF capital again.","country":"Cameroon","fed":"CAF","div":"Elite One","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Forgotten African champion / revival","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c070":{"kind":"club","n":88,"club":"Atlético Ottawa","hook":"Atlético Ottawa were founded by Atlético Madrid as the Spanish club's Canadian project. Treat it like a genuine satellite-club experiment - mirror the identity, develop Canadian talent and eventually try to beat North America's richer clubs to continental honours.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Canadian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Parent-club project / nation-building","themes":["Nation-builder","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c071":{"kind":"club","n":89,"club":"SCAF de Bouar","hook":"The history of the Central African Republic’s championship is overwhelmingly dominated by clubs from Bangui. SCAF represent Bouar in the west of the country and finished runners-up in the 2024 national play-off. Become the club that finally breaks the capital’s grip.","country":"Central African Republic","fed":"CAF","div":"National Championship","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Domestic dynasty / continental step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c072":{"kind":"club","n":90,"club":"Renaissance FC N’Djamena","hook":"Founded in 1954, before Chad gained independence, Renaissance are one of the country’s traditional powers. They have not been champions since 2007. Bring one of Chad’s original giants back to number one.","country":"Chad","fed":"CAF","div":"Chad Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c073":{"kind":"club","n":91,"club":"Audax Italiano","hook":"Audax Italiano were founded by Santiago's Italian community and have won four Chilean titles, but the last came in 1957. Lean fully into the heritage, build a strong Chilean-Italian recruitment identity and end a championship drought approaching 70 years.","country":"Chile","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Chilean Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Diaspora identity / title drought","themes":["Title chase","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c074":{"kind":"club","n":92,"club":"Cobreloa","hook":"Cobreloa reached back-to-back Copa Libertadores finals in 1981 and 1982 and lost both. They are now in Chile's second tier, so the route back starts with promotion before you can chase the continental trophy that twice slipped away.","country":"Chile","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera B de Chile","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Sleeping giant / continental redemption","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to win a continental trophy."},"c075":{"kind":"club","n":93,"club":"Everton de Viña del Mar","hook":"Everton were founded in Viña del Mar in 1909 and took a name inspired by the English game, eventually becoming four-time Chilean champions. The coastal resort city has not celebrated a league title since 2008. Build Chile's Everton into a permanent challenger and give the name a South American continental chapter.","country":"Chile","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Chilean Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Identity club / coastal challenger","themes":["Title chase","Geography","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c076":{"kind":"club","n":94,"club":"Magallanes","hook":"Magallanes won the first three professional Chilean championships from 1933 to 1935, making them the original dynasty of the league era. They later spent 36 years outside the top flight before briefly returning. Get them back again and make Chile's first professional superpower relevant a century later.","country":"Chile","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera B de Chile","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Original dynasty / historic restoration","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c077":{"kind":"club","n":95,"club":"Palestino","hook":"Palestino were created by Chile's Palestinian community and remain one of world football's most distinctive identity clubs. Keep that identity at the heart of the save while breaking the Santiago giants' grip on Chile and taking the club deep into South America.","country":"Chile","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Chilean Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Identity club / domestic challenger","themes":["Title chase","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c078":{"kind":"club","n":96,"club":"Santiago Wanderers","hook":"Founded in 1892, Santiago Wanderers are widely regarded as Chile's oldest football club and represent the port city of Valparaíso rather than Santiago. They have three league titles but are back in the second tier. Return Chile's historic port club to the top and build a genuine alternative to the capital.","country":"Chile","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera B de Chile","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Oldest club / port-city revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","City rivalry","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c079":{"kind":"club","n":97,"club":"Guangzhou FC","hook":"Guangzhou won eight Chinese league titles and two AFC Champions Leagues before debt problems saw them denied entry to professional football for 2025. Recreate one of Asia's most dramatic rises and collapses from the ashes - but without the spending model that caused it.","country":"China","fed":"AFC","div":"Outside professional pyramid / phoenix setup","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Collapsed superclub / phoenix rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - custom DB or created-club setup required","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c080":{"kind":"club","n":98,"club":"Shaanxi Union","hook":"Shaanxi football has cycled through clubs, relocations and collapses, leaving supporters repeatedly starting again. Shaanxi Union was built with a strong supporter identity and has reached China League One. Give the province something stable: win promotion, build sustainably and create the long-term club Shaanxi has never really had.","country":"China","fed":"AFC","div":"China League One","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Supporter-driven rebuild / promotion","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaanxi_Union_F.C.","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c515":{"kind":"club","n":99,"club":"Dalian Yingbo","hook":"Dalian Shide won eight Chinese championships before disappearing in 2012, leaving one of China's great football cities without its old dynasty. Dalian Yingbo are a separate club founded in 2021 that raced from the fourth tier to the Super League and now draws crowds above 60,000. Build a new Dalian dynasty without pretending it is the old one.","country":"China","fed":"AFC","div":"Chinese Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"New dynasty / football-city restoration","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c516":{"kind":"club","n":100,"club":"Guangdong GZ-Power","hook":"Guangzhou Evergrande won eight Chinese titles and two Asian Champions Leagues before financial collapse erased the club from professional football in 2025. Guangdong GZ-Power were founded only in 2023 and are already leading the 2026 China League One promotion race. Start a completely new Guangzhou empire and take the city back to the top of Asia.","country":"China","fed":"AFC","div":"China League One","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Post-Evergrande rebuild / new superclub","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c517":{"kind":"club","n":101,"club":"Chongqing Tonglianglong","hook":"Chongqing's established top-flight club folded in 2022, leaving one of the world's largest municipalities without an elite side. Chongqing Tonglianglong rose from the amateur game, won League Two in 2023 and reached the Super League for 2026. Turn the replacement project into a club big enough for the city it represents.","country":"China","fed":"AFC","div":"Chinese Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Megacity rebuild / rapid-rise club","themes":["Rebuild or revival","City rivalry","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c518":{"kind":"club","n":102,"club":"Liaoning Tieren","hook":"The old Liaoning FC became the first Chinese club to win Asia's top continental competition in 1990, then eventually disappeared. Liaoning Tieren are a separate modern club founded in 2015 and promoted to the Super League as 2025 League One champions. Build a new provincial dynasty and bring the Asian title back to Liaoning.","country":"China","fed":"AFC","div":"Chinese Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Provincial revival / Asian title chase","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c081":{"kind":"club","n":103,"club":"América de Cali","hook":"América de Cali reached three consecutive Copa Libertadores finals in 1985, 1986 and 1987 and lost all three. One of South America's most brutal unfinished stories is sitting there for you - win the trophy they have chased for generations.","country":"Colombia","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Categoría Primera A","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Continental curse / historic giant","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c082":{"kind":"club","n":104,"club":"Deportivo Cali","hook":"Deportivo Cali entered a ten-year restructuring agreement covering more than 106 billion Colombian pesos of liabilities. Forget wonderkids at first - your opening trophy is a healthy balance sheet. Stabilise one of Colombia's historic clubs before chasing titles again.","country":"Colombia","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Categoría Primera A","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Debt rescue / realism rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c083":{"kind":"club","n":105,"club":"Deportivo Pasto","hook":"Deportivo Pasto play in a Colombian city more than 2,500 metres above sea level and won their only league title in 2006. Use one of South America's nastiest away trips as the foundation of the save: dominate at altitude, become a consistent Colombian power and make the Libertadores come to Pasto.","country":"Colombia","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Categoría Primera A","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Altitude advantage / one-title challenger","themes":["Title chase","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c084":{"kind":"club","n":106,"club":"Once Caldas","hook":"Once Caldas produced one of Copa Libertadores history's great shocks by beating Boca Juniors in the 2004 final. They have never been one of Colombia's permanent superclubs, which makes the achievement even stranger. Build another team from Manizales capable of winning South America against the odds.","country":"Colombia","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Categoría Primera A","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Libertadores miracle / repeat the impossible","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c085":{"kind":"club","n":107,"club":"Unión Magdalena","hook":"Unión Magdalena became Colombian champions in 1968 and remain the only club from the Caribbean city of Santa Marta to win the national title. Carlos Valderrama also began his senior career there. Take the club back from the second tier and build a Caribbean Colombian giant around that history.","country":"Colombia","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Categoría Primera B","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Caribbean champion / promotion rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c086":{"kind":"club","n":108,"club":"Steal Nouvel FC","hook":"Comoros runs island competitions before deciding an overall national champion. Steal Nouvel have repeatedly dominated Anjouan but have never won the overall Comoros championship. Conquer the island first, then the country.","country":"Comoros","fed":"CAF","div":"Comoros Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Geography / remote club","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c087":{"kind":"club","n":109,"club":"Cartaginés","hook":"Cartaginés became CONCACAF champions in 1994 despite spending much of their existence in the shadow of Saprissa and Alajuelense. Turn Costa Rica’s outsiders into its dominant club and take them back to the top of the region.","country":"Costa Rica","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga FPD","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Domestic dynasty / continental step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c088":{"kind":"club","n":110,"club":"Saprissa","hook":"Saprissa are three-time CONCACAF champions and finished third at the 2005 Club World Championship, beating Sydney FC before losing to Liverpool and then winning the third-place match. Costa Rican dominance is only the starting point. Rebuild the side that once stood on a world podium and make a Central American club genuinely dangerous again.","country":"Costa Rica","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga FPD","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"CONCACAF giant / Club World Cup revival","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c089":{"kind":"club","n":111,"club":"Hajduk Split","hook":"Hajduk have one of the biggest supporter cultures in the Balkans but have not won the Croatian league since 2005. Dinamo Zagreb have spent most of the intervening years on top. End two decades of frustration, build around Dalmatian talent and turn Split back into Croatia's dominant football city.","country":"Croatia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Croatian Football League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Massive club / title drought","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-high resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c090":{"kind":"club","n":112,"club":"NK Zagreb","hook":"NK Zagreb remain the only club outside Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split and Rijeka to have won the Croatian league, doing it in 2002. They are now playing amateur football in Zagreb. Take an actual Croatian champion all the way back.","country":"Croatia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Zagreb amateur leagues","tier":0,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Amateur","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c519":{"kind":"club","n":113,"club":"NK Varteks","hook":"Supporters founded NK Varteks in 2011 after becoming disillusioned with the direction, identity and finances of Varaždin's established club. Built around a one-member, one-vote model, the fan-owned side now plays in Croatia's third tier. Take the supporters' rebellion into the HNL and eventually Europe.","country":"Croatia","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperSport Druga NL","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fan-owned phoenix / lower-league climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c520":{"kind":"club","n":114,"club":"HNK Segesta","hook":"Segesta were founded in 1906 and are widely recognised in Croatia as the country's oldest surviving football club. They spent five seasons in the top flight in the 1990s and reached the 1996 Intertoto Cup final, but have never been national champions. Newly back in the second tier for 2026/27, take 120 years of history to a first Croatian title.","country":"Croatia","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperSport Prva NL","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Oldest-club challenge / newly promoted rebuild","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c521":{"kind":"club","n":115,"club":"GNK Šibenik","hook":"HNK Šibenik were a Croatian top-flight club in 2024/25, then relegation, debt and licensing failure pushed the old entity out of the national pyramid. A new legal entity, GNK Šibenik, was created in 2026 and started in the county league at the fifth level. Rebuild senior football in Šibenik from scratch and take a brand-new club back to the HNL.","country":"Croatia","fed":"UEFA","div":"1. ŽNL Šibensko-kninska","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"New-club restart / city rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c522":{"kind":"club","n":116,"club":"RNK Split","hook":"RNK Split reached the Europa League play-off and Croatian Cup final in 2014/15. The fall since has been brutal: a winless 2025/26 league season relegated them again, and they now play in the Split-Dalmatia second county league at the sixth level. Rebuild the other club from Split from local football and make the city genuinely two-club again.","country":"Croatia","fed":"UEFA","div":"2. ŽNL NSŽSD","tier":6,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"European collapse / sixth-tier rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c523":{"kind":"club","n":117,"club":"NK Karlovac 1919","hook":"Karlovac climbed from the third tier to Croatia's top flight with back-to-back promotions and finished sixth in each of their first two seasons there, before financial collapse ended the old project. The Karlovac 1919 identity fought back through the lower leagues and is in the second tier for 2026/27. Finish the return and build a sustainable top-flight club this time.","country":"Croatia","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperSport Prva NL","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Collapse and comeback / sustainable rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c091":{"kind":"club","n":118,"club":"Isla de la Juventud","hook":"A club representing the Isle of Youth, itself separated from Cuba’s main island, that has never won the national championship. Win Cuba with a team from an island within an island.","country":"Cuba","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Campeonato Nacional de Fútbol","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Academy / youth development","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c092":{"kind":"club","n":119,"club":"Anorthosis Famagusta","hook":"Anorthosis have been unable to play in their home city of Famagusta since 1974 and are based in Larnaca instead. In 2008 they became the first Cypriot club to reach the Champions League group stage. Build an exiled club into Cyprus' dominant side and recreate the European breakthrough.","country":"Cyprus","fed":"UEFA","div":"Cypriot First Division","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Exiled club / European revival","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c093":{"kind":"club","n":120,"club":"APOEL","hook":"APOEL reached the Champions League quarter-finals in 2011/12 - still one of the greatest European runs by a Cypriot club. Cyprus is not in the standard playable league list, so load a custom database and try to go even further: dominate domestically, return to the Champions League and become the first Cypriot semi-finalist.","country":"Cyprus","fed":"UEFA","div":"Cypriot First Division","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"European nostalgia / nation-builder","themes":["Historic club","Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://apoelfc.com.cy/programma","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c094":{"kind":"club","n":121,"club":"Omonia 29M","hook":"Omonia 29M were created by supporters in 2018 after Omonia Nicosia's football operation moved into private ownership. The fan-owned breakaway raced through the pyramid and is back in Cyprus' top flight. The challenge is beautifully awkward: build the protest club until it becomes bigger than the institution it broke away from.","country":"Cyprus","fed":"UEFA","div":"Cypriot First Division","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Fan-owned breakaway / city rivalry","themes":["City rivalry","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c095":{"kind":"club","n":122,"club":"Baník Ostrava","hook":"Baník are the great miners' club of Ostrava and won the Czech title as recently as 2004, breaking the Prague-centred order. They have not been champions since. Build around the industrial identity, keep talent in Moravia and make the country's east a permanent rival to Sparta, Slavia and Plzeň.","country":"Czechia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Czech First League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Industrial giant / domestic power shift","themes":["Title chase","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c096":{"kind":"club","n":123,"club":"Bohemians 1905","hook":"Bohemians got their kangaroo badge and nickname after a famous tour of Australia in 1927. Their greatest side then won the Czechoslovak league and reached a UEFA Cup semi-final in 1983. Turn one of Prague's cult clubs into champions again without losing everything that makes the club weird.","country":"Czechia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Czech First League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Cult identity / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c097":{"kind":"club","n":124,"club":"Dukla Prague","hook":"Dukla won 11 Czechoslovak league titles and reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1967. The army club's old dominance disappeared after the communist era and the modern Dukla have spent years moving between divisions. Restore one of Prague's great historic names and challenge Sparta and Slavia.","country":"Czechia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Czech First League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic giant / Prague power shift","themes":["Historic club","Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c098":{"kind":"club","n":125,"club":"Sigma Olomouc","hook":"Sigma have decades of European qualifying history but did not reach a modern UEFA group/league phase until 2025. They sit outside the Czech Republic's dominant Prague clubs, so the challenge has two layers: break the domestic hierarchy and make the club's first sustained European era happen at the same time.","country":"Czechia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Czech First League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Domestic outsider / European breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/029c-1e98adfc0468-b12e7ace5070-1000--history-makers-hamrun-spartans-among-league-phase-debutants/","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c099":{"kind":"club","n":126,"club":"Viktoria Žižkov","hook":"Viktoria Žižkov were Czechoslovak champions in 1928 and won the Czech Cup as recently as 2001, all while living in the shadow of Prague's much bigger clubs. They now play in the second tier. Take the tiny Stadion Viktoria club back up and win Prague without Sparta or Slavia.","country":"Czechia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Czech National Football League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Cult Prague club / historic restoration","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","City rivalry","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c100":{"kind":"club","n":127,"club":"Zbrojovka Brno","hook":"Brno are from Czechia's second-largest city and won the Czechoslovak league in 1978, yet have spent much of the modern era outside the top flight. They are back in the Czech First League for 2026/27. Keep them there and build the country's second city into a genuine football counterweight to Prague.","country":"Czechia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Czech First League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Second-city revival / domestic challenger","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c101":{"kind":"club","n":128,"club":"TP Mazembe","hook":"In 2010, Mazembe became the first club from outside Europe or South America to reach the Club World Cup final. They lost to Inter Milan. There is really only one possible end goal: go back and become world champions.","country":"DR Congo","fed":"CAF","div":"Linafoot Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Continental redemption / trophy chase","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win globally."},"c102":{"kind":"club","n":129,"club":"Akademisk Boldklub","hook":"Akademisk Boldklub literally began as a club for university students and went on to win nine Danish championships. They return to Denmark's second tier for 2026/27 after years below their historic level. Lean into the academic identity, develop young players and put one of Copenhagen's original giants back in the Superliga.","country":"Denmark","fed":"UEFA","div":"Danish 1st Division","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Academic club / historic restoration","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c103":{"kind":"club","n":130,"club":"B.93","hook":"B.93 have nine Danish championships, a total that sounds absurd for a club now playing in the third tier. Most of that glory belongs to another footballing age. Take one of Copenhagen's original giants, revive a history that predates the European Cup and make the title count reach double figures.","country":"Denmark","fed":"UEFA","div":"Danish 2nd Division","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Forgotten champion / historic restoration","themes":["Fallen giant","Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c104":{"kind":"club","n":131,"club":"BK Frem","hook":"Frem are six-time Danish champions and one of Copenhagen's great old football names, but their last title came before the modern European era and they now play in Denmark's fourth level. Take a club with more championships than most of the country's current top flight back through the divisions.","country":"Denmark","fed":"UEFA","div":"3. division","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic giant / lower-league rebuild","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c105":{"kind":"club","n":132,"club":"Esbjerg","hook":"Esbjerg have five Danish league titles and were regular European qualifiers in the 2000s, before ownership turmoil and relegations dumped them into the third tier in 2022. They have climbed back to the 1st Division. Restore a west-coast giant and build a club capable of challenging Copenhagen again.","country":"Denmark","fed":"UEFA","div":"Danish 1st Division","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Fallen champion / top-flight return","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c106":{"kind":"club","n":133,"club":"FC Midtjylland","hook":"Midtjylland helped popularise football's modern 'Moneyball' approach in Europe, using analytics, set-piece specialists and undervalued recruitment to punch above their resources. Run the club as a data project: buy value rather than reputation, sell at the right moment and prove the model can win beyond Denmark.","country":"Denmark","fed":"UEFA","div":"Danish Superliga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Moneyball / analytics recruitment","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Midtjylland","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c107":{"kind":"club","n":134,"club":"FC Nordsjælland","hook":"Nordsjælland are built around one of world football's most aggressive youth-development models, linked to the Right to Dream academy in Ghana. Make that pipeline the entire save: recruit young, develop relentlessly, sell intelligently and try to win domestically and in Europe without becoming dependent on expensive established players.","country":"Denmark","fed":"UEFA","div":"Danish Superliga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Youth development / selling club","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Nordsj%C3%A6lland","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c109":{"kind":"club","n":135,"club":"AS Arta/Solar7","hook":"The club began life representing the historic Djibouti-Ethiopia railway before eventually becoming Arta/Solar7. More recently they made headlines by signing Alex Song and started collecting championships. It is a wonderfully strange foundation for an African build-a-nation save.","country":"Djibouti","fed":"CAF","div":"Djibouti Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c110":{"kind":"club","n":136,"club":"Kalinago Warriors FC","hook":"Kalinago Warriors were created to represent and promote Dominica’s Kalinago community. The men’s side has been pushing towards the top tier. Take a club with a genuinely distinctive local identity and turn it into the best team on the island.","country":"Dominica","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Dominica Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Geography / remote club","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c111":{"kind":"club","n":137,"club":"Universidad O&M","hook":"An actual university football club that reached the 2025 Caribbean Cup final and qualified for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Turning a university side into champions of the Caribbean is exactly the sort of save Football Manager was made for.","country":"Dominican Republic","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga Dominicana de Fútbol","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"University club / youth project","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c112":{"kind":"club","n":138,"club":"AS Vita Club","hook":"Vita Club were African champions in 1973 but have never repeated the feat. Restore one of DR Congo's traditional giants and end a wait of more than half a century for another continental title.","country":"DR Congo","fed":"CAF","div":"Linafoot Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Historic continental champion / revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c113":{"kind":"club","n":139,"club":"DC Motema Pembe","hook":"DC Motema Pembe won the African Cup Winners' Cup in 1994 and remain one of Kinshasa's great clubs, yet local rivals Vita Club and TP Mazembe have carried far more continental attention in the modern era. Restore the green-and-white giant and bring African silverware back to the capital.","country":"DR Congo","fed":"CAF","div":"Linafoot Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Forgotten continental winner / city rivalry","themes":["Fallen giant","Continental glory","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c114":{"kind":"club","n":140,"club":"Deportivo Quito","hook":"Five-time Ecuadorian champions Deportivo Quito are now fighting through the regional Segunda Categoría while carrying serious financial problems. This is a proper fallen-giant save: climb back through the pyramid, stabilise the club and eventually reclaim a place among Ecuador's elite.","country":"Ecuador","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Segunda Categoría / Ascenso Nacional","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Financial collapse / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c115":{"kind":"club","n":141,"club":"El Nacional","hook":"El Nacional built its identity around fielding Ecuadorian players and became one of the country's most successful clubs with 13 league titles. Keeping that philosophy in the modern transfer market is the challenge. Win Ecuador and the Libertadores without simply shopping across South America.","country":"Ecuador","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"LigaPro Serie A","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"National-player policy / academy challenge","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c116":{"kind":"club","n":142,"club":"Independiente del Valle","hook":"Independiente del Valle climbed from Ecuador's lower leagues into one of South America's smartest youth-development clubs, winning continental trophies without abandoning the model. Keep the academy-first philosophy and try to turn the disruptor into a Libertadores champion.","country":"Ecuador","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"LigaPro Serie A","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Youth development / smart-club dynasty","themes":["Title chase","Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c117":{"kind":"club","n":143,"club":"Mushuc Runa","hook":"Mushuc Runa were created to represent Ecuador's indigenous communities and their academy rules have included minimum numbers of indigenous players. Turn that identity into the save itself - prioritise indigenous youth and try to win Ecuador, then South America.","country":"Ecuador","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"LigaPro Serie A","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Identity club / youth restriction","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c118":{"kind":"club","n":144,"club":"Arab Contractors","hook":"Arab Contractors are literally the club of Egypt's giant construction company, have won three African Cup Winners' Cups and gave Mohamed Salah his first senior football. Build around the academy and the works-club identity, then try to challenge Cairo's superclubs without simply copying their spending.","country":"Egypt","fed":"CAF","div":"Egyptian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Works club / academy challenge","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c119":{"kind":"club","n":145,"club":"El Gouna","hook":"El Gouna exists because the founder of the purpose-built Red Sea resort decided his new town needed a football club too. Turn a holiday destination into a football destination - make the resort club champions of Egypt.","country":"Egypt","fed":"CAF","div":"Egyptian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Resort-town club / alternative city build","themes":["City rivalry","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c120":{"kind":"club","n":146,"club":"Ghazl El Mahalla","hook":"Ghazl El Mahalla are the football club of one of Egypt's great textile-industry cities and produced a remarkable league title in 1973. Outside Cairo's giants, national championships are incredibly rare. Turn a workers' club from the Nile Delta into the team that breaks Egypt's modern hierarchy.","country":"Egypt","fed":"CAF","div":"Egyptian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Works club / break the Cairo giants","themes":["Title chase","City rivalry","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c121":{"kind":"club","n":147,"club":"Ismaily","hook":"In 1969, Ismaily became the first Egyptian club to be crowned champions of Africa, before either Al Ahly or Zamalek managed it. Bring Egypt’s original continental champions back into a rivalry now dominated by the Cairo giants.","country":"Egypt","fed":"CAF","div":"Egyptian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Domestic dynasty / continental step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c123":{"kind":"club","n":148,"club":"Alianza FC","hook":"Alianza won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1967, becoming the first Central American club to lift the competition. El Salvador has waited decades for another continental champion - rebuild Alianza into one and make the country relevant in CONCACAF again.","country":"El Salvador","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Primera División de El Salvador","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic giant / continental revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c124":{"kind":"club","n":149,"club":"FAS","hook":"FAS are one of El Salvador's most successful clubs and won the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1979. No Salvadoran side has lifted the region's biggest prize since. Restore the Santa Ana giant, dominate at home and end a continental drought approaching half a century.","country":"El Salvador","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Primera División de El Salvador","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Historic CONCACAF champion / drought-breaker","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c125":{"kind":"club","n":150,"club":"AFC Bournemouth","hook":"Bournemouth went from administration and League Two survival battles to qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history. The next step is the hard bit: establish them as a consistent top-seven Premier League club without losing the underdog identity that made the rise possible.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"First-time Europe / Premier League growth","themes":["Climb the leagues","Continental glory","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0m2ky9j2jyo","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to secure European qualification."},"c126":{"kind":"club","n":151,"club":"AFC Rushden & Diamonds","hook":"Rushden & Diamonds raced from non-league into the EFL before collapsing completely in 2011. Supporters created AFC Rushden & Diamonds in response. Start deep in the pyramid and recreate the famous climb with a fan-owned club - but this time build slowly enough that the story has a sustainable ending.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Northern Premier League Division One Midlands","tier":8,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Fan-owned phoenix / lower-league climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://afcdiamonds.com/2026-27-league-allocations-%E2%9C%85/","score":10,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 8 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c127":{"kind":"club","n":152,"club":"AFC Wimbledon","hook":"AFC Wimbledon were created by supporters in 2002 after Wimbledon FC was moved to Milton Keynes. They climbed from the ninth tier back into the EFL and returned to Plough Lane in 2020. The final act is obvious: take the phoenix all the way back to the top flight and recreate the old club's 1988 FA Cup miracle.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"League One","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":1,"type":"Phoenix club / top-flight return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c128":{"kind":"club","n":153,"club":"Bromley","hook":"It took Bromley 132 years to reach the EFL. Two seasons later they have already climbed again, reaching League One for the first time. The save starts with momentum but no historical blueprint at this level: keep the rise going, reach the Championship and discover how high a former non-league club can realistically go.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"League One","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Rapid rise / EFL climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2026/may/26/2026-27-efl-league-one-line-up/","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c129":{"kind":"club","n":154,"club":"Bury","hook":"Bury were expelled from the EFL in 2019 and the town had to rebuild from the wreckage. They are back at Gigg Lane and climbing again after another title-winning season. Start in the seventh tier, restore a 139-year-old Football League name and eventually take the club beyond where the old Bury ever reached.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Northern Premier League Premier Division","tier":7,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":2,"type":"Phoenix/revival / lower-league climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://buryfc.co.uk/2026-27-npl-premier-division-line-up-confirmed/","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 7 with very low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c130":{"kind":"club","n":155,"club":"Chester FC","hook":"Chester City was wound up in 2010 and supporters immediately created Chester FC in its place. The club play in the English pyramid despite their stadium sitting just over the border in Wales. Take a supporter-owned phoenix club through non-league and restore Football League football to Chester.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League North","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fan-owned phoenix / EFL return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c131":{"kind":"club","n":156,"club":"Dorking Wanderers","hook":"Dorking Wanderers were founded by a group of mates in 1999 and climbed from park football all the way to the National League. They are a modern non-league phenomenon with almost no historical ceiling. Take the story further, return to tier five and try to reach the EFL with a club younger than many players.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League South","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Modern rise / lower-league climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorking_Wanderers_F.C.","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c132":{"kind":"club","n":157,"club":"East Sheen FC","hook":"One of English football's oldest names has effectively been brought back from the dead. East Sheen were founded in 1873, disappeared for more than a century and were revived in 2026. Start around the 12th tier with almost nothing and write an entirely new history for a club older than most professional teams.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Middlesex County League Division One West","tier":12,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Historic revival / extreme lower-league climb","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"12 (approx.; Step 8 below NLS)","src":"https://www.eastsheenfc.com/club/revival","score":10,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 12 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c133":{"kind":"club","n":158,"club":"Farnham Town","hook":"Three promotions in three seasons have carried Farnham Town into National League South. The EFL is now only two promotions away. Continue a real-life rocket through non-league, manage the jump in finances and professionalism, and see whether a club that was deep in the pyramid can reach the Football League.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League South","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Lower-league climb / rapid rise","themes":["Climb the leagues","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://farnboroughfc.co.uk/2026/05/national-league-club-allocations-confirmed/","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c134":{"kind":"club","n":159,"club":"FC Halifax Town","hook":"Halifax Town went bust in 2008 and the successor club rebuilt from three divisions lower. They have already made it back to the National League; only one promotion now separates them from the EFL. Complete the return, then see whether the new club can finally establish Halifax as a sustainable Football League town.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League","tier":5,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Phoenix rebuild / EFL return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://fchalifaxtown.com/league-table/","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c135":{"kind":"club","n":160,"club":"FC United of Manchester","hook":"FC United were founded in 2005 by Manchester United supporters opposed to the Glazer takeover and remain member-owned. They already built their own ground at Broadhurst Park. Now complete the impossible bit: climb from the Northern Premier League towards the EFL without abandoning the principles the club was created around.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Northern Premier League Premier Division","tier":7,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fan-owned identity / lower-league climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 7 with very low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c136":{"kind":"club","n":161,"club":"Hereford","hook":"Hereford United was wound up in 2014 and its supporter-backed successor had to restart near the bottom of non-league. The club has already fought back to National League North. Finish the job by restoring Football League status - then try to take Hereford somewhere the original club never managed to go.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League North","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Phoenix rebuild / EFL return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://herefordfc.co.uk/2026/07/news-national-league-north-fixtures-released/","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c137":{"kind":"club","n":162,"club":"Lincoln City","hook":"Lincoln are back in the Championship after a 65-year absence. They have never played in the modern top flight, so the next promotion would be completely new territory. Consolidate after the long-awaited return, then take the Imps into the Premier League for the first time in club history.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic promotion / first top-flight push","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lincolncityfc_the-imps-will-be-playing-sky-bet-championship-activity-7446952453364707328-c_Ca","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c138":{"kind":"club","n":163,"club":"Macclesfield","hook":"The old Macclesfield Town collapsed in 2020; the phoenix club has flown through the pyramid and in 2026 became the first sixth-tier side ever to knock the reigning FA Cup holders out, beating Crystal Palace. Continue the resurrection, reach the EFL and build a club capable of creating more impossible cup runs.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League North","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Phoenix rebuild / lower-league climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/2026-27-enterprise-national-league-north-confirmed/","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c139":{"kind":"club","n":164,"club":"Notts County","hook":"Founded in 1862, Notts County are widely recognised as the world's oldest professional football club. After years outside the EFL they are climbing again and have reached League One for 2026/27. Take football's oldest professional name back to the top flight for the first time since 1992 and chase a modern trophy.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"League One","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":1,"type":"Oldest professional club / historic return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/2026/may/26/2026-27-efl-league-one-line-up/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c140":{"kind":"club","n":165,"club":"Oldham Athletic","hook":"Oldham became the first former Premier League club to fall out of the EFL when they were relegated to non-league in 2022. They finally won their Football League place back in 2025. Now reverse three decades of decline and see how close a founder member of the Premier League can get to the top flight again.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"League Two","tier":4,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic return / EFL rebuild","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c141":{"kind":"club","n":166,"club":"Scarborough Athletic","hook":"The original Scarborough became the first club promoted automatically into the Football League in 1987, but disappeared in 2007. Scarborough Athletic was created by supporters and has climbed back to tier six. Return the town to the EFL and recreate the rise without repeating the collapse.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League North","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Phoenix rebuild / historic return","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://macclesfieldfc.com/latest-news/2026-27-enterprise-national-league-north-confirmed/","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c142":{"kind":"club","n":167,"club":"Southend United","hook":"Southend came frighteningly close to disappearing before a new ownership group finally completed its takeover in 2024. They then lost the 2025 National League play-off final and fell short again in 2026. The club has survived off the pitch - your job is to finish the recovery on it and get Roots Hall back into the EFL.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League","tier":5,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Financial rescue / EFL return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c143":{"kind":"club","n":168,"club":"Sunderland","hook":"Back in the Premier League and back in Europe after more than half a century, Sunderland's 2026/27 campaign gives you a sleeping giant with momentum. Turn their first UEFA league-phase era into a permanent return to the upper end of English football and eventually recreate the club's old championship pedigree.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Sleeping giant / European return","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4662296/match-report","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c144":{"kind":"club","n":169,"club":"Walton & Hersham","hook":"Seven 19-year-old students bought Walton & Hersham in 2019 using their student loans. The club has since climbed repeatedly and reached National League South for 2026/27. Keep the real-life experiment going, professionalise the club and see whether one of football's strangest ownership stories can end in the EFL.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League South","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Ownership story / rapid rise","themes":["Fans and identity","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://farnboroughfc.co.uk/2026/05/national-league-club-allocations-confirmed/","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c524":{"kind":"club","n":170,"club":"Sheffield FC","hook":"Sheffield FC were founded in 1857 and are recognised by FIFA as the world's first football club, yet they have never reached the Football League. They now play in the eighth-tier Northern Premier League Division One Midlands. Take the oldest club in football into the professional game, then all the way to the Premier League.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Northern Premier League Division One Midlands","tier":8,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":2,"type":"World's oldest club / non-league climb","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 8 with very low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c525":{"kind":"club","n":171,"club":"Corinthian-Casuals","hook":"The original Corinthian FC were once one of football's most influential clubs, inspired the creation of Corinthians Paulista and handed Manchester United an 11-3 defeat that remains United's record loss. Today's Corinthian-Casuals play in the ninth-tier Combined Counties Premier Division South. Restore a name that once carried global weight from the depths of non-league.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Combined Counties League Premier Division South","tier":9,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":2,"type":"Historic global name / non-league restoration","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":10,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 9 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c526":{"kind":"club","n":172,"club":"Workington","hook":"Workington spent 26 years in the Football League and gave Bill Shankly one of his early managerial jobs before he became a Liverpool legend. They lost their league place in 1977 and have never returned. Take Shankly's other Reds from the seventh-tier Northern Premier League back into the EFL.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Northern Premier League Premier Division","tier":7,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Former EFL club / Shankly history","themes":["Fallen giant","Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 7 with very low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c527":{"kind":"club","n":173,"club":"Darlington","hook":"Darlington spent generations in the Football League before financial collapse forced a supporter-led rebuild far down the pyramid. The club is now fan-owned, with the supporters' group controlling the vast majority of voting rights, and plays in National League North. Complete the recovery by taking a community-owned former league club all the way back.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League North","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Fan-owned recovery / EFL return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c145":{"kind":"club","n":174,"club":"Berwick Rangers","hook":"Berwick-upon-Tweed is in England, but Berwick Rangers have always played in the Scottish system. They dropped out of the SPFL in 2019 and now play in the fifth-tier Lowland League East. Cross the border every week, win promotion and put an English club back into Scotland's professional leagues.","country":"England (Scottish pyramid)","fed":"UEFA","div":"Lowland League East","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Cross-border oddity / SPFL return","themes":["Climb the leagues","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://slfl.co.uk/event/20218/","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c146":{"kind":"club","n":175,"club":"Sony de Elá Nguema","hook":"Sony are comfortably Equatorial Guinea’s most successful league club, with 16 championships, including eight in a row from 1984 to 1991. They were relegated in 2025/26. Take the record champions straight back from an extraordinary low.","country":"Equatorial Guinea","fed":"CAF","div":"Equatorial Guinea second tier","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c147":{"kind":"club","n":176,"club":"Asmara Brewery","hook":"A football club tied to one of Eritrea’s oldest breweries. The side dates back to the 1940s and won the Eritrean championship in 2008. There cannot be many better pitches than turning a literal brewery team into the country’s dominant club.","country":"Eritrea","fed":"CAF","div":"Eritrean Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Domestic dynasty / continental step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c148":{"kind":"club","n":177,"club":"JK Tallinna Kalev","hook":"Founded in 1911, Kalev won Estonian titles before the Second World War and even competed in the Soviet Top League in 1960 and 1961. They have never won the championship in modern independent Estonia. Put the country’s historic club back on top.","country":"Estonia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Meistriliiga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental redemption / trophy chase","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c149":{"kind":"club","n":178,"club":"Mbabane Swallows","hook":"Swallows became the first Eswatini club to reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage in 2017 and the first to reach the CAF Champions League group stage a year later. Get them back there and push beyond the country’s existing ceiling.","country":"Eswatini","fed":"CAF","div":"Premier League of Eswatini","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c150":{"kind":"club","n":179,"club":"Ethiopian Coffee","hook":"Ethiopian Coffee are one of Addis Ababa's biggest traditional clubs and carry an identity tied directly to the industry the country is famous for. They won the league in 2011 but have lived behind Saint George and newer challengers since. Turn the Coffee into Ethiopia's dominant club and then chase the country's first CAF trophy.","country":"Ethiopia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ethiopian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Industry identity / domestic challenger","themes":["Title chase","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c151":{"kind":"club","n":180,"club":"Saint George SC","hook":"Saint George are Ethiopia’s record champions, yet no Ethiopian club has ever won a CAF competition. When you already have more than 30 domestic titles, there is only one challenge that really matters.","country":"Ethiopia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ethiopian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c152":{"kind":"club","n":181,"club":"KÍ Klaksvík","hook":"KÍ became the first Faroese club ever to reach a UEFA group stage in 2023, representing a town of only around 5,000 people. Take the template further: dominate the islands, raise the Faroe Islands coefficient and try to turn a part-time club from Klaksvík into a regular European league-phase team.","country":"Faroe Islands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Faroe Islands Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Micro-nation / European breakthrough","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%8D_Klaksv%C3%ADk","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c153":{"kind":"club","n":182,"club":"Ba FC","hook":"Ba reached the 2007 OFC Champions League final and actually won the first leg 2-1, only to lose the trophy on away goals after Auckland City won the return 1-0. Take one of Fiji's traditional clubs back to the continental final and finish the job this time.","country":"Fiji","fed":"OFC","div":"Fiji Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Continental revenge / island nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c154":{"kind":"club","n":183,"club":"Bula FC","hook":"Bula FC were created as Fiji's new professional representative for the inaugural OFC Pro League - Oceania's first professional football league. There is almost no inherited history or ceiling. Build the club from launch, become the Pacific's dominant professional side and target the FIFA Intercontinental/Club World Cup pathway.","country":"Fiji","fed":"OFC","div":"OFC Pro League","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Brand-new club / Oceania builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory","New club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Regional professional league","src":"https://www.ofcproleague.com/news/ofc-pro-league-teams-confirmed/","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c155":{"kind":"club","n":184,"club":"FC Haka","hook":"Haka have won nine Finnish league titles despite representing the small industrial town of Valkeakoski. Their last championship came in 2004. Turn one of Finland's traditional powers into a modern small-town dynasty and see how far a club from roughly 20,000 people can go in Europe.","country":"Finland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Veikkausliiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Small-town giant / title drought","themes":["Title chase","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c156":{"kind":"club","n":185,"club":"IFK Mariehamn","hook":"Mariehamn represent Åland, the Swedish-speaking autonomous archipelago between Finland and Sweden with a population of roughly 30,000. They somehow became Finnish champions in 2016. Now try to build a European club on a tiny group of islands.","country":"Finland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Veikkausliiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Geography / remote club","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c157":{"kind":"club","n":186,"club":"KTP","hook":"KTP won back-to-back Finnish titles in 1951 and 1952, but modern life has been defined by bouncing between the top two divisions. Relegated in 2025, they have already secured promotion back to the Veikkausliiga for 2027. Stop the yo-yo, rebuild Kotka and turn an old champion into a permanent force.","country":"Finland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ykkösliiga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Yo-yo club / historic champion","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c158":{"kind":"club","n":187,"club":"KuPS","hook":"KuPS are one of Finland's oldest major clubs, yet only reached a UEFA group/league phase for the first time in 2025. Finland is playable, making this an accessible coefficient-building save: dominate domestically, keep your best talent longer and turn an overdue breakthrough into regular European football.","country":"Finland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Veikkausliiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"European breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/029c-1e98adfc0468-b12e7ace5070-1000--history-makers-hamrun-spartans-among-league-phase-debutants/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c159":{"kind":"club","n":188,"club":"TP-47","hook":"TP-47 come from Tornio on Finland's Swedish border, close to the Arctic Circle. They are playing in Kakkonen, outside FM's standard Finnish playable levels. Load a custom database, climb from the fourth tier and see whether one of football's most northerly outposts can eventually host European nights.","country":"Finland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kakkonen","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Arctic geography / lower-league climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.tp47.com/","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c160":{"kind":"club","n":189,"club":"TPS Turku","hook":"TPS are eight-time Finnish champions and produced one of Finnish club football's great European nights by beating Inter Milan 1-0 at San Siro in 1987. They are back in the Veikkausliiga for 2026. Re-establish Turku at the top of Finland and then try to create another result Europe remembers.","country":"Finland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Veikkausliiga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic giant / European nostalgia","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c161":{"kind":"club","n":190,"club":"Bordeaux","hook":"Six-time French champions Bordeaux have fallen from Ligue 1 into Régional 1 after a financial crisis and exclusion from the national divisions. This is a genuine giant starting in the sixth tier: rebuild the finances, escape regional football, reclaim professional status and eventually put one of France's great names back in Europe.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Régional 1","tier":6,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Fallen giant / financial rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Exclu-des-championnats-nationaux-les-girondins-de-bordeaux-provisoirement-inscrits-en-regional-1/1705141","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c162":{"kind":"club","n":191,"club":"Cannes","hook":"Cannes gave Zinedine Zidane and Patrick Vieira their first senior football and were playing in Europe during the 1990s. Financial collapse later sent the club into the amateur game. They are back in the national third tier, so rebuild one of France's great talent factories and make Cannes famous for football again.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 3","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Academy heritage / professional rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c163":{"kind":"club","n":192,"club":"FC Mulhouse","hook":"Mulhouse were founded in 1893 when Alsace was part of the German Empire, making them one of the strangest old clubs in French football. They were also members of the first professional French top flight in 1932/33. Start in Régional 1 and take a club with both French and German football history back to the professional game.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Régional 1 Grand Est","tier":6,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Border-history club / extreme rebuild","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c165":{"kind":"club","n":193,"club":"Le Mans FC","hook":"Le Mans were a Ligue 1 club in 2010 before financial collapse sent them as low as the sixth tier. After years rebuilding, back-to-back promotions have returned them to Ligue 1 for 2026/27. Keep them there, repair the club's long-term finances and finish one of France's most dramatic comeback stories.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Fallen club / completed comeback","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://ligue1.com/fr/articles/l1_article_5106-","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c166":{"kind":"club","n":194,"club":"Nancy","hook":"Nancy gave Michel Platini his breakthrough and won the Coupe de France in 1978, but years of decline eventually pushed them into the third tier. They have fought their way back to Ligue 2. Re-establish a major football city in Ligue 1 and build a new generation worthy of the club's most famous academy graduate.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Fallen club / Ligue 1 return","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c167":{"kind":"club","n":195,"club":"Rouen","hook":"Rouen spent decades in France's top flight and even beat Arsenal in Europe in the 1960s, but have not played Ligue 1 football since 1985. They are now in the new third-tier Ligue 3. Turn one of Normandy's historic clubs into a serious rival to the region's modern powers and end a four-decade top-flight absence.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 3","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / Ligue 1 return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c168":{"kind":"club","n":196,"club":"Sedan","hook":"Sedan won two French Cups and were still a Ligue 1 club in the 2000s, but liquidation in 2023 forced them into regional football. They are now in Régional 1, miles from the professional game. Rebuild one of France's great small-town clubs from the sixth tier and take the Ardennes back to Ligue 1.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Régional 1 Grand Est","tier":6,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Liquidation rebuild / extreme lower-league climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c169":{"kind":"club","n":197,"club":"Sochaux","hook":"Sochaux are one of France's great industrial clubs, created around Peugeot and twice crowned French champions. Financial problems nearly destroyed the professional club in 2023 and forced an administrative drop to the third tier. They are back in Ligue 2 for 2026/27 - finish the rescue and return a historic academy club to Ligue 1.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Financial rescue / historic return","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c528":{"kind":"club","n":198,"club":"FC Versailles","hook":"Your club represents Versailles but still has to play home matches outside the city because Stade Montbauron cannot host them. Get them out of the third tier, sort out a proper home and see if you can make a football club famous for something other than its palace.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 3","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Groundless club / stadium challenge","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c529":{"kind":"club","n":199,"club":"SM Caen","hook":"Kylian Mbappé bought Caen in 2024 and they promptly ended up in the third tier. The obvious challenge is to rescue his investment, build a proper youth setup and eventually give PSG a title race they didn't see coming.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 3","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Celebrity owner / fallen club","themes":["Fallen giant"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c530":{"kind":"club","n":200,"club":"Sporting Club Sétois","hook":"Sète became the first French side to complete a league and cup double in 1934, then the original club went bust in 2023. Their successor is down in regional football. Bring back the old glory, starting six divisions below Ligue 1.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Régional 1","tier":6,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Phoenix club / historic double","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c531":{"kind":"club","n":201,"club":"Stade de Reims","hook":"Reims lost European Cup finals to Real Madrid in both 1956 and 1959. Six French titles, Raymond Kopa and Just Fontaine are quite a history to live up to. Get them out of Ligue 2 and finally win the European trophy that escaped their best side.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"European runners-up / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to win a continental trophy."},"c532":{"kind":"club","n":202,"club":"Red Star FC","hook":"Jules Rimet founded Red Star, but the club that helped give football the World Cup has never won the French league. Build a proper Parisian rival to PSG, starting from Saint-Ouen rather than another billionaire's boardroom.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Paris rival / first league title","themes":["Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c533":{"kind":"club","n":203,"club":"EA Guingamp","hook":"Guingamp have won two French Cups, both against Rennes, despite coming from a town of around 7,000 people. Their ground can hold more than twice the population. Winning Ligue 1 with them would be a fairly ridiculous next chapter.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Tiny-town underdog / European dream","themes":["Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c534":{"kind":"club","n":204,"club":"SC Bastia","hook":"Bastia reached the 1978 UEFA Cup final before decades of financial trouble sent them down the leagues. They're back in France's third tier. Put Corsica back on the top-flight map and see if you can give Bastia another European final, this time with a different result.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 3","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Island rebuild / European revenge","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c535":{"kind":"club","n":205,"club":"US Thionville Lusitanos","hook":"Thionville Lusitanos have climbed four divisions in five years and their Portuguese roots make for a decent squad-building rule. Keep the rise going, try recruiting only French and Portuguese players, and find out how far this unlikely club can go.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 3","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Portuguese heritage / rapid rise","themes":["New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c536":{"kind":"club","n":206,"club":"AC Ajaccio","hook":"Ajaccio were in Ligue 1 in 2023 and ended up in regional football after a financial collapse. Rebuild them from the sixth tier, get the Corsican derby back on the fixture list and eventually win the island its first French title.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Régional 1","tier":6,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Financial collapse / island derby","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","City rivalry","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c537":{"kind":"club","n":207,"club":"FC Nantes","hook":"Nantes have eight league titles and a famous tradition of attacking football, but haven't been champions since 2001. They're now in Ligue 2. Bring back the academy-led 'jeu à la nantaise' and win the league playing something worth watching.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Academy revival / traditional playing style","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c538":{"kind":"club","n":208,"club":"Nîmes Olympique","hook":"Nîmes finished runners-up in France three seasons running from 1958 to 1960, then did it again in 1972. They have also lost three French Cup finals. Four near misses and no league title is plenty of motivation for a fourth-tier rebuild.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"National 1","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Perennial runners-up / trophy chase","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c539":{"kind":"club","n":209,"club":"Paris FC","hook":"Paris FC and PSG were once part of the same club. Now Paris FC are in Ligue 1, have wealthy backing and play across the road from the Parc des Princes. There is one very obvious aim: become the biggest club in Paris.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"High","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"New-money Paris rivalry","themes":["City rivalry","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c540":{"kind":"club","n":210,"club":"Montpellier HSC","hook":"Montpellier beat PSG's new owners to the 2012 title with a team that started the season thinking about survival. They're back in the second division. Build another side nobody fancies and see if you can pull off the same trick twice.","country":"France","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Modern miracle / former champion","themes":["Fallen giant"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c170":{"kind":"club","n":211,"club":"FC 105 Libreville","hook":"Founded as a club connected to Gabon’s armed forces and police, FC 105 have won 10 recognised national championships but none since 2007. They also have genuine continental history. Restore a club that used to matter far beyond Gabon.","country":"Gabon","fed":"CAF","div":"Gabon Championnat National D1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c171":{"kind":"club","n":212,"club":"Mangasport","hook":"Mangasport are the club of the COMILOG manganese-mining company and the company town of Moanda. They won their 11th Gabonese championship in 2026. Domestic success is already there - turn a mining-company club from inland Gabon into a serious CAF Champions League side.","country":"Gabon","fed":"CAF","div":"Gabon National Foot 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Mining-company club / continental step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c172":{"kind":"club","n":213,"club":"Medina United Football Academy","hook":"Medina’s rise has been extraordinary. They emerged from the local Lamin Nawettan scene, climbed into the national pyramid, won promotion in 2025 and then became Gambian champions in their first top-flight season. Take over just as the fairytale threatens to become a dynasty.","country":"Gambia","fed":"CAF","div":"GFA League First Division","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"New club / create the history","themes":["Historic club","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c173":{"kind":"club","n":214,"club":"Real de Banjul","hook":"Real de Banjul are one of Gambia's most decorated clubs and represent the country's capital, but Gambian teams rarely make any noise in CAF competition. Dominate at home, professionalise the setup and turn the capital's traditional giant into the club that finally pushes Gambia deep into Africa.","country":"Gambia","fed":"CAF","div":"GFF First Division League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Domestic giant / CAF nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c174":{"kind":"club","n":215,"club":"Dinamo Tbilisi","hook":"Dinamo won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1981, still the high point of Georgian club football. The domestic trophies are secondary. Make a Georgian club capable of competing deep into Europe again.","country":"Georgia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Erovnuli Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to secure European qualification."},"c541":{"kind":"club","n":216,"club":"FC Gagra","hook":"Gagra were founded by people displaced from Abkhazia and have never played a home match in the city they're named after. They've already won the Georgian Cup twice. Win the league with a club that has never really had a home.","country":"Georgia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Erovnuli Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Refugee-founded club / displaced identity","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c542":{"kind":"club","n":217,"club":"FC Spaeri","hook":"Spaeri started in 2017 as a team connected to Georgia's state protection service and have risen from the fifth tier to the top flight. They even won the Georgian Cup while in the second division. Finish the job by taking this unusually founded club into the Champions League.","country":"Georgia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Erovnuli Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"State-service club / rapid rise","themes":["New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c543":{"kind":"club","n":218,"club":"FC Zestafoni","hook":"Zestafoni won back-to-back Georgian championships in 2011 and 2012 before collapsing down into regional football. A fifth-tier club with two recent national titles makes for a proper rebuild. Get them back to the top and finally make some noise in Europe.","country":"Georgia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Regionuli Liga","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Fallen champion / regional rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c175":{"kind":"club","n":219,"club":"1. FC Kaiserslautern","hook":"Kaiserslautern remain the only newly promoted club ever to win the Bundesliga, taking the 1997/98 title immediately after promotion. They are now in 2. Bundesliga. Recreate the impossible: win promotion, then build a squad capable of challenging for the German title before the novelty of being back wears off.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"2. Bundesliga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Historic giant / recreate a miracle","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.bundesliga.com/en/2bundesliga/table?view=full","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c176":{"kind":"club","n":220,"club":"1860 Munich","hook":"1860 Munich won the Bundesliga in 1965/66 - before Bayern Munich had ever been German champions - but in 2026/27 they are down in Regionalliga Bayern. That makes the city rivalry absurdly lopsided. Start in tier four, get back into the professional leagues and eventually make Munich genuinely competitive again.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"Regionalliga Bayern","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Fallen giant / city rivalry","themes":["Fallen giant","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://datencenter.dfb.de/en/competitions/regional-league-bavaria/seasons/2026-2027/teams/tsv-1860-munich","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c177":{"kind":"club","n":221,"club":"Alemannia Aachen","hook":"Alemannia Aachen played Bundesliga and UEFA Cup football in the 2000s before financial trouble and relegations dumped them into the regional leagues. They are back in 3. Liga, with a huge support base for the level. Wake the club up properly and take Aachen back from the fourth-tier wilderness to European football.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"3. Liga","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Fallen club / return to Bundesliga","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.alemannia-aachen.de/profis/spiele-tabelle/","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c178":{"kind":"club","n":222,"club":"Borussia Neunkirchen","hook":"Borussia Neunkirchen played Bundesliga football in the 1960s and were one of Saarland's major clubs before the region vanished from Germany's elite. They now play in the fifth-tier Oberliga. Take an old industrial club from a town of fewer than 50,000 all the way back to the Bundesliga.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Former Bundesliga club / lower-league climb","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with very low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c179":{"kind":"club","n":223,"club":"Dynamo Dresden","hook":"Dynamo Dresden won eight East German league titles and remain one of the former DDR's biggest clubs. They are in 2. Bundesliga, but reunified Germany has never seen them re-establish that old status. Get back to the Bundesliga and build the strongest eastern German club in the modern era.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"2. Bundesliga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"East German giant / historic restoration","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://datencenter.dfb.de/competitions/2-bundesliga/seasons/2026-2027/teams/dynamo-dresden","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c180":{"kind":"club","n":224,"club":"Energie Cottbus","hook":"Energie Cottbus spent six seasons in the Bundesliga despite coming from a relatively small city in the former East Germany, then fell all the way into the regional leagues. In 2026 they finally returned to 2. Bundesliga after 12 years away. Keep the comeback going and build the strongest club in eastern Germany.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"2. Bundesliga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"East German revival / Bundesliga return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c181":{"kind":"club","n":225,"club":"Fortuna Köln","hook":"Fortuna Köln reached the 1983 DFB-Pokal final and spent 26 consecutive seasons in 2. Bundesliga, usually living in the shadow of 1. FC Köln. They won promotion back to 3. Liga in 2026. Keep the comeback moving and turn Cologne's other club into a Bundesliga side for the first time.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"3. Liga","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic second-tier club / city rivalry","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c182":{"kind":"club","n":226,"club":"Kickers Offenbach","hook":"Kickers Offenbach became the first club from outside the Bundesliga to win the DFB-Pokal when they lifted it in 1970. They have also been German runners-up twice, yet now sit in Regionalliga Südwest. Restore a club with serious national history and finally get Offenbach back into the Bundesliga after more than four decades.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"Regionalliga Südwest","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic cup winner / Bundesliga return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c183":{"kind":"club","n":227,"club":"Preußen Münster","hook":"Preußen Münster were founder members of the Bundesliga in 1963 but disappeared from the top two divisions for decades. Back-to-back promotions took them from the Regionalliga to 2. Bundesliga before relegation in 2026 sent them back to 3. Liga. Get the momentum going again and reach the Bundesliga for the first time since its inaugural season.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"3. Liga","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic founder / Bundesliga return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c184":{"kind":"club","n":228,"club":"Schalke 04","hook":"Seven-time German champions Schalke have one of Europe's biggest fanbases and a 62,000-capacity stadium, yet spent three consecutive seasons in 2. Bundesliga. They are finally back in the Bundesliga for 2026/27. Stabilise the finances, survive, rebuild the academy pipeline and eventually challenge Dortmund and Bayern again.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bundesliga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Sleeping giant / top-flight return","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/welcome-back-schalke-promotion-muslic-dzeko-karaman-37116","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c185":{"kind":"club","n":229,"club":"Stuttgarter Kickers","hook":"Stuttgarter Kickers reached the 1987 DFB-Pokal final and have played Bundesliga football, but they now sit in the fourth-tier Regionalliga while VfB dominate the city. Take Stuttgart's forgotten professional club back through the pyramid and eventually make the city derby a Bundesliga fixture again.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"Regionalliga Südwest","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / city rivalry","themes":["Fallen giant","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c186":{"kind":"club","n":230,"club":"SV Elversberg","hook":"Elversberg were in Germany's fourth tier in 2022 and reached the Bundesliga for the first time in 2026. They represent a community of roughly 13,000 people - the smallest place ever represented in the Bundesliga. Survive against clubs with enormous resources and turn the smallest Bundesliga story into a lasting one.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"Bundesliga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Tiny-town top flight / rapid rise","themes":["Climb the leagues","Geography","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.bundesliga.com/de/bundesliga/news/sv-elversberg-bayer-leverkusen-premiere-erstes-heimspiel-38009","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c187":{"kind":"club","n":231,"club":"Tasmania Berlin","hook":"The Tasmania name is inseparable from the infamous 1965/66 Bundesliga side that won twice, conceded 108 goals and became shorthand for a disastrous top-flight season. The modern SV Tasmania carries that footballing tradition from Berlin's fourth tier. Redeem the name and take Tasmania back to the Bundesliga for a very different record-breaking season.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"Regionalliga Nordost","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Historic name / Bundesliga redemption","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c188":{"kind":"club","n":232,"club":"Viktoria Berlin","hook":"Viktoria Berlin were German champions in 1908 and 1911, long before the Bundesliga existed. More than a century later they are buried in the Regionalliga. Take one of Germany's original national champions from the fourth tier back into the professional game and eventually add a modern title to the pre-war ones.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"Regionalliga Nordost","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Pre-war champion / lower-league restoration","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c189":{"kind":"club","n":233,"club":"Wattenscheid 09","hook":"Wattenscheid spent four straight seasons in the Bundesliga from 1990 to 1994 and developed players including the Altıntop brothers before financial collapse pushed the club down the pyramid. Bankruptcy struck again in 2019. Rebuild one of the Ruhr's forgotten clubs from the fifth tier and get them back above the reserve-team wilderness.","country":"Germany","fed":"UEFA","div":"Oberliga Westfalen","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Bankruptcy rebuild / former Bundesliga club","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c190":{"kind":"club","n":234,"club":"Asante Kotoko","hook":"Asante Kotoko are two-time African champions and one of the continent's biggest historic clubs, but they have not won Africa's top competition since 1983. Restore Kumasi's giant to the CAF summit after more than four decades.","country":"Ghana","fed":"CAF","div":"Ghana Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Historic continental giant / revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c191":{"kind":"club","n":235,"club":"Hearts of Oak","hook":"Hearts of Oak won the CAF Champions League in 2000 and were one of Africa's strongest sides around that period. Restore Accra's giants, dominate Ghana again and build a team capable of matching that continental peak.","country":"Ghana","fed":"CAF","div":"Ghana Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Fallen continental giant / revival","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c192":{"kind":"club","n":236,"club":"AEL Larissa","hook":"Larissa produced one of Greek football's great outsider stories by winning the league in 1988. They remain the only club from outside Athens and Thessaloniki to have been Greek champions in the professional era. Start in Super League 2 and prove provincial Greece can do it again.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Super League Greece 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic outsider / repeat the miracle","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c193":{"kind":"club","n":237,"club":"Iraklis","hook":"Founded in 1908, Iraklis are one of Thessaloniki's great historic clubs and won the Greek Cup in 1976. Financial and licensing problems repeatedly destroyed their league status, but they are back in the top flight for 2026/27. Stabilise the club and turn Greece's forgotten Thessaloniki giant into a rival to PAOK and Aris again.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Super League Greece","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Repeated-collapse rebuild / city rivalry","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c194":{"kind":"club","n":238,"club":"OFI Crete","hook":"OFI won the Greek Cup in the 1980s and famously knocked Atlético Madrid out of Europe in 1993. What Crete has never had is a Greek league champion. Change that.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Super League Greece","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c195":{"kind":"club","n":239,"club":"Panionios","hook":"Panionios trace their roots to Smyrna before the population exchange brought the club to Athens. They won two Greek Cups but financial collapse forced them into the amateur leagues in 2020. Now back in Super League 2, take one of Greek football's oldest refugee clubs all the way back to the top.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Super League Greece 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Refugee identity / lower-league comeback","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c544":{"kind":"club","n":240,"club":"AO Xanthi","hook":"Xanthi spent 31 straight seasons in Greece's top flight before the professional club disappeared and the amateur side had to start again locally. They're fighting back in the third tier. Restore their old top-flight status and win the trophy they never managed in their prime.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Gamma Ethniki","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Former top-flight regular / rebirth","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c545":{"kind":"club","n":241,"club":"Doxa Drama","hook":"Doxa Drama reached three Greek Cup finals in the 1950s and somehow lost all three to Olympiacos. They're now in the third division. Get back into the top flight and, ideally, beat Olympiacos in a cup final. It would only be fair.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Gamma Ethniki","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Cup-final curse / revenge","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c546":{"kind":"club","n":242,"club":"Ellas Syrou","hook":"A club from the small Aegean island of Syros reached Greece's second division for the first time in 2025. Build a competitive side despite the island's size and travel demands, then take the Greek title away from the Athens and Thessaloniki giants.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Super League 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Island club / first top-flight season","themes":["Climb the leagues","Geography","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c547":{"kind":"club","n":243,"club":"Ethnikos Piraeus","hook":"Ethnikos were challenging for the Greek title in 1957 when a row over attempts to sign Hungarian internationals ended in their exclusion from the competition. Neighbours Olympiacos won instead. Almost 70 years later, Ethnikos are in the third tier. Time to settle that one.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Gamma Ethniki","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Lost title / local rivalry","themes":["Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c548":{"kind":"club","n":244,"club":"Kastoria 1980 FC","hook":"Kastoria became the first provincial club to win the Greek Cup in 1980, then eventually went out of business. A revived club has worked its way back to the national leagues. Repeat the 1980 cup win and then go one better by becoming Greek champions.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Gamma Ethniki","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Phoenix club / cup glory","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c549":{"kind":"club","n":245,"club":"PAS Giannina","hook":"Nicknamed the 'Ajax of Epirus' for their South American-influenced football in the 1970s, PAS Giannina have fallen to Greece's third tier. Rebuild around creative, technical players and try to deliver the club's first major trophy.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Gamma Ethniki","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen cult club / South American identity","themes":["Fallen giant","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c550":{"kind":"club","n":246,"club":"Panachaiki FC","hook":"Panachaiki were the first Greek club from outside the main football centres to qualify for Europe, back in 1973. Patras has never had a league champion. Get the city back into European football and finally give it a major domestic trophy.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Gamma Ethniki","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Provincial pioneer / city rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to secure European qualification."},"c551":{"kind":"club","n":247,"club":"Aris Thessaloniki","hook":"Aris have three Greek titles, but the last arrived in 1946. Their neighbours PAOK have had plenty more to celebrate since. Ending an 80-year title drought in one of Greece's most passionate football cities is the whole point of this save.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic giant / 80-year title drought","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c552":{"kind":"club","n":248,"club":"AE Mykonos","hook":"Mykonos is famous for beach clubs, not football clubs. Its team is in Greece's third tier. Take a side from the holiday island into the Super League, and for an extra challenge stick to Greek players.","country":"Greece","fed":"UEFA","div":"Gamma Ethniki","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Holiday island / football outpost","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c196":{"kind":"club","n":249,"club":"Queens Park Rangers SC","hook":"Grenada’s QPR have seven known league championships but none since 2002. Restore the country’s record champions and then see how far you can take them in Caribbean competition.","country":"Grenada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Grenada Premier Division","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c197":{"kind":"club","n":250,"club":"Comunicaciones","hook":"Comunicaciones were CONCACAF champions in 1978 and then won the CONCACAF League in 2021, proving the old Guatemalan giant can still compete regionally. The Champions Cup is another level now. Build a side capable of bridging four decades and giving Guatemala a modern continental champion.","country":"Guatemala","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga Nacional de Guatemala","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Historic continental winner / modern CONCACAF chase","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c198":{"kind":"club","n":251,"club":"Municipal","hook":"Municipal became the first Guatemalan club to win the CONCACAF Champions' Cup in 1974. Guatemala has not produced a winner since 1978 - restore one of Central America's traditional powers and end the country's continental drought.","country":"Guatemala","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga Nacional de Guatemala","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic continental winner / drought-breaker","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c199":{"kind":"club","n":252,"club":"Guernsey FC","hook":"Guernsey represent the Channel Islands inside the English pyramid, so every promotion creates bigger football and bigger travel problems. Starting in the ninth tier, build a squad that can cope with unusual logistics, climb towards the EFL and see whether an island club can survive in the professional English game.","country":"Guernsey (English pyramid)","fed":"UEFA","div":"Southern Combination Premier Division","tier":9,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Geography challenge / lower-league climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://guernseyfc.com/two-new-opponents-and-an-old-friend-returns/","score":10,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 9 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c200":{"kind":"club","n":253,"club":"Hafia FC","hook":"Three African titles and five final appearances during the 1970s. Hafia were once one of the biggest clubs on the continent and are now barely mentioned outside Guinea. That is exactly what makes the save work.","country":"Guinea","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue 1 Pro","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c201":{"kind":"club","n":254,"club":"Sporting Clube de Bafatá","hook":"Bafatá were one of the first clubs to seriously disrupt the dominance of teams from Bissau, winning national titles in 1987 and 2008. They were relegated in 2024 and remain in the second tier. Take the provincial champions back.","country":"Guinea-Bissau","fed":"CAF","div":"Guinea-Bissau second tier","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c202":{"kind":"club","n":255,"club":"Mainstay Goldstar FC","hook":"Mainstay became the first club from Guyana’s Essequibo region to reach the Elite League. Their first season was brutal: no wins, 10 goals scored and 205 conceded in 18 matches. There are difficult rebuilds, and then there is this.","country":"Guyana","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"GFF Elite League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c203":{"kind":"club","n":256,"club":"Violette AC","hook":"Violette were CONCACAF champions in 1984, then resurfaced on the continental stage decades later by knocking MLS side Austin FC out of the 2023 Champions League. Build another Haitian side capable of embarrassing the region’s richer clubs.","country":"Haiti","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Ligue Haïtienne","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c204":{"kind":"club","n":257,"club":"Platense FC","hook":"Platense were Honduras’ first professional league champions in 1965/66 and have only won it once more since. After years outside the top flight they returned for 2025/26. Make the country’s original champions champions again.#","country":"Honduras","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga Nacional de Honduras","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"2+","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to reach the top flight."},"c205":{"kind":"club","n":258,"club":"Eastern","hook":"Eastern made history in 2016 when Chan Yuen-ting became the first woman to lead a men's top-flight team to a national championship. That gives the club one of the most distinctive modern stories in Asian football. Add a continental chapter and turn Hong Kong's landmark champions into an Asian force.","country":"Hong Kong","fed":"AFC","div":"Hong Kong Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Modern landmark / Asian progression","themes":["Continental glory","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c206":{"kind":"club","n":259,"club":"Kitchee","hook":"Kitchee became the first Hong Kong club to reach the AFC Champions League knockout rounds in 2022. Use them as the foundation for a save aimed at pushing Hong Kong football deeper into Asia.","country":"Hong Kong","fed":"AFC","div":"Hong Kong Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c207":{"kind":"club","n":260,"club":"Fehérvár FC","hook":"As Videoton, they reached the 1985 UEFA Cup final against Real Madrid and even won the second leg at the Bernabéu. Now they are in Hungary’s second tier. Promotion is only the start. The real challenge is recreating that European run.","country":"Hungary","fed":"UEFA","div":"Nemzeti Bajnokság II","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c208":{"kind":"club","n":261,"club":"Győr","hook":"Győr are four-time Hungarian champions and reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1965. The modern club endured bankruptcy and a restart in the lower leagues before returning to the top flight. Complete the comeback by challenging Ferencváros and putting a provincial Hungarian club deep into Europe again.","country":"Hungary","fed":"UEFA","div":"Nemzeti Bajnokság I","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Post-bankruptcy revival / European return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c209":{"kind":"club","n":262,"club":"Honvéd","hook":"Honvéd were the club of Puskás, Bozsik and the great Mighty Magyars generation, winning five Hungarian titles during the 1950s. The modern club was relegated in 2023 and remains in the second tier. Take one of Europe's most historically important talent factories back to the top and build another homegrown golden generation.","country":"Hungary","fed":"UEFA","div":"Nemzeti Bajnokság II","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic academy giant / promotion rebuild","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c210":{"kind":"club","n":263,"club":"MTK Budapest","hook":"MTK have won more than 20 Hungarian league titles and reached the European Cup Winners' Cup final in 1964. Modern Hungarian football has been dominated elsewhere, particularly by Ferencváros. Restore one of Budapest's original giants and make MTK matter in Europe again.","country":"Hungary","fed":"UEFA","div":"Nemzeti Bajnokság I","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic giant / European revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c211":{"kind":"club","n":264,"club":"Újpest","hook":"Újpest are 20-time Hungarian champions and reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1974, yet they have not won the league since 1998. That is an absurd drought for a club of this size. End it, overtake Ferencváros and bring purple back into serious European competition.","country":"Hungary","fed":"UEFA","div":"Nemzeti Bajnokság I","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Title drought / historic giant","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c212":{"kind":"club","n":265,"club":"Vasas","hook":"Vasas won six Hungarian titles and reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1958, where Real Madrid finally stopped them. They have spent years drifting between divisions but are back in NB I for 2026/27. Keep them up, end a title drought stretching back to 1977 and take Budapest's red-blue giant back into Europe.","country":"Hungary","fed":"UEFA","div":"Nemzeti Bajnokság I","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"European nostalgia / title drought","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to secure European qualification."},"c213":{"kind":"club","n":266,"club":"Breiðablik","hook":"Breiðablik became the first Icelandic club to reach a major UEFA group stage in 2023/24. Icelandic clubs still face a huge financial and scheduling gap to continental opponents. Build the best academy and recruitment operation in Iceland, dominate domestically and turn that first breakthrough into regular league-phase football.","country":"Iceland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Besta deild karla","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"European breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brei%C3%B0ablik_men%27s_football","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c214":{"kind":"club","n":267,"club":"Fram Reykjavík","hook":"Fram have won 18 Icelandic championships, more than almost every club in the country, but the last arrived in 1990. A generation has grown up without seeing the historic giant win the league. End the drought and rebuild one of Iceland's original powers for the European era.","country":"Iceland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Besta deild karla","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic giant / title drought","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c553":{"kind":"club","n":268,"club":"UMF Grindavík","hook":"Volcanic activity forced the evacuation of Grindavík in 2023 and left its football club playing away from home for months. The team eventually returned to its ground, but the town's future remains uncertain. Take Grindavík back to the top flight and give the community a first Icelandic championship.","country":"Iceland","fed":"UEFA","div":"1. deild karla","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Volcanic evacuation / community rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c554":{"kind":"club","n":269,"club":"Kári Akranes","hook":"Kári began in 1922 when a group of children in Akranes scraped together enough money to buy a football. They helped lay the foundations for the town's much bigger club, ÍA, before Kári were revived years later. Win the title with the little club instead.","country":"Iceland","fed":"UEFA","div":"2. deild karla","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Child-founded club / town rivalry","themes":["City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c555":{"kind":"club","n":270,"club":"Vestri Ísafjörður","hook":"Vestri managed to win the Icelandic Cup and get relegated in the same season. They're based in the remote Westfjords, a long way from most of their opponents. Get them back into the top flight and turn an unlikely cup run into a league title.","country":"Iceland","fed":"UEFA","div":"1. deild karla","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Remote region / cup-winning relegation","themes":["Fallen giant","Title chase","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c556":{"kind":"club","n":271,"club":"KF Fjallabyggð","hook":"Leiftur, the predecessor to KF Fjallabyggð, played Hamburger SV and Anderlecht in Europe during the 1990s. The modern merged club represents two small fishing towns and is down in Iceland's fourth tier. Give the area European nights again.","country":"Iceland","fed":"UEFA","div":"3. deild karla","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Fishing towns / European heritage","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c557":{"kind":"club","n":272,"club":"KM Reykjavík","hook":"A Spanish student founded the club that became KM Reykjavík because he couldn't find a team to join after moving to Iceland. The club now helps bring different communities together, while its outdoor side sits in the sixth tier. Win Iceland's league with a squad built around expatriate talent.","country":"Iceland","fed":"UEFA","div":"5. deild karla","tier":6,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Expatriate-founded club / community challenge","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c558":{"kind":"club","n":273,"club":"Víkingur Ólafsvík","hook":"A fishing village of roughly 1,000 people made it into Iceland's top division, with several players also taking the club into European futsal. They're back in the lower leagues. See if this tiny community can produce Icelandic football champions.","country":"Iceland","fed":"UEFA","div":"2. deild karla","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Tiny village / unlikely top-flight return","themes":["Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c215":{"kind":"club","n":274,"club":"Bengaluru FC","hook":"Bengaluru became the first Indian club ever to reach an AFC club competition final in 2016, losing the AFC Cup decider. Finish what that side started and make Bengaluru the first Indian club to win a major continental title.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"Indian Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental first / unfinished history","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c216":{"kind":"club","n":275,"club":"East Bengal","hook":"East Bengal are one of Indian football's great Kolkata institutions and became ASEAN club champions in 2003, a rare international trophy for an Indian side. They have not won India's national league championship since 2004. End the drought and build a team capable of matching the club's continental history.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"Indian Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Historic giant / national title drought","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c217":{"kind":"club","n":276,"club":"Mohun Bagan","hook":"In 1911 Mohun Bagan became the first Indian side to win the IFA Shield, beating the East Yorkshire Regiment in one of Indian sport's most symbolic victories. Take that historic identity and build the club into an Asian power worthy of the legend.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"Indian Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Historic institution / Asian powerhouse","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c218":{"kind":"club","n":277,"club":"Real Kashmir","hook":"Real Kashmir became the first club from Kashmir to reach India's national top-level league structure. Build a club from one of football's most politically and geographically distinctive regions into champions of India and then contenders in Asia.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"I-League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Regional pioneer / nation-scale rise","themes":["Nation-builder"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c559":{"kind":"club","n":278,"club":"Churchill Brothers FC","hook":"Churchill Brothers won two Indian league titles, dropped out of the top flight and eventually returned after a bizarre licence deal involving Jamshedpur. Turn their second chance into a third national championship and a serious run in Asia.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"Indian Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Unusual top-flight return / former champion","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c560":{"kind":"club","n":279,"club":"Aizawl FC","hook":"Aizawl were relegated in 2016, reinstated and then became Indian champions the very next season. It was Indian football's answer to Leicester. They're back in the second tier now. Try to recreate the miracle, then see if you can take them further in Asia.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"Indian Football League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"One-season miracle / redemption","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","dbNote":"Check - FM26 lists Indian National Football League","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c561":{"kind":"club","n":280,"club":"Diamond Harbour FC","hook":"Diamond Harbour have risen through the Indian leagues at remarkable speed, only to be denied a top-flight place over a participation-fee dispute. Get their momentum back, win promotion properly and see whether the rapid rise can end with a national championship.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"Excluded from ISL - status to confirm","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Denied promotion / rapid rise","themes":["Climb the leagues","New club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"Uncertain - club status and custom DB","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c562":{"kind":"club","n":281,"club":"Mohammedan Sporting Club","hook":"One of Kolkata's oldest clubs, Mohammedan won the Durand Cup back in 1940 but endured a winless top-flight campaign in 2025/26. Rebuild them and take on East Bengal and Mohun Bagan for the title of Kolkata's biggest club.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"Indian Football League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic Kolkata giant / winless season","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","dbNote":"Check - FM26 lists Indian National Football League","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c563":{"kind":"club","n":282,"club":"Dempo SC","hook":"Dempo won five Indian league titles between 2005 and 2012 and made the AFC Cup semi-finals, then dropped out of the national spotlight. Bring Goa's old dominant force back, win a sixth championship and finally reach an Asian final.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"Indian Football League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Five-time champions / continental rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","dbNote":"Check - FM26 lists Indian National Football League","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c564":{"kind":"club","n":283,"club":"Sporting Clube de Goa","hook":"India's own Sporting CP were deliberately modelled on the Portuguese club but have never won the national league. Get them out of the third tier, build a Portuguese scouting link if you fancy it, and win the title in green and white.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"I-League 2","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Portuguese-inspired club / lower-league rise","themes":["Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c565":{"kind":"club","n":284,"club":"Kerala Blasters FC","hook":"Kerala Blasters have reached three Indian Super League finals and lost all of them. The supporters are already there in huge numbers. Give them their first title and build a team that stops falling at the last hurdle.","country":"India","fed":"AFC","div":"Indian Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Three lost finals / passionate support","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c219":{"kind":"club","n":285,"club":"Persebaya Surabaya","hook":"Persebaya are one of Indonesia's great supporter clubs, backed by the enormous Bonek fanbase and representing one of the country's biggest cities. Years of league disputes and club politics disrupted their modern history. Build a stable football operation worthy of the support and turn Surabaya into Indonesia's dominant city.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Liga 1","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Massive support / stability rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c220":{"kind":"club","n":286,"club":"Persipura Jayapura","hook":"Four-time Indonesian champions and the first Indonesian club to reach an AFC Cup semi-final, famously beating holders Kuwait SC 6-1 along the way in 2014. By 2026/27 they are still in the second tier. Papua’s powerhouse needs rebuilding.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Liga 2","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c221":{"kind":"club","n":287,"club":"Esteghlal","hook":"Esteghlal are two-time Asian champions, winning the continent's biggest club competition in 1970 and 1991. For a club of their size, more than three decades without another Asian crown is a serious gap. Win Iran, then end the continental drought against the spending power of Asia's modern giants.","country":"Iran","fed":"AFC","div":"Persian Gulf Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Asian giant / continental drought","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-high resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c222":{"kind":"club","n":288,"club":"Persepolis","hook":"Persepolis reached the AFC Champions League final in 2018 and again in 2020, losing both. One of Asia’s biggest clubs is still waiting for that modern continental title.","country":"Iran","fed":"AFC","div":"Persian Gulf Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c223":{"kind":"club","n":289,"club":"Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya","hook":"Iraq’s Air Force club won three consecutive AFC Cups between 2016 and 2018. Rebuild that continental machine and aim for success at the highest level of Asian football.","country":"Iraq","fed":"AFC","div":"Iraq Stars League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c224":{"kind":"club","n":290,"club":"Arranmore United","hook":"Arranmore United play on a tiny island off Donegal where away trips begin with getting off the island. They compete in regional amateur football, making this less a normal club rebuild and more an extreme geography save. Build the island's football infrastructure and climb as far as a custom Irish pyramid will allow.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Donegal Junior League - Old Orchard Saturday Division 2","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Island club / extreme custom-database save","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Regional/amateur","src":"https://www.donegaljuniorleague.ie/league/208031/","score":10,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 9 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c225":{"kind":"club","n":291,"club":"Cork City","hook":"Cork City went into liquidation in 2010 and supporters organised through FORAS to keep senior football alive in the city. The rebuilt club eventually became Irish champions again in 2017. Make fan ownership the foundation rather than the rescue plan and build Ireland's strongest long-term European project.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland Premier Division","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Supporter rescue / European build","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c226":{"kind":"club","n":292,"club":"Shelbourne","hook":"Shelbourne are one of Ireland's historic clubs and finally reached a UEFA league phase for the first time in 2025. The League of Ireland is playable, but the financial gap to Europe is enormous. Dominate at home, keep improving facilities and see whether an Irish club can become a genuine continental regular.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland Premier Division","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"European breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/029c-1e98adfc0468-b12e7ace5070-1000--history-makers-hamrun-spartans-among-league-phase-debutants/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c566":{"kind":"club","n":293,"club":"Drogheda United FC","hook":"Drogheda won the 2024 FAI Cup but lost their European place because their owners also controlled Denmark's Silkeborg. Qualify for Europe again, this time without the ownership complication, and take Drogheda beyond their 2007 league-winning heights.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland Premier Division","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"European exclusion / ownership rules","themes":["Continental glory","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to secure European qualification."},"c567":{"kind":"club","n":294,"club":"Derry City FC","hook":"Derry have won league titles in both Northern Ireland and the Republic after crossing leagues during the Troubles. They also completed a domestic treble in 1989. Try to repeat the treble and give the city a proper European run.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland Premier Division","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Cross-border history / domestic treble","themes":["Historic club","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c568":{"kind":"club","n":295,"club":"Athlone Town AFC","hook":"Part-time Athlone held AC Milan to a 0-0 draw in Europe in 1975 and even missed a penalty. They're now in Ireland's second tier. Get them back to the top, return to Europe and find out if you can finally finish the job against a giant.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland First Division","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"European underdog / Milan rematch","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c569":{"kind":"club","n":296,"club":"University College Dublin AFC","hook":"UCD's students drew 0-0 with Everton in 1984, then lost narrowly at Goodison Park to a side that went on to win the Cup Winners' Cup. Take the university club to the Irish title with a squad of homegrown youngsters and try another European upset.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland First Division","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"University club / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c570":{"kind":"club","n":297,"club":"Kerry FC","hook":"County Kerry is Gaelic football country, and it didn't even have a League of Ireland club until 2023. Kerry FC won once in their debut season but have already reached an FAI Cup semi-final. Build a proper football force in the Kingdom.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland First Division","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Gaelic football county / build a club","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c571":{"kind":"club","n":298,"club":"Cobh Ramblers FC","hook":"Roy Keane got his start at Cobh Ramblers, and future Westlife singer Nicky Byrne later kept goal for them. The club has never been Irish champions. Find the next young talent from Cork and take Cobh somewhere neither famous former player ever managed.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland First Division","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Roy Keane academy / local youth","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c572":{"kind":"club","n":299,"club":"Bohemian FC","hook":"Bohemians have remained owned by their supporters since 1890 and haven't won the Irish league since 2009. Win it again without selling the club's identity: live within your means, develop youngsters and keep Dalymount Park relevant.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland Premier Division","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Supporter ownership / sustainable build","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c573":{"kind":"club","n":300,"club":"Mayo FC","hook":"Mayo only played their first senior national-league match in 2026. County football is still dominated by the Gaelic game, so there's almost no senior football history to inherit. Build it from scratch with a Connacht-only recruitment rule.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"FAI National League","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"New county club / regional-only squad","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c574":{"kind":"club","n":301,"club":"Finn Harps FC","hook":"Finn Harps once faced Derby County, Everton and Aberdeen in Europe from their small home in Donegal. They've spent much of recent history yo-yoing between Irish divisions. Get them back into Europe and give Donegal its first league title.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland First Division","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Small-town European history","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to secure European qualification."},"c575":{"kind":"club","n":302,"club":"Waterford FC","hook":"Waterford won six Irish league titles in eight seasons from 1965 to 1973, then went more than half a century without another. Bring back that level of dominance and see whether the club can finally make a mark beyond Ireland.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"League of Ireland Premier Division","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Former dynasty / 50-year title drought","themes":["Fallen giant","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c576":{"kind":"club","n":303,"club":"Killarney Celtic","hook":"Killarney Celtic won seven straight Kerry league titles before entering the new national third tier. Start at the bottom of the Irish pyramid, overtake nearby Kerry FC and turn a successful amateur side into champions of the country.","country":"Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"FAI National League","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Local dominance / new third-tier club","themes":["Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c227":{"kind":"club","n":304,"club":"Hapoel Jerusalem","hook":"Supporters unhappy with the way the old Hapoel Jerusalem was being run created the fan-owned Hapoel Katamon project in 2007. It eventually acquired the Hapoel Jerusalem name and is now established in the top flight. Try to turn a supporter-built club into national champions.","country":"Israel","fed":"UEFA","div":"Israeli Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Supporter-owned / identity rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c228":{"kind":"club","n":305,"club":"Hapoel Petah Tikva","hook":"Hapoel Petah Tikva won five consecutive Israeli championships from 1959 to 1963, still one of the country's great dynasties. They have spent much of the modern era outside the title picture but are back in the top flight. Recreate the run that once made Petah Tikva the centre of Israeli football.","country":"Israel","fed":"UEFA","div":"Israeli Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic dynasty / title revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c229":{"kind":"club","n":306,"club":"Maccabi Jaffa","hook":"Maccabi Jaffa were founded by Bulgarian Jewish immigrants and spent decades in Israel's top flight before the original club dissolved in 2000. Supporters later revived the identity as Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa. Take the fan-led successor from Liga Leumit back to the level the old club called home.","country":"Israel","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga Leumit","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Diaspora phoenix / top-flight return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c230":{"kind":"club","n":307,"club":"Casale","hook":"Casale won the Italian championship in 1914, making a small Piedmont town one of the most unlikely champions in Serie A history. More than a century later they are playing regional football in Eccellenza. Take an actual Italian champion from tier five back towards the league title.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eccellenza Piemonte-Valle d'Aosta","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Former national champion / extreme rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c231":{"kind":"club","n":308,"club":"Catania","hook":"Catania spent much of the late 2000s in Serie A before debt and bankruptcy eventually killed the old company in 2022. A new Catania started again in Serie D and immediately began climbing. Take Sicily's phoenix from Serie C back to the top flight and build something that survives this time.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Bankruptcy rebuild / Serie A return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c232":{"kind":"club","n":309,"club":"Como","hook":"Como's rise has already gone from Serie B to the Champions League in barely two years. In 2026/27 they entered Europe for the first time in club history - straight into the Champions League league phase. The challenge is to prove the project is more than a rich-club surge and actually break Italy's established order.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie A","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"New-money rise / European breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a9-2182e96ee5d7-448398219e8b-1000--como-in-the-2026-27-champions-league-what-are-their-fixtu/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c233":{"kind":"club","n":310,"club":"Genoa","hook":"Founded in 1893, Genoa are Italy's oldest active football club and have nine league titles - but the last came in 1924. You are managing a giant historical name without modern giant status. End a century-long title drought, overtake local rivals Sampdoria long term and restore Italy's original powerhouse.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie A","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Historic giant / century-long title drought","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genoa_CFC","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c234":{"kind":"club","n":311,"club":"Livorno","hook":"Livorno were playing Serie A and UEFA Cup football in the 2000s before financial collapse ended the old club in 2021. The reborn US Livorno climbed back into Serie C and are there again in 2026/27. Finish the recovery, restore the fierce Amaranto identity and take the city back to Serie A.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Phoenix rebuild / Serie A return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c235":{"kind":"club","n":312,"club":"Novara","hook":"Novara returned to Serie A in 2011 after 55 years away, then a decade later financial problems saw the old company excluded from professional football. The club was reborn and is back in Serie C. Rebuild the side that once shocked Italian football and get Piedmont's other blue club back to Serie A.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Post-bankruptcy rebuild / Serie A return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c236":{"kind":"club","n":313,"club":"Parma","hook":"Parma went bankrupt in 2015, restarted in Serie D and became the first Italian club to earn three consecutive promotions back toward the top. They are now established in Serie A again. Finish the resurrection by restoring the 1990s identity: win trophies, return to Europe and challenge Italy's traditional giants.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie A","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Post-bankruptcy rebuild / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parma_Calcio_1913","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c237":{"kind":"club","n":314,"club":"Piacenza","hook":"Piacenza spent much of the 1990s in Serie A while famously leaning heavily on Italian players rather than importing stars. They are now in Serie D. Make the identity the challenge: climb back to Serie A using only Italians and see whether a deliberately old-school squad-building policy can survive modern football.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie D","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Nationality restriction / Serie A rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c238":{"kind":"club","n":315,"club":"Pro Vercelli","hook":"Pro Vercelli won seven Italian championships before modern Serie A even existed, but have not played top-flight football since the 1930s. They now sit in Serie C. This is one of the purest historical rebuilds in Europe: return a forgotten pre-war superpower to Serie A and add an eighth title nearly a century later.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Forgotten giant / historic rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.fcprovercelli.it/news/tutte-le-news/1354-iscrizione-al-campionato-di-serie-c-sky-wifi-2026-2027","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c239":{"kind":"club","n":316,"club":"Sambenedettese","hook":"Sambenedettese have spent more than 20 seasons in Serie B without ever reaching Serie A, despite support that regularly looks too big for the divisions they inhabit. Financial crises repeatedly reset the club. They are back in Serie C - finally take San Benedetto del Tronto into the top flight.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Never-reached-Serie-A / supporter-driven climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c240":{"kind":"club","n":317,"club":"Triestina","hook":"Triestina once finished runners-up in Serie A but have spent more than 60 years outside Italy's top flight and are now in Serie D. Restore a historic border-city club from the fourth tier, survive the brutal Italian promotion system and try to get closer to a Scudetto than anyone in Trieste has since 1948.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie D - Girone C","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic fallen club / lower-league rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.triestina1918.it/it/maschile-news/782/svelato-il-calendario-del-campionato-2026-27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c577":{"kind":"club","n":318,"club":"Spezia Calcio","hook":"Spezia's 1944 wartime championship was won by a team of local firefighters, but it doesn't count as an official Scudetto. They're back in Serie C. Win the title outright and give the city a championship nobody can argue about.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Wartime title / reclaim Scudetto","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c578":{"kind":"club","n":319,"club":"Ars et Labor Ferrara (SPAL successor)","hook":"SPAL played in Serie A as recently as 2020 before collapsing financially and being replaced by a new club in Ferrara. That successor is stuck in Eccellenza. Five divisions to climb, a historic badge to live up to and a first-ever Scudetto at the end of it.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eccellenza","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Phoenix club / financial rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c579":{"kind":"club","n":320,"club":"Union Brescia","hook":"Brescia's old club, once home to Baggio, Pirlo and Guardiola, went bankrupt after more than a century. Union Brescia have taken over the city's football future. Build from Serie C, produce another top-class midfielder and finally bring a league title to Brescia.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Liquidated giant / city phoenix","themes":["Rebuild or revival","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c580":{"kind":"club","n":321,"club":"Perugia","hook":"Perugia went through the entire 1978/79 Serie A season unbeaten and still finished second to Milan. They're now in Serie C and have never been Italian champions. Go one better than the original Invincibles, preferably without drawing half your matches.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Unbeaten runners-up / first Scudetto","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c581":{"kind":"club","n":322,"club":"AC ChievoVerona","hook":"Chievo went from a neighbourhood club to Champions League qualifying before going bust. Former captain Sergio Pellissier helped bring the name and badge back into football. Return the Flying Donkeys to Serie A, overtake Hellas Verona and win a title nobody would've imagined twenty years ago.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie D","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Captain-led revival / neighbourhood giant","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c582":{"kind":"club","n":323,"club":"SS Taranto","hook":"Taranto is one of the biggest Italian cities never to have seen its team in Serie A. Another financial collapse has left the city's successor club in the fifth tier. End that long wait for a top-flight season, then see how far you can take a club with almost no experience of the big time.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eccellenza","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Never reached Serie A / city challenge","themes":["Climb the leagues","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c583":{"kind":"club","n":324,"club":"SSC Bari","hook":"Bari were seconds from Serie A in the 2023 promotion play-off final before Cagliari scored late. They ended up in Serie C instead, with supporters also frustrated by the club's links to Napoli's owners. Take Bari back up and win something that doesn't feel like Napoli's second project.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Play-off heartbreak / ownership issue","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c584":{"kind":"club","n":325,"club":"UC Sampdoria","hook":"Sampdoria won Serie A in 1991 and lost the 1992 European Cup final to Barcelona. They later came dangerously close to Serie C. Put a proper team back together in Genoa and give Samp the Champions League win that Mancini and Vialli couldn't quite manage.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie B","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Former champion / European final revenge","themes":["Fallen giant","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c585":{"kind":"club","n":326,"club":"Vado FC","hook":"Vado won the very first Coppa Italia in 1922 but have never played in Serie A. More than a century later they're back in the professional leagues. Get them into the top flight and give Italy's original cup winners a league title too.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"First Coppa Italia winner / top-flight debut","themes":["Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c586":{"kind":"club","n":327,"club":"Ostiamare","hook":"Daniele De Rossi bought his boyhood club in Ostia and helped take them back into professional football. They're still a long way from Roma. Make De Rossi's childhood team the biggest in the capital, starting from Serie C.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"De Rossi-owned / Rome rivalry","themes":["City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c587":{"kind":"club","n":328,"club":"Nuova Ternana 1925","hook":"Ternana reached the Serie C promotion play-off final in 2025, then collapsed the following year. A new club has restarted in Serie D. Bring professional football back to Terni and finally take the city beyond the brief top-flight spell it enjoyed in the 1970s.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie D","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Phoenix club / top-flight return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c588":{"kind":"club","n":329,"club":"FC Südtirol","hook":"Südtirol are an Italian club with a German name in a mostly German-speaking Alpine province. They've never reached Serie A. Build a side around South Tyrol and neighbouring Austria, Germany and northern Italy, then take this unusual regional identity to the top.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie B","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"German-speaking province / local recruitment","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c589":{"kind":"club","n":330,"club":"Reggina 1914","hook":"Reggina were in Serie B in 2023 before financial trouble put them back in the fourth tier. They once spent nine seasons in Serie A. Get them there again, bring back the Strait of Messina derby and win Calabria its first Scudetto.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie D","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Bankruptcy / regional first Scudetto","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c590":{"kind":"club","n":331,"club":"Torino FC","hook":"The Grande Torino side dominated Italy in the 1940s before the 1949 Superga air disaster. Torino have only won the league once since and haven't done so since 1976. Build a new dynasty in Turin and knock Juventus off their perch.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie A","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Historic dynasty / city rivalry","themes":["Historic club","Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c591":{"kind":"club","n":332,"club":"Pescara Calcio","hook":"Zdeněk Zeman's Pescara scored 90 league goals in 2011/12 with Immobile, Insigne and Verratti in the side. They're back in Serie C. Build another daftly attacking 4-3-3 and see whether you can win Serie A playing that way.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie C","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Attacking identity / Zeman remake","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c592":{"kind":"club","n":333,"club":"Trapani 1905","hook":"Trapani made the Serie B promotion play-off final in 2016, one game from reaching Serie A for the first time. Financial trouble has left them back in Serie D. Get a club from Sicily's western tip into the top flight and finish the job they nearly pulled off a decade ago.","country":"Italy","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serie D","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Sicilian fallen club / Serie A debut","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c241":{"kind":"club","n":334,"club":"Africa Sports d'Abidjan","hook":"Africa Sports are one of Ivory Coast's great historic clubs and two-time African Cup Winners' Cup champions, yet by 2025/26 they were playing in Ligue 2 while rivals ASEC Mimosas remained the country's international reference point. Win promotion, restore the Abidjan rivalry and take Africa back to Africa.","country":"Ivory Coast","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue 2 Côte d'Ivoire","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Fallen continental giant / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c242":{"kind":"club","n":335,"club":"ASEC Mimosas","hook":"ASEC Mimosas are famous for producing elite Ivorian talent and remain one of Africa's great academy clubs. Make the youth system the entire save: develop, sell and replace, while trying to win the CAF Champions League with a conveyor belt of your own players.","country":"Ivory Coast","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue 1 Côte d'Ivoire","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Academy-only / African talent factory","themes":["Continental glory","Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c243":{"kind":"club","n":336,"club":"Stade d'Abidjan","hook":"Stade d'Abidjan won Africa's premier club competition in 1965, only the second edition of the tournament. Restore one of the continent's original champions and drag a largely forgotten giant back into the CAF Champions League conversation.","country":"Ivory Coast","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue 1 Côte d'Ivoire","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Forgotten continental champion / revival","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c244":{"kind":"club","n":337,"club":"Mount Pleasant FA","hook":"Mount Pleasant won their first Caribbean Cup in 2025 and qualified for the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Jamaican football has a new force. See whether you can turn one breakthrough season into regional dominance.","country":"Jamaica","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Jamaica Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c245":{"kind":"club","n":338,"club":"Honda FC","hook":"Honda's works team have been strong enough for professional football but historically chose not to join the J.League because doing so would change what the club is. A brilliant identity save - dominate the JFL and decide how far a corporate amateur giant can realistically go.","country":"Japan","fed":"AFC","div":"Japan Football League","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Works team / anti-professional identity","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c246":{"kind":"club","n":339,"club":"JEF United Chiba","hook":"JEF were founder members of the J.League and had never been relegated until 2009. What followed was an extraordinary stay in J2 lasting more than 15 seasons before they finally returned to the top level for 2026. Keep them there, rebuild the old identity and make the longest wait worthwhile.","country":"Japan","fed":"AFC","div":"J1 League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Long-awaited return / top-flight rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c247":{"kind":"club","n":340,"club":"Matsumoto Yamaga","hook":"Matsumoto climbed from regional football to J1 in barely a decade, powered by crowds far bigger than their level suggested. They then fell just as dramatically and ended up in J3. Recreate the rise, but this time build enough infrastructure to make top-flight football permanent.","country":"Japan","fed":"AFC","div":"J3 League","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Rise-and-fall / rebuild the miracle","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c248":{"kind":"club","n":341,"club":"Mito HollyHock","hook":"Mito spent 26 straight seasons in J2 after joining the J.League before finally winning promotion to J1 for the first time in 2025. Your job is simple at first: do not send them straight back down. Then turn the longest wait in Japanese football into something much bigger.","country":"Japan","fed":"AFC","div":"J1 League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"First top-flight season / survival build","themes":["Climb the leagues","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c249":{"kind":"club","n":342,"club":"Nagoya Grampus Eight","hook":"The club Arsène Wenger managed immediately before Arsenal. Sometimes the historical connection is all the excuse you need. Build the Japanese side Wenger left behind into champions of Asia.","country":"Japan","fed":"AFC","div":"J1 League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c250":{"kind":"club","n":343,"club":"Nankatsu SC","hook":"Nankatsu is the fictional club from Captain Tsubasa made real, with creator Yoichi Takahashi involved in the project. Take one of football's strangest real-life crossovers from Japan's lower leagues into the J.League and beyond.","country":"Japan","fed":"AFC","div":"Japanese regional / lower league","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Pop-culture club / lower-league climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"5+","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c251":{"kind":"club","n":344,"club":"RB Omiya Ardija","hook":"Omiya Ardija were bought by Red Bull and rebranded RB Omiya Ardija, bringing the global Red Bull model into Japanese football. Build 'Japanese Leipzig' - recruit young, develop aggressively and try to take the project from J2 to Asian champions.","country":"Japan","fed":"AFC","div":"J2 League","tier":2,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Red Bull project / promotion","themes":["Climb the leagues","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium resources; goal is to win a continental trophy."},"c252":{"kind":"club","n":345,"club":"Tokyo Verdy","hook":"Verdy were the dominant club at the birth of the J.League, winning the first two championships and carrying the legacy of Asian champions Yomiuri. Then they spent 15 straight seasons outside J1 before finally returning in 2024. Build Japan's original superclub into a superclub again.","country":"Japan","fed":"AFC","div":"J1 League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Original J.League giant / revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c253":{"kind":"club","n":346,"club":"Ventforet Kofu","hook":"Ventforet Kofu won the Emperor's Cup as a J2 club, qualified for the Asian Champions League and then became the first Japanese second-tier side to reach its knockouts. Stay in the lower league if you can and see how far the ultimate cup team can go in Asia.","country":"Japan","fed":"AFC","div":"J2 League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Cup miracle / continental underdog","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c254":{"kind":"club","n":347,"club":"Al-Faisaly","hook":"Al-Faisaly won back-to-back AFC Cups in 2005 and 2006 and remain one of Jordan's biggest clubs. The next level has always been the difficult one. Dominate domestically and try to turn second-tier Asian continental success into a run against the continent's elite clubs.","country":"Jordan","fed":"AFC","div":"Jordanian Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"AFC Cup dynasty / Asian step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c255":{"kind":"club","n":348,"club":"Al-Wehdat","hook":"Al-Wehdat were founded in the Al-Wehdat refugee camp in Amman and have grown into one of Jordan’s biggest and most successful clubs. Take that remarkable history onto the continental stage and chase an Asian title.","country":"Jordan","fed":"AFC","div":"Jordanian Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c256":{"kind":"club","n":349,"club":"Irtysh Pavlodar","hook":"Irtysh won five Kazakh championships and even reached the Asian Club Championship semi-finals in 2001 before financial problems forced them to withdraw from the league in 2020. Revived in 2023, they have raced through two promotions and are back in the Premier League for 2026. Finish one of Asia's quickest phoenix rebuilds.","country":"Kazakhstan","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kazakhstan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Phoenix comeback / former national giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c257":{"kind":"club","n":350,"club":"Kairat Almaty","hook":"Kairat became the easternmost club ever to reach the Champions League proper in 2025/26, taking Europe's biggest competition all the way to Almaty in Central Asia. Kazakhstan is not a standard playable nation, so this is both a custom-database project and a continental geography challenge: dominate at home and keep dragging UEFA east.","country":"Kazakhstan","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kazakhstan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Geography record / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/history/clubs/79970/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c258":{"kind":"club","n":351,"club":"Shakhter Karagandy","hook":"The Miners won back-to-back Kazakh titles in 2011 and 2012, then beat Celtic 2-0 in the first leg of a Champions League play-off in 2013 before becoming Kazakhstan’s first UEFA group-stage club. Relegation eventually ended 34 consecutive top-flight seasons. Get them back and recreate 2013.","country":"Kazakhstan","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kazakhstan First League","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c259":{"kind":"club","n":352,"club":"AFC Leopards","hook":"AFC Leopards have 12 Kenyan league titles and one of the country's biggest supporter bases, but they have not been champions since 1998. Their great rivals Gor Mahia have enjoyed far more recent success. End the drought, win the Nairobi rivalry and then chase the African trophy Kenya rarely gets near.","country":"Kenya","fed":"CAF","div":"Kenyan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic giant / domestic drought","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c260":{"kind":"club","n":353,"club":"Gor Mahia","hook":"Gor Mahia won the African Cup Winners' Cup in 1987 and remain the first and only Kenyan club to win a major CAF club trophy. Rebuild Kenya's biggest continental legacy and take the country back to the top of African club football.","country":"Kenya","fed":"CAF","div":"Kenyan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic continental winner / nation-builder","themes":["Historic club","Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c261":{"kind":"club","n":354,"club":"Tusker","hook":"Tusker are a brewery-owned club named after one of East Africa's best-known beer brands and have won the Kenyan league repeatedly. That is already an excellent FM premise. Keep the company identity, beat Nairobi's traditional giants and turn the beer club into a CAF Champions League contender.","country":"Kenya","fed":"CAF","div":"Kenyan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Brewery club / continental challenge","themes":["Continental glory","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c262":{"kind":"club","n":355,"club":"Banaba","hook":"Banaba is a tiny and remote Pacific island with a remarkable history, and its football team reached Kiribati’s national final in 1996 without ever becoming champions. Take one of the country’s smallest communities to the title.","country":"Kiribati","fed":"OFC","div":"Kiribati National Championship","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Geography / remote club","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c264":{"kind":"club","n":356,"club":"FC Drita","hook":"Drita reached a UEFA league phase for the first time in 2025, giving Kosovo another major continental landmark. The country itself is not in FM's standard playable league list, so this becomes a proper nation-building save: dominate Kosovo, improve facilities and keep pushing the national coefficient upward.","country":"Kosovo","fed":"UEFA","div":"Football Superleague of Kosovo","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"European breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/029c-1e98adfc0468-b12e7ace5070-1000--history-makers-hamrun-spartans-among-league-phase-debutants/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c265":{"kind":"club","n":357,"club":"Al-Jahra","hook":"Al-Jahra’s 1989/90 championship remains their only league title and one of the great outsider wins in Kuwaiti football. More than three decades later, try to prove it was not destined to be a one-off.","country":"Kuwait","fed":"AFC","div":"Kuwait Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c266":{"kind":"club","n":358,"club":"Alga Bishkek","hook":"Founded as Zenit Frunze in 1947, Alga came closer than any Kyrgyz club to reaching the Soviet top flight. They later won titles after independence, disappeared, returned, disappeared again and were revived once more in 2010. There is a lot of club to rebuild here.","country":"Kyrgyzstan","fed":"AFC","div":"Kyrgyz Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c267":{"kind":"club","n":359,"club":"Dordoi Bishkek","hook":"Dordoi won back-to-back AFC President's Cups in 2006 and 2007 and have been one of Kyrgyzstan's dominant clubs for two decades. The regional competitions they conquered no longer represent Asia's ceiling. Build the next version of Dordoi and see how far a Kyrgyz club can climb in the modern AFC pyramid.","country":"Kyrgyzstan","fed":"AFC","div":"Kyrgyz Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Domestic giant / Asian progression","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c268":{"kind":"club","n":360,"club":"Ezra FC","hook":"Ezra began primarily as a youth academy providing football, accommodation and education to young Lao players. For years development mattered more than trophies, before they finally became champions in 2024/25 and retained the title. Keep the academy-first philosophy and build the national game around it.","country":"Laos","fed":"AFC","div":"Lao League 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Academy / youth development","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c269":{"kind":"club","n":361,"club":"FK Liepāja","hook":"Liepājas Metalurgs were Latvian champions before collapsing financially. FK Liepāja was created in 2014 and won the league almost immediately, but the bigger challenge is to eclipse the old club permanently. Dominate Latvia, raise the league's coefficient and build a genuine European club from the city's second life.","country":"Latvia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Virslīga","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Phoenix-style rebuild / nation-builder","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://fkliepaja.lv/en/table/virsliga-2026/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c270":{"kind":"club","n":362,"club":"Nejmeh","hook":"Nejmeh are one of Lebanon's biggest and best-supported clubs and reached the AFC Cup final in 2005, losing to Al-Faisaly. They have never won a major continental trophy. Rebuild Beirut's giants and finish a job that has been waiting more than two decades.","country":"Lebanon","fed":"AFC","div":"Lebanese Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental near-miss / historic giant","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c271":{"kind":"club","n":363,"club":"Racing Beirut","hook":"Three-time Lebanese champions whose last title came in 1970. Their 2025/26 season could hardly have been worse: no wins, one draw and 24 defeats. Start at absolute rock bottom.","country":"Lebanon","fed":"AFC","div":"Lebanese Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c272":{"kind":"club","n":364,"club":"Lijabatho FC","hook":"Lijabatho won the first league title in their history in 2026 and immediately qualified for their first CAF Champions League. Take over at the exact moment the club enters completely uncharted territory.","country":"Lesotho","fed":"CAF","div":"Lesotho Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c273":{"kind":"club","n":365,"club":"Invincible Eleven","hook":"Liberia’s oldest club are joint-record 13-time champions and count George Weah among their former players. He scored 24 times in 23 games during their 1987 title season. By 2025/26, they were stuck in the second tier. Restore one of West Africa’s great historic names.","country":"Liberia","fed":"CAF","div":"Liberian Second Division","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c274":{"kind":"club","n":366,"club":"Al Olympic Azzaweya","hook":"In 2003/04, Olympic became the first Libyan champions from outside Tripoli or Benghazi. It remains their only league title. Recreate one of the country’s great outsider seasons.","country":"Libya","fed":"CAF","div":"Libyan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c275":{"kind":"club","n":367,"club":"FC Vaduz","hook":"Vaduz are from Liechtenstein but play in the Swiss league system. The catch is unique: they cannot qualify for UEFA competition through their Swiss league position, so their route to Europe is winning the Liechtenstein Cup. Reach the Swiss top flight while juggling a completely separate European qualification path.","country":"Liechtenstein (Swiss pyramid)","fed":"UEFA","div":"Swiss Challenge League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Cross-border rules challenge / Europe","themes":["Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Vaduz","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c276":{"kind":"club","n":368,"club":"FK Ekranas","hook":"Seven post-independence league titles, including five in succession, before financial problems destroyed the original club. The name was revived in 2020 and they are now back in the second tier. Rebuild Lithuania’s lost dynasty.","country":"Lithuania","fed":"UEFA","div":"I Lyga","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c277":{"kind":"club","n":369,"club":"Progrès Niederkorn","hook":"Niederkorn produced one of European qualifying’s great shocks when they eliminated Rangers in 2017. Turn one famous night into something much bigger and get a Luxembourgish club into the Champions League proper.","country":"Luxembourg","fed":"UEFA","div":"Luxembourg National Division","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c278":{"kind":"club","n":370,"club":"AS Adema","hook":"Four-time Malagasy champions and CAF Cup quarter-finalists, but forever associated with the infamous 149-0 match against SO l’Emyrne. Give AS Adema a footballing legacy that is about considerably more than one bizarre scoreline.","country":"Madagascar","fed":"CAF","div":"Pro League Madagascar","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c279":{"kind":"club","n":371,"club":"Blue Eagles","hook":"Blue Eagles were founded by the Malawi Police Service and have won domestic cups without ever becoming league champions. After relegation in 2023 they immediately fought their way back. Finish the recovery and give the Cops their first title.","country":"Malawi","fed":"CAF","div":"Super League of Malawi","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c280":{"kind":"club","n":372,"club":"Johor Darul Ta'zim","hook":"JDT already dominate Malaysia and became the country's first AFC Cup winners in 2015. Domestic success is almost assumed - the real challenge is to outgrow Malaysia completely and turn JDT into one of Asia's elite Champions League clubs.","country":"Malaysia","fed":"AFC","div":"Malaysia Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Domestic superclub / Asian conquest","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c281":{"kind":"club","n":373,"club":"Kuala Lumpur City","hook":"Kuala Lumpur City reached the 2022 AFC Cup final and were one match from becoming only the second Malaysian club to win the competition. They lost 3-0 to Al-Seeb. Turn the capital club into Malaysia's continental counterweight to Johor Darul Ta'zim and finish the job in Asia.","country":"Malaysia","fed":"AFC","div":"Malaysia Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental near-miss / domestic challenger","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c282":{"kind":"club","n":374,"club":"Selangor","hook":"Selangor have won the Malaysia Cup a record 33 times and reached the final of the first Asian Champion Club Tournament in 1967. Their domestic history is enormous, but the biggest Asian trophy never arrived. Build Malaysia's old cup kings into modern continental champions.","country":"Malaysia","fed":"AFC","div":"Malaysia Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Historic giant / Asian title chase","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c283":{"kind":"club","n":375,"club":"New Radiant","hook":"New Radiant reached the AFC Cup semi-finals in 2005 and the quarter-finals again in 2013. Getting a Maldivian club anywhere near that level today would be a serious achievement. Get them back there and then go further.","country":"Maldives","fed":"AFC","div":"Dhivehi Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c284":{"kind":"club","n":376,"club":"Djoliba","hook":"Djoliba are one of Mali's biggest clubs and reached the CAF Confederation Cup final in 2012, only to lose both legs to AC Léopards. Mali has never produced a CAF Champions League winner. Dominate Bamako, return to a continental final and turn one of West Africa's great football nations into a club champion.","country":"Mali","fed":"CAF","div":"Malian Première Division","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental near-miss / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c285":{"kind":"club","n":377,"club":"Stade Malien","hook":"Stade Malien remain the only Malian club to win the CAF Confederation Cup, overturning a first-leg deficit to beat ES Sétif on penalties in the 2009 final. Build another side capable of winning Africa.","country":"Mali","fed":"CAF","div":"Malian Première Division","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c287":{"kind":"club","n":378,"club":"Hamrun Spartans","hook":"Hamrun Spartans became the first Maltese club to reach a senior men's UEFA league/group phase in 2025. Malta has never had a sustained European presence, so the challenge is obvious: make the breakthrough repeatable, improve the coefficient and build the country's first club that opponents actually fear in qualifying.","country":"Malta","fed":"UEFA","div":"Maltese Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Micro-nation / European breakthrough","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/029c-1e98adfc0468-b12e7ace5070-1000--history-makers-hamrun-spartans-among-league-phase-debutants/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c288":{"kind":"club","n":379,"club":"Boca Lagoon","hook":"Boca Lagoon were only founded in 2026 and immediately became champions of the new era of organised Marshallese club football. There is virtually no history behind them. You get to write it all.","country":"Marshall Islands","fed":"OFC","div":"Marshall Islands national competition","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c289":{"kind":"club","n":380,"club":"FC Nouadhibou","hook":"Nouadhibou became the first Mauritanian club to reach the CAF Champions League group stage in 2023. Use the country’s leading club as the base for a proper build-a-nation save.","country":"Mauritania","fed":"CAF","div":"Super D1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c290":{"kind":"club","n":381,"club":"Curepipe Starlight SC","hook":"Four-time Mauritian champions who later collapsed all the way to the third tier. Take a club that won three consecutive championships from 2007 to 2009 back through the divisions.","country":"Mauritius","fed":"CAF","div":"Mauritian third tier","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c291":{"kind":"club","n":382,"club":"Atlético Morelia","hook":"Morelia effectively lost its Liga MX club when Monarcas were moved hundreds of miles away and became Mazatlán in 2020. Atlético Morelia revived the identity in the second tier - take the city back to Liga MX and make the replacement bigger than the relocated original.","country":"Mexico","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga de Expansión MX","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Phoenix club / city revenge","themes":["Rebuild or revival","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c292":{"kind":"club","n":383,"club":"Chivas","hook":"Chivas are one of Mexico's biggest clubs but traditionally field only Mexican players. It is effectively the Mexican version of Athletic Club: your recruitment pool is deliberately restricted while rivals can shop globally. Win Liga MX and the CONCACAF Champions Cup without abandoning the club's defining identity.","country":"Mexico","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga MX","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Recruitment restriction / national-player policy","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C.D._Guadalajara","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c293":{"kind":"club","n":384,"club":"Cruz Azul","hook":"Cruz Azul were founded by workers of the cement company that still defines the club's identity. They grew from an industrial works team into one of Mexico's biggest clubs and multiple CONCACAF champions. Keep the blue-collar identity at the centre of the save and turn the cement club into the region's dominant modern dynasty.","country":"Mexico","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga MX","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Industrial works club / continental dynasty","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c294":{"kind":"club","n":385,"club":"Dorados de Sinaloa","hook":"Dorados were founded in 2003 and reached Mexico's top flight barely a year later; years later Diego Maradona managed them in the second tier. Recreate the club's absurd early rise and take Sinaloa back into Liga MX.","country":"Mexico","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga de Expansión MX","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Rapid-rise history / Maradona connection","themes":["Historic club","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c295":{"kind":"club","n":386,"club":"Leones Negros UdeG","hook":"Leones Negros are the football club of the University of Guadalajara and finished runners-up in Mexico's top flight three times during their 1970s peak. They are now in Liga de Expansión. Turn an actual university club into Mexican champions and build a Guadalajara rival that wins without Chivas or Atlas.","country":"Mexico","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga de Expansión MX","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"University club / Liga MX return","themes":["Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c296":{"kind":"club","n":387,"club":"Puebla","hook":"Puebla were Mexican champions, cup winners and CONCACAF champions around their late-1980s and early-1990s peak. They have spent decades nowhere near that level - restore the Camoteros to the top of Liga MX and then return them to continental relevance.","country":"Mexico","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga MX","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Sleeping giant / 1990s revival","themes":["Fallen giant","Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c297":{"kind":"club","n":388,"club":"Tecos","hook":"Tecos are a university club that somehow became Mexican champions in 1994. They now sit far below the top flight, so the challenge is to rebuild from the lower leagues without losing the strange campus-club identity that makes the save unique.","country":"Mexico","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga Premier de México","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"University club / lower-league rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c298":{"kind":"club","n":389,"club":"College of Micronesia FC","hook":"A football team representing the College of Micronesia-FSM in a country with very little established football infrastructure. Turn it into a university-focused youth save and try to develop an entire national team through one institution.","country":"Micronesia","fed":"OFC","div":"FSM football system","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Academy / youth development","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c299":{"kind":"club","n":390,"club":"Real Sireți","hook":"Real Sireți earned promotion in May 2026 and are playing in Moldova’s top division for the first time. There is no fallen history to restore and no old glory to recreate. You get to create the club’s entire top-flight history yourself.","country":"Moldova","fed":"UEFA","div":"Moldovan Super Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c300":{"kind":"club","n":391,"club":"Zimbru Chișinău","hook":"Zimbru won eight Moldovan titles in the 1990s but have not been champions since 2000. Sheriff Tiraspol arrived and completely changed the domestic balance of power. Take Moldova's pre-Sheriff giant, end a quarter-century drought and make Chișinău number one again.","country":"Moldova","fed":"UEFA","div":"Moldovan Super Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Pre-Sheriff giant / title drought","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c301":{"kind":"club","n":392,"club":"AS Monaco","hook":"Eight French titles, a Champions League final in 2004 and further semi-final appearances, but never the trophy itself. Continue Monaco’s tradition of developing elite young players and finally make the principality champions of Europe.","country":"Monaco","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against strong opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c302":{"kind":"club","n":393,"club":"Deren FC","hook":"Deren began as a youth academy and only entered senior football to give its players a pathway towards the Mongolian national team. They remain heavily focused on homegrown talent but have never won the league. Do it with the academy.","country":"Mongolia","fed":"AFC","div":"Mongolian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Academy / youth development","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c303":{"kind":"club","n":394,"club":"FK Zeta","hook":"Zeta became the first champions of independent Montenegro in 2006/07 after a remarkable rise through the Yugoslav system. They are now back in the second tier. Restore championship number one.","country":"Montenegro","fed":"UEFA","div":"Montenegrin Second League","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c304":{"kind":"club","n":395,"club":"FAR Rabat","hook":"African champions in 1985, then forced to wait decades for another Champions League final. FAR finally returned to that stage in 2026 and fell short again. Finish the job.","country":"Morocco","fed":"CAF","div":"Botola Pro","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c305":{"kind":"club","n":396,"club":"CD Maxaquene","hook":"The club where Eusébio began his career. Maxaquene later won five post-independence Mozambican championships but spent six years outside the top flight before returning in 2026. Bring one of the country’s most important clubs back properly.","country":"Mozambique","fed":"CAF","div":"Moçambola","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"2+","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to reach the top flight."},"c306":{"kind":"club","n":397,"club":"Yadanarbon FC","hook":"Yadanarbon won four of the first eight Myanmar National League titles and lifted the 2010 AFC President’s Cup. They have not been champions since 2016. Restore Mandalay’s fallen powerhouse.","country":"Myanmar","fed":"AFC","div":"Myanmar National League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c307":{"kind":"club","n":398,"club":"African Stars","hook":"African Stars completed a fourth consecutive league title in 2025/26, so another domestic championship is hardly the interesting part. Your save starts with one question: how far can Namibia’s dominant club go in Africa?","country":"Namibia","fed":"CAF","div":"Namibia Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Domestic dynasty / continental step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c308":{"kind":"club","n":399,"club":"Black Brothers","hook":"Black Brothers represented the Solomon Islands community living and working on Nauru and became the island’s most successful recorded football club before organised competition faded away. This is custom-database territory: revive the club and football itself.","country":"Nauru","fed":"OFC","div":"Custom / historical Nauru competition","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Geography / remote club","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c309":{"kind":"club","n":400,"club":"Church Boys United","hook":"Church Boys won Nepal’s C Division, B Division and A Division in consecutive seasons, becoming champions in their first top-flight campaign. That is already Football Manager behaviour. Turn one of Nepal’s greatest climbs into sustained dominance.","country":"Nepal","fed":"AFC","div":"Martyr's Memorial A-Division League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"New club / create the history","themes":["Historic club","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c310":{"kind":"club","n":401,"club":"FC Twente","hook":"Twente broke the Dutch establishment to win the Eredivisie in 2010, then financial mismanagement eventually contributed to relegation eight years later. They bounced straight back and rebuilt themselves as a European-level club. Win a second title without repeating the mistakes that nearly wrecked the first era.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eredivisie","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Former champion / sustainable title challenge","themes":["Fallen giant","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-high resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c311":{"kind":"club","n":402,"club":"Vitesse","hook":"Years of financial and ownership problems pushed Vitesse to the brink of disappearing from professional football. After fighting to retain their licence, they are rebuilding in the second tier. Take one of the Netherlands’ best-known provincial clubs back from the edge.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eerste Divisie","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c593":{"kind":"club","n":403,"club":"RBC Roosendaal","hook":"RBC were in the Eredivisie in the 2000s, went bankrupt in 2011 and restarted in amateur football. Supporters have gradually dragged them back to the fourth tier. Finish the rebuild and take Roosendaal into the top flight again.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Derde Divisie","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Supporter revival / bankrupt club","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c594":{"kind":"club","n":404,"club":"Roda JC Kerkrade","hook":"Roda's fans invaded the pitch in 2024 thinking they'd won promotion, thanks to a stadium announcement about a goal that never happened. They're still in the Eerste Divisie. Give them a promotion they can actually celebrate, then aim for a first Dutch title.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eerste Divisie","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"False promotion celebration / redemption","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c595":{"kind":"club","n":405,"club":"USV Hercules","hook":"Fourth-tier amateurs Hercules knocked Ajax out of the Dutch Cup with a 93rd-minute winner in 2023. They've never reached professional football. Turn their one famous night into a full-time career and eventually win the Eredivisie.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Derde Divisie","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Amateur giant-killers / Dutch Cup upset","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c596":{"kind":"club","n":406,"club":"SV Spakenburg","hook":"Spakenburg and IJsselmeervogels share a sports complex in a fishing village and absolutely cannot stand each other. Spakenburg also reached the Dutch Cup semi-finals in 2023. Get the blue half of the village into professional football and then do something neither half has ever done: win the Eredivisie.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Tweede Divisie","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"custom","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Village derby / local supremacy","themes":["City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c597":{"kind":"club","n":407,"club":"Be Quick 1887","hook":"Be Quick were Dutch champions in 1920, when they scored 101 goals in just 16 regional league matches. They're now playing sixth-tier amateur football. Rebuild a forgotten champion from Groningen and try to bring back that ridiculous scoring record.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eerste Klasse","tier":6,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Forgotten national champion / amateur rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c598":{"kind":"club","n":408,"club":"Quick Boys","hook":"Quick Boys knocked out three Eredivisie teams in one Dutch Cup run, then won successive Tweede Divisie titles. The Katwijk amateurs clearly know how to beat professionals already. Make them one and see if they can win the country's top division.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Tweede Divisie","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"custom","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Cup giant-killers / amateur dominance","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c599":{"kind":"club","n":409,"club":"Koninklijke HFC","hook":"The Netherlands' oldest surviving football club dates back to 1879 and has never played in the modern Eredivisie. Take the Haarlem amateurs into professional football and make the country's football pioneers its champions.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Tweede Divisie","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"custom","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Oldest surviving club / pro football debut","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c600":{"kind":"club","n":410,"club":"FC Eindhoven","hook":"FC Eindhoven won the last Dutch championship before professional football began in 1954. Their neighbours PSV have rather dominated the city's football story since. Get Eindhoven out of the second tier and win the next title for the blue-and-whites.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eerste Divisie","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Pre-professional champions / city derby","themes":["Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c601":{"kind":"club","n":411,"club":"Go Ahead Eagles","hook":"Go Ahead Eagles finally ended a 92-year major-trophy wait by winning the Dutch Cup in 2025, then beat Aston Villa in Europe. They haven't won the league since 1933. Turn a good cup side into champions and bring the title back to Deventer.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eredivisie","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Long title drought / European cup winner","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c602":{"kind":"club","n":412,"club":"SC Heerenveen","hook":"Heerenveen reached the Champions League from a small Frisian town and even took a point off Valencia in 2000. They've never won the Dutch league. Build another exciting side from the north and finally break the country's big-club monopoly.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eredivisie","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Small-town European return / regional pride","themes":["Climb the leagues","Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c603":{"kind":"club","n":413,"club":"Sparta Rotterdam","hook":"Sparta are Rotterdam's oldest professional side and six-time Dutch champions, but their last title was in 1959. Feyenoord have been the city's main attraction for decades. Change that without moving out of Het Kasteel.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eredivisie","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Rotterdam rivalry / historic titles","themes":["Historic club","Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c604":{"kind":"club","n":414,"club":"FC Volendam","hook":"Volendam have been promoted to the Eredivisie eleven times and relegated eleven times. It's hard to think of a more committed yo-yo club. Keep them up for good and win a title with a team from a fishing village.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eerste Divisie","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Extreme yo-yo club / first title","themes":["Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c605":{"kind":"club","n":415,"club":"NAC Breda","hook":"NAC won their only Dutch championship in 1921 and are known for the atmosphere of an 'Avondje NAC'. They're back in the second division. Give Breda a title-winning side a century after the first one, and bring some proper European nights to the city.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eerste Divisie","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Century-long title drought / fan culture","themes":["Title chase","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c606":{"kind":"club","n":416,"club":"FC Utrecht","hook":"Utrecht were formed by merging three clubs in 1970. One of them, DOS, had won the Dutch title in 1958, but FC Utrecht have never repeated it. Break that run and win the city its first championship in the modern era.","country":"Netherlands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eredivisie","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Merged city clubs / elusive championship","themes":["City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c312":{"kind":"club","n":417,"club":"AS Magenta","hook":"AS Magenta have been one of New Caledonia's dominant clubs and reached OFC Champions League finals in both 2005 and 2019. Two different generations got to the biggest game in Oceania and lost. Build the third one and finally give Nouméa a continental champion.","country":"New Caledonia","fed":"OFC","div":"New Caledonia Super Ligue","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Two-final curse / Oceania breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c313":{"kind":"club","n":418,"club":"Hienghène Sport","hook":"Hienghène Sport became the first New Caledonian club to win the OFC Champions League in 2019, earning a place at the Club World Cup. They did it with a winning goal struck from inside the scorer's own half. Rebuild that extraordinary side and try to make a tiny northern New Caledonian commune Oceania's dominant football home.","country":"New Caledonia","fed":"OFC","div":"New Caledonia Super Ligue","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Continental","obs":5,"type":"Oceania champion / remote dynasty","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c314":{"kind":"club","n":419,"club":"Auckland City","hook":"Auckland City became world-famous for taking teams packed with teachers, tradesmen and other part-time workers to the Club World Cup. Keep the semi-professional giant on top of New Zealand and try to produce another impossible run against fully professional clubs.","country":"New Zealand","fed":"OFC","div":"New Zealand National League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Semi-pro giant / Club World Cup underdog","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to make a global club tournament run."},"c315":{"kind":"club","n":420,"club":"Wellington Phoenix","hook":"A New Zealand club playing in Australia’s league system. It is one of those footballing quirks that immediately makes for a different save. Become Australian champions with a team from another country.","country":"New Zealand","fed":"OFC","div":"A-League Men","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c316":{"kind":"club","n":421,"club":"Diriangén","hook":"Diriangén were founded in 1917, are Nicaragua's oldest major club and have collected more domestic titles than anyone else in the country. Local dominance is not the hard part. Use the historic club from Diriamba to push Nicaragua into the later rounds of Central American and CONCACAF competition.","country":"Nicaragua","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga Primera","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Domestic giant / CONCACAF nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c317":{"kind":"club","n":422,"club":"Real Estelí","hook":"Real Estelí reached each of the first two Central American Cup finals and lost both to Alajuelense. They have also proved capable of beating Mexican opposition. Turn Nicaragua’s continental progress into an actual trophy.","country":"Nicaragua","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga Primera","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental redemption / trophy chase","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c318":{"kind":"club","n":423,"club":"AS UAM","hook":"This is literally the football club of Abdou Moumouni University. Keep the university identity, prioritise young players and attempt to win Niger with a side whose roots are in student football.","country":"Niger","fed":"CAF","div":"Niger Super Ligue","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"University club / youth project","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c319":{"kind":"club","n":424,"club":"Enyimba","hook":"Enyimba won back-to-back CAF Champions Leagues in 2003 and 2004 and remain the only Nigerian club ever to win Africa's top competition. Restore the People's Elephant to that level and prove Nigerian club football can dominate the continent again.","country":"Nigeria","fed":"CAF","div":"Nigeria Premier Football League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Continental dynasty revival / nation-builder","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c320":{"kind":"club","n":425,"club":"Shooting Stars","hook":"Shooting Stars reached the final of Africa's top club competition in 1984 and 1996 and lost both. Nigeria waited until Enyimba in 2003 for a winner - take one of the country's historic nearly clubs back to the final and finally win it.","country":"Nigeria","fed":"CAF","div":"Nigeria Premier Football League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental near-miss / historic giant","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c607":{"kind":"club","n":426,"club":"Remo Stars FC","hook":"Remo Stars won their first Nigerian league title in 2025 and were relegated the following season. Their academy has helped build the club, but now the first job is getting back up. Turn the disastrous title defence into a proper domestic and African dynasty.","country":"Nigeria","fed":"CAF","div":"Nigeria National League","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Defending champions relegated / academy rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Title chase","Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to win a continental trophy."},"c608":{"kind":"club","n":427,"club":"El-Kanemi Warriors","hook":"El-Kanemi Warriors were relegated from Nigeria's top flight and then won the national cup in the same summer, earning a place in African competition. Try to win a continental trophy from the second tier before worrying about promotion.","country":"Nigeria","fed":"CAF","div":"Nigeria National League","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Cup-winning relegation / continental campaign","themes":["Fallen giant","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to win a continental trophy."},"c609":{"kind":"club","n":428,"club":"Heartland FC","hook":"Heartland have won five Nigerian titles but lost African Champions League finals in both 1988 and 2009. They're now in the second division. Win promotion, reclaim the Nigerian title and finally end the club's long wait for Africa's biggest trophy.","country":"Nigeria","fed":"CAF","div":"Nigeria National League","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Two lost African finals / former dynasty","themes":["Fallen giant","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c610":{"kind":"club","n":429,"club":"Lobi Stars FC","hook":"Lobi Stars were Nigerian champions in 2018 and playing in the CAF Champions League the following season. Now they're back in the second tier. Bring one of Benue State's biggest clubs back and build a team that can actually challenge on the continent.","country":"Nigeria","fed":"CAF","div":"Nigeria National League","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Former champion / provincial rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c321":{"kind":"club","n":430,"club":"April 25 SC","hook":"The club has historic links to the Korean People’s Army and reached the 2019 AFC Cup final, becoming the first North Korean men’s side to reach an Asian club final. They lost 1-0. Go back and win one.","country":"North Korea","fed":"AFC","div":"DPR Korea Premier Football League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental redemption / trophy chase","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c322":{"kind":"club","n":431,"club":"FK Pobeda Prilep","hook":"The historic Pobeda won Macedonian league titles in 2004 and 2007. The current Prilep side has fallen all the way to the regional third level. Few former champions in Europe begin a rebuild this far down.","country":"North Macedonia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Macedonian Third League","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c323":{"kind":"club","n":432,"club":"Vardar","hook":"Vardar are North Macedonia's record champions and became the country's first club to reach a major UEFA group stage in 2017. Financial problems later sent them out of the top flight. They are back - now rebuild the country's biggest name and return to Europe without another collapse.","country":"North Macedonia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Macedonian First Football League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen giant / European restoration","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c324":{"kind":"club","n":433,"club":"Cliftonville","hook":"Founded in 1879, Cliftonville are the oldest football club in Ireland and still play at their historic Solitude ground. They have survived while the sport around them changed completely. Make Ireland's original club Northern Ireland's dominant one and chase the European breakthrough their age deserves.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Oldest club / European progression","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c325":{"kind":"club","n":434,"club":"Larne","hook":"Larne became the first Northern Irish league club to reach a major UEFA group/league phase in 2024/25. You start with a domestic structure already playable in FM, but a huge gap to Europe's established leagues. Dominate Northern Ireland, keep improving facilities and turn one Conference League breakthrough into a sustainable model.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"European breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larne_F.C.","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c326":{"kind":"club","n":435,"club":"Bodø/Glimt","hook":"Bodø/Glimt turned a club inside the Arctic Circle into a Champions League knockout side. In their 2025/26 debut in the competition proper they became its northernmost participant, beat Manchester City and Atlético Madrid and reached the last 16. The next step is to turn the miracle into a lasting European power.","country":"Norway","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eliteserien","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Arctic superclub / European progression","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/029c-1e9a2f63fe2d-ebf9ad643892-1000--champions-league-2025-26-all-the-results/","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c327":{"kind":"club","n":436,"club":"Fredrikstad","hook":"Fredrikstad won nine Norwegian league titles and dominated the country before the modern era, but their last championship came in 1961. They are back in the top flight and have recent cup success to build on. End one of European football's longest title droughts for a genuinely historic club.","country":"Norway","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eliteserien","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic giant / 65-year title drought","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c328":{"kind":"club","n":437,"club":"Lyn","hook":"Lyn are two-time Norwegian champions and one of Oslo's oldest clubs, but bankruptcy in 2010 forced them to restart in the sixth tier. The climb has taken them all the way back to the second level. Finish one of Scandinavia's best phoenix stories and create a proper capital-city rival to Vålerenga.","country":"Norway","fed":"UEFA","div":"1. divisjon","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Bankruptcy phoenix / top-flight return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c329":{"kind":"club","n":438,"club":"Moss FK","hook":"Moss produced one of Norway's great outsider championships in 1987, winning the league under Nils Arne Eggen. They have spent years outside the top flight since. Start in the second tier and prove the title from a small Østfold city was not destined to be a one-off.","country":"Norway","fed":"UEFA","div":"1. divisjon","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"One-title wonder / top-flight return","themes":["Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c330":{"kind":"club","n":439,"club":"Skeid","hook":"Skeid won the Norwegian league in 1966 and have lifted the Norwegian Cup eight times, but modern football has left the Oslo club far behind. They are now in the third tier. Rebuild one of Norway's great cup clubs and create a capital-city challenger capable of taking on the country's new-money powers.","country":"Norway","fed":"UEFA","div":"2. divisjon","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic cup giant / Oslo revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c332":{"kind":"club","n":440,"club":"Tromsø IL","hook":"Tromsø sit around 350 km north of the Arctic Circle and are the northernmost club to have won a recognised major national football trophy, lifting the Norwegian Cup twice. Turn a genuinely Arctic club into a domestic champion and take European football further north than almost anyone else can.","country":"Norway","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eliteserien","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Arctic geography / European push","themes":["Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troms%C3%B8_IL","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c333":{"kind":"club","n":441,"club":"Viking","hook":"Viking returned from Norway's second tier in 2018, became champions and reached the Champions League main stage for the first time in 2026/27. Keep the climb going: build a Scandinavian club capable of surviving the league phase, holding its best players and eventually challenging for European honours.","country":"Norway","fed":"UEFA","div":"Eliteserien","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Rapid rise / European breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a9-2182ed0e1934-100355607b5e-1000--viking-in-the-2026-27-champions-league-what-are-their-fixtu/","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c334":{"kind":"club","n":442,"club":"Seeb","hook":"Seeb won the AFC Cup in 2022, one of the biggest achievements in Omani club football. Build on it and see whether an Omani side can compete consistently with Asia’s stronger leagues.","country":"Oman","fed":"AFC","div":"Oman Professional League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c335":{"kind":"club","n":443,"club":"KRL FC","hook":"Khan Research Laboratories became Pakistan's dominant club in the professional-league era and reached the AFC President's Cup final in 2013, one of the country's best ever continental runs. Build around local talent and try to take a Pakistani club beyond a level the country has never consistently reached.","country":"Pakistan","fed":"AFC","div":"Pakistan domestic league system","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Continental near-miss / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c336":{"kind":"club","n":444,"club":"Wohaib FC","hook":"Wohaib reached the Asian Club Championship group stage in 1992/93 and even drew with eventual champions PAS Tehran. No Pakistani club has repeated that run. Recreate it more than 30 years later.","country":"Pakistan","fed":"AFC","div":"Pakistan Premier League / custom DB","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c337":{"kind":"club","n":445,"club":"Team Bangladesh","hook":"Founded around Palau’s Bangladeshi community for the inaugural national league in 2004, Team Bangladesh became the competition’s most successful documented side with three championships. Rebuild the diaspora dynasty.","country":"Palau","fed":"OFC","div":"Palau Soccer League / custom DB","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c338":{"kind":"club","n":446,"club":"Taraji Wadi Al-Nes","hook":"Wadi Al-Nes is a village south of Bethlehem with fewer than 1,000 residents. The club was founded by Yousef Abuhammad, whose 12 sons all played for the team, and somehow climbed the pyramid to become West Bank champions. It is one of the best family-club stories anywhere in football.","country":"Palestine","fed":"AFC","div":"West Bank Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c339":{"kind":"club","n":447,"club":"Unión Coclé FC","hook":"Unión Coclé earned promotion for 2026 and are playing their first season in Panama’s top division. Take over at the beginning and create the top-flight history of both the club and its province.","country":"Panama","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Liga Panameña de Fútbol","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c340":{"kind":"club","n":448,"club":"PNG Hekari FC","hook":"PNG Hekari FC were created as Papua New Guinea's first fully professional football team for the OFC Pro League. This is as close as FM gets to building a professional football culture from scratch: establish the club, develop local talent and try to make Papua New Guinea matter on the continental stage.","country":"Papua New Guinea","fed":"OFC","div":"OFC Pro League","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"First professional club / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","New club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Regional professional league","src":"https://www.ofcproleague.com/teams/png-hekari-fc/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c341":{"kind":"club","n":449,"club":"Cerro Porteño","hook":"Cerro Porteño are one of Paraguay's biggest clubs and have reached the Copa Libertadores semi-finals repeatedly without ever making the final. Break one of South America's strangest big-club barriers and finally take them to the trophy match - then win it.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Paraguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Libertadores curse / historic giant","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c342":{"kind":"club","n":450,"club":"Guaraní","hook":"Guaraní won the very first Paraguayan league championship in 1906 and are one of the country's historic names, but continental glory has always stayed out of reach. Restore Paraguay's original champions and finally take them all the way in the Libertadores.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Paraguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic first champion / Libertadores chase","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c343":{"kind":"club","n":451,"club":"Deportivo Binacional","hook":"Binacional won their first Peruvian title in 2019, becoming the first champions from the Puno region, but legal and administrative chaos later engulfed the club. With a court order sending them back to Liga 1 for 2027, this is a bizarre rebuild centred on restoring stability and proving the title was not a one-off.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Liga 2 / reinstatement pending","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Administrative chaos / regional rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","dbNote":"No - custom DB likely required in 2026; Liga 1 return ordered for 2027","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c344":{"kind":"club","n":452,"club":"Sport Boys","hook":"Sport Boys are the pink-shirted pride of Callao and six-time Peruvian champions, but their last league title came in 1984. Turn one of South America's most distinctive kits into a serious football project again, break Lima's modern giants and bring a championship back to Peru's great port city.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Liga 1","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Port-city giant / 40-year title drought","themes":["Title chase","City rivalry","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c345":{"kind":"club","n":453,"club":"Tuloy FC","hook":"Tuloy grew out of a foundation providing a residential community and support for disadvantaged and street-connected children. The football programme developed into a PFL team. Build around youth development and turn an extraordinary social project into a champion.","country":"Philippines","fed":"AFC","div":"Philippines Football League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Academy / youth development","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c346":{"kind":"club","n":454,"club":"ŁKS Łódź","hook":"ŁKS won Polish championships in 1958 and 1998 but have spent the modern era bouncing between the top two divisions while city rivals Widzew rebuilt their own status. Start in I liga, get back up and make the Łódź derby a title-level rivalry rather than a nostalgia fixture.","country":"Poland","fed":"UEFA","div":"I liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic champion / city rivalry","themes":["Historic club","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c347":{"kind":"club","n":455,"club":"Polonia Bytom","hook":"Polonia Bytom were Polish champions in 1954 and 1962 and once regularly represented the country in Europe. Decades of decline eventually dumped them into the regional game. They are back in I liga - finish one of Silesian football's longest rebuilds and restore a two-time champion to the Ekstraklasa.","country":"Poland","fed":"UEFA","div":"I liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen champion / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c348":{"kind":"club","n":456,"club":"Polonia Warsaw","hook":"Polonia were Polish champions in 2000 and regular European qualifiers before financial disaster in 2013 dumped them from the top flight to the fifth tier. They have methodically climbed back to I liga. Take Warsaw's other historic club the rest of the way and build a proper derby rival to Legia.","country":"Poland","fed":"UEFA","div":"I liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Financial collapse / city rivalry","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c349":{"kind":"club","n":457,"club":"Ruch Chorzów","hook":"Ruch have 14 Polish league titles, placing them among the most successful clubs in the country's history, but the last came in 1989. Financial collapse later dragged them as low as the fourth tier. They have already climbed a long way back - finish the job and restore a Silesian giant to the top of Poland.","country":"Poland","fed":"UEFA","div":"I liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Fallen giant / title drought","themes":["Fallen giant","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c350":{"kind":"club","n":458,"club":"Widzew Łódź","hook":"Widzew won four Polish titles and reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1983 before bankruptcy forced a complete restart in 2015. The new club climbed from the fifth tier back to the Ekstraklasa. Finish the resurrection by returning Widzew to the title race and then to the latter stages of Europe.","country":"Poland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ekstraklasa","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Phoenix rebuild / European restoration","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c351":{"kind":"club","n":459,"club":"Wieczysta Kraków","hook":"Wieczysta were playing regional football only a few years ago and reached the Ekstraklasa for the first time in 2026. Kraków already has historic giants in Wisła and Cracovia, so the challenge is not just survival - it is to complete the fastest rise in Polish football and become the city's new number one.","country":"Poland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ekstraklasa","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Rapid rise / city rivalry","themes":["City rivalry","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://ekstraklasa.org/en/news/wieczysta-krakow-the-third-newcomer-in-the-20262027-season/","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c352":{"kind":"club","n":460,"club":"Wisła Kraków","hook":"Fourteen-time Polish champions Wisła spent four years outside the Ekstraklasa before finally returning for 2026/27. Their city now contains three top-flight clubs, making the comeback immediately competitive. Reclaim Kraków, restore one of Poland's biggest names and turn domestic history into a modern European project.","country":"Poland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ekstraklasa","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Fallen giant / city rivalry","themes":["Fallen giant","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://bilety.wislakrakow.com/CMS?page=karnetysezon2627","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c353":{"kind":"club","n":461,"club":"Académica de Coimbra","hook":"Académica are inseparable from the University of Coimbra and won the inaugural Taça de Portugal in 1939. After dropping into Liga 3 they finally earned promotion back to Liga Portugal 2 in 2026. Lean into the student identity, rebuild the academy and return one of Portugal's most distinctive clubs to the top flight.","country":"Portugal","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga Portugal 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"University identity / top-flight return","themes":["Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c354":{"kind":"club","n":462,"club":"Boavista","hook":"Boavista remain the only club outside Benfica, Porto and Sporting to win the Portuguese league since 1946, doing it in 2000/01. They are the obvious 'fourth giant' project: stabilise a club with a turbulent modern history, break the Big Three monopoly again and become a permanent Champions League-level force.","country":"Portugal","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga Portugal","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Historic outsider / break the monopoly","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.ligaportugal.pt/team/53/ligaportugalbetclic/20242025%3Ftab%3Dsquad","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c355":{"kind":"club","n":463,"club":"Leixões","hook":"Leixões won the Portuguese Cup in 1961 and then reached the European Cup Winners' Cup quarter-finals despite coming from Matosinhos rather than one of Portugal's traditional football centres. They are now in Liga Portugal 2. Return a historic port club to the top flight and chase Europe again.","country":"Portugal","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga Portugal 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic cup winner / top-flight return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c356":{"kind":"club","n":464,"club":"Marítimo","hook":"Marítimo spent 38 consecutive seasons in Portugal's top flight before relegation in 2023. In 2026 they won promotion back, restoring Madeira to the Primeira Liga. Stay up, dominate the island rivalry and see whether a club in the middle of the Atlantic can ever seriously threaten Portugal's Big Three.","country":"Portugal","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primeira Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Island club / Big Three challenge","themes":["Title chase","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c357":{"kind":"club","n":465,"club":"Salgueiros","hook":"Salgueiros finished sixth in Portugal in 1990/91 and played in the UEFA Cup the following season, giving Porto a third top-flight club alongside FC Porto and Boavista. Financial collapse later sent them deep into the lower leagues. Rebuild the red-and-white side and make Porto a three-club city again.","country":"Portugal","fed":"UEFA","div":"Campeonato de Portugal","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Financial collapse / city revival","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c358":{"kind":"club","n":466,"club":"Santa Clara","hook":"Santa Clara are a Portuguese top-flight club from the Azores, roughly 1,450 km from Lisbon in the middle of the Atlantic. Every domestic away day is effectively long-haul by football standards. Turn Europe's Atlantic outpost into a regular continental qualifier and make remote geography part of the club's identity.","country":"Portugal","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga Portugal","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Remote geography / European push","themes":["Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.ligaportugal.pt/team/98/santa-clara/20262027","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to secure European qualification."},"c359":{"kind":"club","n":467,"club":"Torreense","hook":"Torreense won the Portuguese Cup while playing in the second tier and qualified for the 2026/27 Europa League league phase. You are balancing two completely different worlds: promotion from Liga 2 at home and European football abroad. Get them into the top flight and make the cup miracle the start of something bigger.","country":"Portugal","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga Portugal 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Cup miracle / promotion + Europe","themes":["Climb the leagues","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.ligaportugal.pt/news/28472/scu-torreense-com-adversarios-conhecidos-na-uefa-europa-league","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c360":{"kind":"club","n":468,"club":"União de Leiria","hook":"José Mourinho managed União de Leiria before Porto, and the club was a regular top-flight and European name during the early 2000s. Financial collapse eventually sent them into district football. They are back in Liga Portugal 2 - finish a decade-long reconstruction and return Mourinho's old stepping-stone to Europe.","country":"Portugal","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga Portugal 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Post-collapse rebuild / Mourinho connection","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c361":{"kind":"club","n":469,"club":"Varzim","hook":"Varzim have spent more than 20 seasons in Portugal's top flight but have not been there since the early 2000s. The Póvoa de Varzim club now sit in Liga 3, squeezed between the giant football markets of Porto and Braga. Rebuild a traditional northern club and make the coast a Primeira Liga destination again.","country":"Portugal","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga 3","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Traditional club / top-flight return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c362":{"kind":"club","n":470,"club":"Vitória de Setúbal","hook":"Vitória have played more than 70 seasons in Portugal's top flight and won three Portuguese Cups, but financial problems eventually cost them their national-league place. They fell into the Setúbal district leagues and have only just climbed back to the Campeonato de Portugal for 2026/27. This is a genuine giant rebuild from tier four.","country":"Portugal","fed":"UEFA","div":"Campeonato de Portugal","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Financial collapse / lower-league rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c363":{"kind":"club","n":471,"club":"Puerto Rico Islanders","hook":"Puerto Rico Islanders reached the semi-finals of the 2008/09 CONCACAF Champions League and even beat Cruz Azul 2-0 in the first leg before losing on penalties. The club folded in 2012. Bring the Islanders back with a custom database and rebuild one of the strangest near-misses in modern CONCACAF history.","country":"Puerto Rico","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Defunct - custom setup","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Defunct club revival / CONCACAF nostalgia","themes":["Fallen giant","Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - custom setup required","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c364":{"kind":"club","n":472,"club":"Al Arabi","hook":"Seven-time champions and one of Qatar’s traditional giants, Al Arabi were so strong in the 1990s they became known as the Dream Team. Their last league title was in 1997. Wake them up.","country":"Qatar","fed":"AFC","div":"Qatar Stars League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c365":{"kind":"club","n":473,"club":"CARA Brazzaville","hook":"CARA won the 1974 African Cup of Champions Clubs and remain the only club from the Republic of the Congo to have been champions of Africa. Half a century later, recreate the country’s greatest club achievement.","country":"Republic of the Congo","fed":"CAF","div":"Congo Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c366":{"kind":"club","n":474,"club":"Corvinul Hunedoara","hook":"Corvinul produced one of Europe’s great recent cup stories when they won the Romanian Cup in 2024 despite playing in the second tier. They finally earned promotion to the SuperLiga in 2026. Turn the cup specialists into a genuine top-flight force.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Romania second tier","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c367":{"kind":"club","n":475,"club":"FC Argeș","hook":"FC Argeș won Romanian titles in 1972 and 1979, with Nicolae Dobrin becoming the defining player in the club's history. Pitești has never reached those heights again. They are back in the SuperLiga - build around Romanian talent and turn Dobrin's club into champions for the first time in nearly half a century.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic champion / domestic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c368":{"kind":"club","n":476,"club":"Politehnica Timișoara","hook":"Timișoara has one of Romania's biggest football followings but its club identity has been dragged through relocations, ownership disputes and repeated restarts. The supporter-backed Politehnica is in Liga 2 for 2026/27. Take the fan project back to the top and finally give the city a stable giant.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Supporter-backed rebuild / city restoration","themes":["Rebuild or revival","City rivalry","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c369":{"kind":"club","n":477,"club":"Dynamo Moscow","hook":"Dynamo were the first Soviet champions, have 11 league titles and were Lev Yashin’s only club. Yet their last national championship came in 1976, meaning they have never won the league in post-Soviet Russia. End a 50-year drought.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental redemption / trophy chase","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against strong opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c611":{"kind":"club","n":478,"club":"Rotor Volgograd","hook":"Rotor knocked Manchester United out of the 1995 UEFA Cup despite Peter Schmeichel scoring a late equaliser at Old Trafford. They twice finished runners-up in Russia before collapsing. Get Volgograd back into the title race and, if European football ever returns, try another big upset.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian First League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Manchester United upset / former contender","themes":["Fallen giant"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c612":{"kind":"club","n":479,"club":"Torpedo Moscow","hook":"Torpedo won promotion in 2025 only to be removed from Russia's top division after a refereeing corruption case. They were three-time Soviet champions long before that. Win promotion on the pitch and make the name famous for football again.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian First League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Corruption scandal / reputation rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c613":{"kind":"club","n":480,"club":"Alania Vladikavkaz","hook":"Alania broke Moscow's grip on Russian football by winning the 1995 league title, then lost 10-3 on aggregate to Rangers in the Champions League qualifiers. They're now in the third tier. Restore the North Ossetian club and give them a European night with a better scoreline, should that become possible.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian Second League Division A","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Former champion / regional underdog","themes":["Fallen giant"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c614":{"kind":"club","n":481,"club":"FC Chertanovo Moscow","hook":"Chertanovo got within one place of Russia's top flight while using players developed in their own academy. They're now down in the fourth tier. Keep the academy-only rule and try to win the Russian league without buying anyone.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian Second League Division B","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Strict academy-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c615":{"kind":"club","n":482,"club":"Znamya Truda Orekhovo-Zuyevo","hook":"Russia's oldest surviving football club was founded by English textile workers and reached the Soviet Cup final in 1962. It's now in regional amateur football. Take a club with well over a century of history to a first national title.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Moscow Oblast regional amateur league","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Oldest club / English factory roots","themes":["Historic club","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Regional","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 5 with very low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c616":{"kind":"club","n":483,"club":"Amkar Perm","hook":"Amkar spent fourteen seasons in Russia's Premier League before going bust in 2018. The club was revived with regional backing and is climbing again. Finish the recovery and get some revenge for the Russian Cup final they lost on penalties in 2008.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian Second League Division A","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"State-backed revival / fallen top-flight side","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c617":{"kind":"club","n":484,"club":"KDV Tomsk","hook":"A company better known for crisps, chocolate and biscuits has launched a football club in Tomsk after the city's old professional side disappeared. They've already invested in facilities. Take the new project through the Russian leagues and make Siberia a football power.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian Second League Division B","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Food-company-backed startup / Siberian build","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c618":{"kind":"club","n":485,"club":"SKA-Khabarovsk","hook":"Khabarovsk is more than 6,000km from Moscow, which makes away days in Russia's leagues rather interesting. SKA reached the Premier League once and lasted a season. Get the Far East club back there and somehow build a title-winning squad around the travel schedule.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian First League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Extreme travel / Far East challenge","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c619":{"kind":"club","n":486,"club":"FC Tyumen","hook":"Tyumen finished the 1998 Russian top-flight season with eight points, two wins and 89 goals conceded. They're in the third tier again. Return them to the Premier League and make sure their next spell is remembered for something better.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian Second League Division A","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Infamous relegation season / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c620":{"kind":"club","n":487,"club":"Baltika Kaliningrad","hook":"Baltika play in Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania. They reached the Russian Cup final in 2024 and narrowly missed out on a famous win. Take a geographically isolated club to its first league title.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Russian exclave / cup runners-up","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c621":{"kind":"club","n":488,"club":"Rodina Moscow","hook":"Rodina started as a private youth academy and made it to the Russian Premier League just eleven years after being founded. Moscow already has plenty of famous clubs. Build the new one into a title winner without becoming just another expensive capital-city project.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Academy startup / Moscow challengers","themes":["Title chase","Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c622":{"kind":"club","n":489,"club":"Rubin Kazan","hook":"Rubin beat Guardiola's Barcelona at the Camp Nou in 2009 while defending back-to-back Russian league titles. They've never got close to that level in Europe again. Rebuild the side that frightened Barça and chase another league title, with Europe a longer-term hope.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Barcelona upset / former champions","themes":["Fallen giant","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c623":{"kind":"club","n":490,"club":"FC Rostov","hook":"Rostov nearly won the Russian league in 2016 and then beat Bayern Munich 3-2 in the Champions League. They've never been national champions. Win the title that slipped away under Kurban Berdyev and try to recreate that European run if the game allows it.","country":"Russia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Russian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Bayern upset / title near-miss","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c370":{"kind":"club","n":491,"club":"APR FC","hook":"APR are the army club of Rwanda and the country's dominant modern force, with domestic titles arriving far more often than meaningful CAF runs. When winning at home is almost expected, the save has one real objective: turn Rwanda's military superclub into a continental one.","country":"Rwanda","fed":"CAF","div":"Rwanda Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Domestic superclub / CAF breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c371":{"kind":"club","n":492,"club":"Kiyovu Sports","hook":"Kiyovu were one of Rwanda’s major forces before APR’s rise and won multiple championships, including back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993. They have not been champions since. Bring one of the country’s traditional giants back after more than three decades.","country":"Rwanda","fed":"CAF","div":"Rwanda Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c372":{"kind":"club","n":493,"club":"Newtown United","hook":"Newtown have won a record 16 national championships but none since 2011/12. Restore the country’s most successful club and then try to make them relevant in Caribbean competition again.","country":"Saint Kitts and Nevis","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"SKNFA Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c373":{"kind":"club","n":494,"club":"Vieux Fort South","hook":"They won the second tier in 2024, immediately finished runners-up in the 2025 Premier League and were leading the top flight in September 2026. Take over in the middle of one of Saint Lucia’s fastest rises and turn momentum into a dynasty.","country":"Saint Lucia","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Saint Lucia second tier","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c374":{"kind":"club","n":495,"club":"Avenues United","hook":"Four-time champions who won three titles in succession before suffering a disastrous 2025/26 season: no wins in 18 matches and relegation with four points. The rebuild could hardly be more obvious.","country":"Saint Vincent and the Grenadines","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"SVG Premier Division","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c375":{"kind":"club","n":496,"club":"Lupe Ole Soaga","hook":"Lupe Ole Soaga became the first Samoan club to win an OFC Champions League group-stage match when they beat Ba 4-3 in 2020. Turn that isolated breakthrough into something Samoa can repeat.","country":"Samoa","fed":"OFC","div":"Samoa National League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c376":{"kind":"club","n":497,"club":"Victor San Marino","hook":"A club representing San Marino but competing in the Italian pyramid. Take a team from a country of roughly 35,000 people and try to climb all the way to Serie A.","country":"San Marino","fed":"UEFA","div":"Italian Serie D / Eccellenza pathway","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c377":{"kind":"club","n":498,"club":"Sport Operário e Benfica","hook":"Operários swept everything in 2025, winning the Príncipe championship, national championship, cup and super cup. The challenge is not rebuilding them. It is turning a club from the much smaller island of Príncipe into a dynasty capable of competing in Africa.","country":"São Tomé and Príncipe","fed":"CAF","div":"São Tomé and Príncipe Championship","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c378":{"kind":"club","n":499,"club":"Al-Shabab","hook":"Forget another save with one of the league’s superpowers. Al-Shabab offer a much stranger squad, with names including Yannick Carrasco, Yacine Adli, Josh Brownhill and Daniel Podence, but without the overwhelming resources of the biggest clubs. Much more interesting.","country":"Saudi Arabia","fed":"AFC","div":"Saudi Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c379":{"kind":"club","n":500,"club":"NEOM SC","hook":"Formerly Al-Suqoor, the club was transferred into the NEOM project and rebranded before rising into the Saudi Pro League. You are effectively building the flagship football club of a brand-new city project - huge ambition, money and pressure included.","country":"Saudi Arabia","fed":"AFC","div":"Saudi Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"High","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"New-money project / city-building story","themes":["City rivalry","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c380":{"kind":"club","n":501,"club":"Clydebank FC","hook":"The old Clydebank lost its senior-league identity in 2002 when its registration was used to create Airdrie United. Supporters formed a new Clydebank and started again in junior football. They are now in the Lowland League system - take the fan-owned Bankies back into the SPFL and reclaim a place the town effectively had taken away.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Lowland League West","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fan-owned phoenix / SPFL return","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c381":{"kind":"club","n":502,"club":"Gretna 2008","hook":"The original Gretna went from English non-league to the Scottish Premiership, a Scottish Cup final and Europe at absurd speed - then collapsed. Gretna 2008 is the replacement club, now in the fifth-tier Lowland League West. Recreate the fairy tale with one rule: build it sustainably enough that the club survives the ending.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Lowland League West","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Phoenix club / recreate a rise","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://slfl.co.uk/team/gretna-2008/","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c382":{"kind":"club","n":503,"club":"Queen's Park","hook":"Queen's Park were founded in 1867, are Scotland's oldest football club and remained amateur for 152 years before turning professional in 2019. That change creates a fascinating modern reset: build the historic pioneers into a sustainable top-flight club and try to win major honours in the professional era.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic institution / professional-era rebuild","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://queensparkfc.co.uk/queens-park-fc-appoint-general-manager/","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c624":{"kind":"club","n":504,"club":"Berwick Rangers","hook":"Berwick are an English club playing in the Scottish system and once knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup. They lost their SPFL place in 2019. Take them back into the professional leagues and win Scotland's top division with a team that isn't actually Scottish.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Lowland League East","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"English club in Scotland / cross-border save","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://slfl.co.uk/event/20218/","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c625":{"kind":"club","n":505,"club":"Brechin City","hook":"Brechin went through the entire 2017/18 Scottish Championship season without a win, finishing with four points. A few years later they were out of the SPFL altogether. Get them back up and make them champions at the opposite end of the pyramid.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Lowland League East","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Winless season / fallen SPFL club","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c626":{"kind":"club","n":506,"club":"Fort William","hook":"Fort William once went 73 matches without a win and conceded 245 goals in a single Highland League season. Their ground sits below Ben Nevis, which is probably the best thing about the current setup. Turn Britain's famous whipping boys into Scottish champions.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"North Caledonian League","tier":6,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Worst-club revival / mountain town","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c627":{"kind":"club","n":507,"club":"Stenhousemuir","hook":"Stenhousemuir have a stand named after Norwegian fans who found the club's name on Teletext and adopted them in 1992. The club have finally started winning promotions. Take them all the way to the Premiership and give the Norway Stand a European trip.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Norwegian fans / small-club ascent","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c628":{"kind":"club","n":508,"club":"Caledonian Braves","hook":"Caledonian Braves have attracted thousands of small investors from around the world despite starting in Scotland's fifth tier. See if a supporter-backed project with no established football pedigree can climb all the way past Celtic and Rangers.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Lowland League West","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Crowdfunded club / investor project","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c629":{"kind":"club","n":509,"club":"Inverness Caledonian Thistle","hook":"Inverness won the Scottish Cup in 2015 and entered administration less than a decade later. They're trying to recover after dropping down the leagues. Get a Highland club back into the Premiership and go beyond that famous cup win.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Administration recovery / cup winners","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c630":{"kind":"club","n":510,"club":"Heart of Midlothian","hook":"Hearts lost title deciders in extraordinary fashion in 1965 and 1986, then fell short again on the final day in 2026. They haven't been Scottish champions since 1960. End the drought and finally finish ahead of the Old Firm.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Final-day heartbreak / Old Firm challenger","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c631":{"kind":"club","n":511,"club":"Brora Rangers","hook":"Brora, from a Highland village of around 1,000 people, knocked Hearts out of the Scottish Cup in 2021. They've come close to breaking into the SPFL too. Complete the jump from Highland League football and see how far a tiny village can go.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Highland League","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Small Highland village / cup giant-killers","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c632":{"kind":"club","n":512,"club":"Wick Academy","hook":"Wick Academy are based near the northern tip of mainland Scotland, so even ordinary away trips are a serious undertaking. Take Britain's northernmost senior club out of the Highland League and into the Premiership.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Highland League","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Northernmost club / long-distance travel","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c633":{"kind":"club","n":513,"club":"Orkney FC","hook":"Orkney compete from an archipelago off Scotland's north coast, with every away game involving far more effort than most clubs would tolerate. Build an island football team capable of reaching the Scottish professional leagues and then going further.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"North Caledonian League","tier":6,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Amateur","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Island archipelago / deep database","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c634":{"kind":"club","n":514,"club":"Raith Rovers","hook":"Raith went to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup in 1995 and led at half-time, despite playing second-tier Scottish football. Recreate one of the strangest European nights in the club's history and take them from Kirkcaldy to a Scottish title.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Bayern upset / provincial European history","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c635":{"kind":"club","n":515,"club":"Partick Thistle","hook":"Partick famously beat Celtic 4-1 in the 1971 Scottish League Cup final after leading 4-0 at the break. They've spent plenty of time living in Glasgow's footballing shadows since. Give the city's third big name a league championship.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Glasgow outsider / cup shock","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c636":{"kind":"club","n":516,"club":"Dundee United","hook":"Dundee United have played Barcelona four times in Europe and won all four. They also reached the 1987 UEFA Cup final. Build another great Tannadice side and add the European trophy those teams never won.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Barcelona record / lost European final","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c637":{"kind":"club","n":517,"club":"Hibernian","hook":"Hibs were the first British club to play in the European Cup and reached the semi-finals of its first edition. More recent decades have been much less glamorous. Win Scotland's league with the Edinburgh club and complete that early European ambition.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"European Cup pioneer / title challenger","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c638":{"kind":"club","n":518,"club":"Buckie Thistle","hook":"Stephen King took an interest in Buckie Thistle and even included the club in one of his books. The Highland League side have a rather more ordinary football record. Take the club from small-town Moray into the Premiership and give its best-known fan something else to write about.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Highland League","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Celebrity admirer / Highland build","themes":[],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c639":{"kind":"club","n":519,"club":"Hamilton Academical","hook":"Hamilton have endured points deductions, transfer restrictions and a frightening financial collapse. The job here is straightforward, even if the save won't be: keep the club alive, clear the mess and work your way back into Scotland's top flight.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish League Two","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Financial collapse / club rescue","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c640":{"kind":"club","n":520,"club":"Queen of the South","hook":"Queen of the South reached the 2008 Scottish Cup final after an absurd 4-3 semi-final win, then played European football despite losing to Rangers. They're now in the lower divisions. Get Dumfries back into Europe and eventually win the Scottish Cup properly.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish League One","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Cup runners-up / continental return","themes":["Climb the leagues","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to secure European qualification."},"c641":{"kind":"club","n":521,"club":"East Kilbride","hook":"East Kilbride only joined Scotland's senior pyramid in 2013 and have already reached the SPFL. Build on that momentum and turn a relatively new club from one of Scotland's biggest towns into a Premiership challenger.","country":"Scotland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Scottish League One","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"New SPFL club / young project","themes":["Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c383":{"kind":"club","n":522,"club":"Génération Foot","hook":"This is basically an academy save in real life. Génération Foot’s development system and relationship with Metz have helped produce players including Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Matar Sarr, Habib Diallo and Lamine Camara. Keep producing.","country":"Senegal","fed":"CAF","div":"Senegal Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Academy / youth development","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c384":{"kind":"club","n":523,"club":"OFK Beograd","hook":"OFK's predecessor BSK was one of Yugoslavia's great pre-war clubs, while OFK later reached a European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final in 1963. After years outside the elite they returned to Serbia's top flight in 2024. Turn the 'Romantics' into Belgrade's third genuine force behind Red Star and Partizan.","country":"Serbia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serbian SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic revival / city power shift","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c385":{"kind":"club","n":524,"club":"Radnički Niš","hook":"Radnički Niš reached the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 1982, eliminating Napoli and Feyenoord along the way before losing to Hamburg. They have never been national champions. Rebuild one of southern Serbia's great football stories and take Niš back onto the European stage.","country":"Serbia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serbian SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"European nostalgia / first league title","themes":["Historic club","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c386":{"kind":"club","n":525,"club":"TSC Bačka Topola","hook":"TSC finished second in Serbia in 2022/23 and were playing West Ham, Freiburg and Olympiacos in Europe months later. By 2026/27 they had fallen into the second tier. Get them straight back and rebuild a European regular.","country":"Serbia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serbian First League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c387":{"kind":"club","n":526,"club":"Vojvodina","hook":"Vojvodina won the Yugoslav league in 1966 and 1989, proving Novi Sad could break the Belgrade clubs' dominance. They have never won the Serbian title since independence. Build the country's strongest non-Belgrade club and finally turn the old third force into number one.","country":"Serbia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Serbian SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Break the duopoly / regional giant","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c388":{"kind":"club","n":527,"club":"Saint Michel United","hook":"Saint Michel have 13 league titles and were a regular name in African qualifying during their dominant years. By 2025/26 they were fighting through a relegation play-off. Rescue the modern giants before the decline goes any further.","country":"Seychelles","fed":"CAF","div":"Seychelles Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c389":{"kind":"club","n":528,"club":"Mighty Blackpool","hook":"Founded in 1923, the club later adopted the Blackpool name during the Stanley Matthews era and became one of Sierra Leone’s dominant sides. Their last league title came in 2001. The name is brilliant, but the fallen-giant save behind it is even better.","country":"Sierra Leone","fed":"CAF","div":"Sierra Leone National Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Domestic dynasty / continental step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c390":{"kind":"club","n":529,"club":"Lion City Sailors","hook":"Lion City Sailors became Singapore's first privatised football club and then the first Singaporean side to reach a major Asian continental final, losing the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Two final. The infrastructure and money are there. Go one step further and make Singapore continental champions.","country":"Singapore","fed":"AFC","div":"Singapore Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Medium-High","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"New-money project / Asian breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-high resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c391":{"kind":"club","n":530,"club":"Young Lions","hook":"Young Lions effectively operate as a national development side built largely around young Singaporean players. Winning the league with a team whose primary purpose is producing talent rather than collecting trophies would be ridiculous.","country":"Singapore","fed":"AFC","div":"Singapore Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c392":{"kind":"club","n":531,"club":"FC Petržalka","hook":"As Artmedia, they beat Celtic 5-0, eliminated Partizan and came from 2-0 down to beat reigning European champions Porto away during their extraordinary 2005/06 Champions League run. The club later collapsed and restarted in the fifth tier. Finish the journey back.","country":"Slovakia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Slovak 2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c393":{"kind":"club","n":532,"club":"Inter Bratislava","hook":"Inter Bratislava won back-to-back Slovak championships in 2000 and 2001 before the original senior side effectively disappeared and the club had to be rebuilt. They are now back in 2. Liga. Restore the yellow-and-black name, win promotion and create a second major force in the capital.","country":"Slovakia","fed":"UEFA","div":"2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Revived champion / capital-city rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c394":{"kind":"club","n":533,"club":"Tatran Prešov","hook":"Founded in 1898, Tatran Prešov are one of Slovakia's oldest football clubs and twice finished runners-up in the Czechoslovak league. Their latest top-flight return lasted only one season, sending them straight back to 2. Liga for 2026/27. Bounce back immediately and finally turn 128 years of history into a national title.","country":"Slovakia","fed":"UEFA","div":"2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Oldest-club challenge / first national title","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c395":{"kind":"club","n":534,"club":"Celje","hook":"Celje became the first Slovenian club to reach the quarter-finals of a major UEFA competition in 2025. They were suddenly one tie away from a European semi-final. Take the breakthrough and push it even further.","country":"Slovenia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Slovenian PrvaLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c396":{"kind":"club","n":535,"club":"Gorica","hook":"Gorica won three consecutive Slovenian titles from 2004 to 2006 and four overall, making them the clearest old rival to the country's modern giants. They are now in 2. SNL. Get Nova Gorica back up and restore the club that once made Slovenian title races much less predictable.","country":"Slovenia","fed":"UEFA","div":"2. SNL","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen champion / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c397":{"kind":"club","n":536,"club":"Maribor","hook":"Maribor are the only Slovenian club to have reached the Champions League group stage, doing it three times. Domestic dominance is not enough for a club with that history. Rebuild the country's strongest European brand and become the first Slovenian team to survive beyond the Champions League league phase.","country":"Slovenia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Slovenian PrvaLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Domestic giant / Champions League progression","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c398":{"kind":"club","n":537,"club":"Kossa FC","hook":"Kossa reached the 2008 OFC Champions League final and lost to Waitakere United, one of the closest Solomon Islands club football has come to continental glory. Nearly two decades later, take the Honiara club back to the final and finish a story that has been sitting unfinished since 2008.","country":"Solomon Islands","fed":"OFC","div":"Solomon Islands S-League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"OFC final redemption / island nation-builder","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder","Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c399":{"kind":"club","n":538,"club":"Solomon Kings FC","hook":"Solomon Kings were created for the new OFC Pro League, so there is barely any history to inherit - you get to write almost all of it. Build the Solomon Islands' professional flagship from zero, develop local players and make a tiny Pacific nation competitive against the best clubs in Oceania.","country":"Solomon Islands","fed":"OFC","div":"OFC Pro League","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Brand-new club / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","New club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Regional professional league","src":"https://www.ofcproleague.com/news/ofc-pro-league-teams-confirmed/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c400":{"kind":"club","n":539,"club":"Jeenyo FC","hook":"Founded in 1948 as SC Genio Officina, Jeenyo went through several identities and won three consecutive Somali titles from 1969 to 1971. The club disappeared amid the country’s upheaval before eventually returning in 2012. Restore one of Somalia’s oldest surviving football names.","country":"Somalia","fed":"CAF","div":"Somali First Division","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c401":{"kind":"club","n":540,"club":"AmaZulu","hook":"Founded in 1932, AmaZulu are one of South Africa's oldest major clubs and represent Durban, yet their only national league championship came in 1972. More than half a century later, turn one of the country's biggest football cities into a title-winning city again and then chase Africa.","country":"South Africa","fed":"CAF","div":"Betway Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic club / 50-year title drought","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c402":{"kind":"club","n":541,"club":"Cape Town Spurs","hook":"Cape Town Spurs spent two decades as Ajax Cape Town before Ajax ended the partnership and the club reclaimed its old identity. Build an independent Cape Town giant around youth development and prove the post-Ajax version can thrive on its own.","country":"South Africa","fed":"CAF","div":"Motsepe Foundation Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Post-affiliation rebuild / academy identity","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c403":{"kind":"club","n":542,"club":"Jomo Cosmos","hook":"Jomo Sono built Jomo Cosmos into one of South Africa's most famous development clubs, producing and polishing generations of players before the team fell out of the professional divisions. They now play in the ABC Motsepe League. Make the academy the entire save and take Ezenkosi back to the Premiership using players you develop.","country":"South Africa","fed":"CAF","div":"ABC Motsepe League","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Academy giant / extreme lower-league rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c404":{"kind":"club","n":543,"club":"Kaizer Chiefs","hook":"Kaizer Chiefs finally reached their first CAF Champions League final in 2021 and lost. One of Africa's biggest-supported clubs still has no continental crown - end the wait while rebuilding them into South Africa's dominant force again.","country":"South Africa","fed":"CAF","div":"Betway Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Massive club / first continental title","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-high resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c405":{"kind":"club","n":544,"club":"TS Galaxy","hook":"TS Galaxy won South Africa's FA Cup as a second-tier club in 2019, then reached the top flight after buying Highlands Park's league status in 2020. It is a gloriously strange football-business story - now turn the chaos into a sustainable top-flight club.","country":"South Africa","fed":"CAF","div":"Betway Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Unusual ownership history / top-flight build","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c406":{"kind":"club","n":545,"club":"University of Pretoria","hook":"University of Pretoria are literally a university football club competing in South Africa's professional pyramid. Lean fully into it: build around young players, impose your own under-23 recruitment rule and turn AmaTuks into the country's ultimate development side.","country":"South Africa","fed":"CAF","div":"Motsepe Foundation Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"University club / U23 recruitment challenge","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c407":{"kind":"club","n":546,"club":"Bucheon FC 1995","hook":"Bucheon FC 1995 were created by supporters after Bucheon SK was moved to Jeju in 2006. Nearly two decades later the fan-built replacement finally won promotion to K League 1 for 2026. Survive the first top-flight season, then become bigger than the relocated club that forced the project to exist.","country":"South Korea","fed":"AFC","div":"K League 1","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Supporter phoenix / revenge narrative","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c408":{"kind":"club","n":547,"club":"Busan IPark","hook":"Busan were Asian club champions in 1986 and have four Korean league titles, making them one of the country's great historic clubs. They have spent years stuck in K League 2 while newer powers dominate. Take Korea's former continental champions back to K1 and then back into Asia.","country":"South Korea","fed":"AFC","div":"K League 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Fallen continental champion / promotion","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c409":{"kind":"club","n":548,"club":"FC Anyang","hook":"Anyang LG Cheetahs left the city for Seoul in 2004. Supporters spent years campaigning for a replacement before FC Anyang arrived in 2013 - and the club finally reached K League 1. Now make the supporter-backed replacement bigger than the team that left.","country":"South Korea","fed":"AFC","div":"K League 1","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fan identity / revenge narrative","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c410":{"kind":"club","n":549,"club":"Seongnam FC","hook":"Seongnam have seven Korean league titles and two Asian championships, a trophy cabinet that should make them one of the continent's elite clubs. Instead they are in K League 2. This is one of Asia's clearest fallen-giant saves: promotion first, continental restoration after.","country":"South Korea","fed":"AFC","div":"K League 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Asian giant / second-tier rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c411":{"kind":"club","n":550,"club":"Suwon Samsung Bluewings","hook":"Suwon won four Korean titles and back-to-back Asian club championships in 2001 and 2002. In 2023 they were relegated for the first time in club history and have remained outside K1. Rescue one of Asia's biggest modern clubs and turn the Big Bird into a Champions League ground again.","country":"South Korea","fed":"AFC","div":"K League 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Modern giant / first-ever relegation rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c412":{"kind":"club","n":551,"club":"Atlabara FC","hook":"Atlabara won South Sudan’s old national championship in 2013, 2015 and 2019 and were among the country’s earliest CAF representatives. By 2025/26 they had slipped to seventh. Restore one of the young nation’s original powers.","country":"South Sudan","fed":"CAF","div":"South Sudan Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c413":{"kind":"club","n":552,"club":"Arenas Club de Getxo","hook":"Arenas were one of the ten founding members of La Liga and won the Copa del Rey in 1919. In 2026/27 they are playing in the third-tier Primera Federación. Take a club that was present at the birth of Spanish league football all the way back to the competition it helped create.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"La Liga founder / historic restoration","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c414":{"kind":"club","n":553,"club":"Athletic Club","hook":"Athletic have never been relegated from La Liga while maintaining one of football's most famous recruitment policies: first-team players must have a Basque connection through birth or development. There is no transfer-market shortcut. Win La Liga and Europe by maximising the academy, scouting the Basque pool and planning years ahead.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"La Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Recruitment restriction / academy challenge","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletic_Bilbao","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c415":{"kind":"club","n":554,"club":"CE Europa","hook":"CE Europa were founding members of La Liga and reached the Copa del Rey final in 1923. They now sit in the third tier, sharing Barcelona with two of the biggest clubs on Earth. Turn the city's forgotten founder member into a genuine rival to Barça and Espanyol.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"La Liga founder / city rivalry","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c416":{"kind":"club","n":555,"club":"Deportivo La Coruña","hook":"Deportivo were Spanish champions in 2000 and Champions League semi-finalists in 2004, then collapsed as far as the third tier. They finally returned to La Liga for 2026/27. Keep them up, rebuild the 'Super Depor' identity and see whether a club that once broke Madrid and Barcelona can disrupt Spain again.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"La Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Fallen giant / top-flight return","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.laliga.com/noticias/laliga-da-la-bienvenida-a-los-siete-clubes-ascendidos-para-la-temporada-2026-27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c417":{"kind":"club","n":556,"club":"Hércules CF","hook":"Hércules have spent 20 seasons in La Liga and produced one of the great promoted-team shocks when they beat Pep Guardiola's Barcelona 2-0 at the Camp Nou in 2010. They were relegated that same season and have not returned. Get Alicante back to the top and make the upset a regular fixture rather than a memory.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Sleeping giant / La Liga return","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c418":{"kind":"club","n":557,"club":"Málaga","hook":"Málaga reached the Champions League quarter-finals in 2013 and were seconds from eliminating Dortmund, then financial decline eventually carried them into Spain's third tier. Promotion has brought them back to La Liga for 2026/27. Rebuild the club without the old boom-and-bust model and return European nights to La Rosaleda.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"La Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Fallen club / European restoration","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.laliga.com/noticias/laliga-da-la-bienvenida-a-los-siete-clubes-ascendidos-para-la-temporada-2026-27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c419":{"kind":"club","n":558,"club":"Racing Santander","hook":"Racing were one of the ten founding members of La Liga in 1929 but spent 14 years outside the top flight, including seven seasons in Spain's third tier. They are back for 2026/27. Re-establish a founding club at the highest level and chase the first major trophy of a history stretching back more than a century.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"La Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic club / top-flight return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.laliga.com/noticias/laliga-da-la-bienvenida-a-los-siete-clubes-ascendidos-para-la-temporada-2026-27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c420":{"kind":"club","n":559,"club":"Real Murcia","hook":"Real Murcia have spent 18 seasons in La Liga but have not been back since 2008. One of Spain's biggest cities has watched its main club spend years in the lower divisions. Get out of Primera Federación, end the long top-flight absence and finally give Murcia a stable La Liga club.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Sleeping giant / top-flight return","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c421":{"kind":"club","n":560,"club":"Real Unión","hook":"Real Unión were founding members of La Liga and won four Copa del Rey titles during Spanish football's early years. They now represent tiny Irún in the third tier, right on the French border. Rebuild one of Spain's original cup giants and take them back to La Liga from one of the country's smallest football cities.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic cup giant / La Liga return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c422":{"kind":"club","n":561,"club":"Real Zaragoza","hook":"Six-time Copa del Rey winners and 1995 European Cup Winners' Cup champions, Zaragoza have now fallen into Primera Federación after years outside La Liga. One of Spain's biggest provincial clubs is in the third tier. Get promoted twice, restore La Romareda to top-flight football and put a European trophy winner back in Europe.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Fallen giant / third-tier rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.realzaragoza.com/noticias/el-real-zaragoza-estara-encuadrado-en-el-grupo-ii-de-1a-rfef","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c423":{"kind":"club","n":562,"club":"Recreativo de Huelva","hook":"Founded in 1889, Recreativo are generally recognised as Spain's oldest football club. They now sit in the fourth tier, miles from the La Liga stage they once knew. Take the country's original club through the federation leagues and restore top-flight football to Huelva.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Segunda Federación","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Oldest-club rebuild / lower-league climb","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.recreativohuelva.com/calendario-26-27-a-domicilio-ante-el-atletico-central/","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c424":{"kind":"club","n":563,"club":"Salamanca UDS","hook":"UD Salamanca spent 12 seasons in La Liga before disappearing in 2013. Salamanca CF UDS emerged in the aftermath and now play at the old club's Estadio Helmántico, with Iker Muniain beginning his senior managerial career there in 2026. Take Salamanca's new footballing identity from the fourth tier back to La Liga.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Segunda Federación","tier":4,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Post-collapse rebuild / La Liga return","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c425":{"kind":"club","n":564,"club":"Unionistas de Salamanca","hook":"When historic UD Salamanca disappeared in 2013, supporters created Unionistas as a fan-owned successor. They have climbed into Spain's third tier but have never reached the professional top two. Take the supporter project into La Liga and restore Salamanca to a stage the city has been missing for more than a decade.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fan-owned phoenix / climb to La Liga","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://unionistascf.com/primera-rfef-unionistas-de-salamanca-ya-conoce-a-sus-19-rivales-del-curso-2026-27/","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c426":{"kind":"club","n":565,"club":"Xerez Deportivo FC","hook":"Xerez Deportivo were created by supporters in 2013 as Xerez CD unravelled financially after having reached La Liga only four years earlier. The fan-built club has spent more than a decade climbing from the regional leagues. Finish the journey and give Jerez a sustainable top-flight club this time.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Tercera Federación","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fan-founded phoenix / La Liga climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c642":{"kind":"club","n":566,"club":"CD Eldense","hook":"Lionel Messi has taken control of Eldense, a century-old club that has never played in La Liga. The job is to get his Spanish project into the top flight, preferably without turning it into a retirement home for former Barcelona players.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Segunda División","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Messi ownership / La Liga first","themes":["Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c643":{"kind":"club","n":567,"club":"UE Cornellà","hook":"Messi also owns Cornellà, who were in Spain's fifth tier when he bought them. Their academy has produced players such as David Raya. Take this small Catalan club up the pyramid by developing players, and try to reach La Liga before Messi's other club.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Tercera Federación","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Messi-owned / fifth-tier academy save","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c644":{"kind":"club","n":568,"club":"AD Alcorcón","hook":"Alcorcón humiliated Real Madrid 4-0 in the 2009 Copa del Rey when Ronaldo, Kaká and Benzema were all in the squad. They've never played in La Liga. Turn that one famous upset into regular league meetings with Madrid.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Real Madrid cup shock / first promotion","themes":["Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c645":{"kind":"club","n":569,"club":"CD Mirandés","hook":"Mirandés have reached two Copa del Rey semi-finals despite representing a small town and never playing in La Liga. Get them into the top flight for the first time and prove they can do more than occasionally embarrass the bigger clubs.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Cup giant-killers / La Liga debut","themes":["Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c646":{"kind":"club","n":570,"club":"Deportivo Alavés","hook":"Alavés scored four goals against Liverpool in the 2001 UEFA Cup final and still lost 5-4 to a golden-goal own goal. They've never won a major European trophy. Build another fearless Alavés side and give them the final they deserved.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"La Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Nine-goal European final / redemption","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c647":{"kind":"club","n":571,"club":"CD Extremadura","hook":"Extremadura football has had more than its share of bankruptcies and restarts. The current club has climbed rapidly after beginning again in the lower leagues. Get the region back to La Liga and try to keep a club solvent long enough to win something.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Phoenix club / regional rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c648":{"kind":"club","n":572,"club":"RCD Espanyol","hook":"Espanyol have lost two UEFA Cup finals, both on penalties, and have never won a major European trophy. They also share a city with Barcelona. End the European curse and make the smaller Barcelona club the one lifting silverware.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"La Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"European final curse / Barcelona rivals","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c649":{"kind":"club","n":573,"club":"FC Andorra","hook":"Gerard Piqué's club represents an independent country but plays in Spain's league system. Take FC Andorra to La Liga, then try to win the Spanish title with a club that isn't actually in Spain.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Segunda División","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Cross-border club / Piqué ownership","themes":["Geography","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.fcandorra.com/en/news/fc-andorra-already-knows-its-schedule-for-laliga-hypermotion-202627","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c650":{"kind":"club","n":574,"club":"Gimnàstic de Tarragona","hook":"Nàstic have suffered consecutive promotion play-off final defeats, including one that went wrong in extra time. Get them back into Spain's second tier and eventually La Liga, preferably without another play-off collapse.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Promotion play-off heartbreak","themes":["Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c651":{"kind":"club","n":575,"club":"CD Castellón","hook":"Castellón's data-driven owners want to show that smart recruitment can beat richer clubs. They've spent years outside La Liga. Stick to the analytical approach, find undervalued players and see if the numbers can win a Spanish title.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Segunda División","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Data-led recruitment / analytics save","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c652":{"kind":"club","n":576,"club":"UD Ibiza","hook":"Ibiza's club raced from regional football into the second division before slipping back down. Take the island into La Liga for the first time and turn a place famous for nightlife into somewhere Champions League teams have to visit.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Holiday island / top-flight debut","themes":["Climb the leagues","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c653":{"kind":"club","n":577,"club":"Real Jaén","hook":"Jaén spent years stuck in Spain's fifth tier before consecutive promotions revived the club. They haven't played in La Liga since the 1950s. Complete the comeback and put a long-forgotten Andalusian side back on the top-flight fixture list.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Two-promotion rise / long-term return","themes":["Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c654":{"kind":"club","n":578,"club":"Girona FC","hook":"Girona went from a first-ever Champions League campaign in 2024 to relegation two years later. Their links to City Football Group make this an unusual rebuild. Get back to La Liga and build a side that can succeed without relying on Manchester City's wider network.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Segunda División","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Champions League to relegation / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c655":{"kind":"club","n":579,"club":"CD Badajoz","hook":"The original Badajoz went bust after more than a century and supporters had to start again. The revived club is back in the fifth tier. Take Extremadura's border-city team into La Liga for the first time, without another financial disaster along the way.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Tercera Federación","tier":5,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Supporter-founded phoenix / top-flight first","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c656":{"kind":"club","n":580,"club":"RCD Mallorca","hook":"Mallorca knocked Chelsea out on the way to the last Cup Winners' Cup final in 1999, then lost to Lazio. They later won the Copa del Rey but never La Liga. Win the Spanish title from the Balearics and give Mallorca another European final to remember.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Segunda División","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Final Cup Winners Cup / island comeback","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Title chase","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c657":{"kind":"club","n":581,"club":"Villarreal CF","hook":"Villarreal won the 2021 Europa League after an 11-10 penalty shootout against Manchester United, but the club from a town of roughly 50,000 has never won La Liga. Complete the domestic set and see if the Yellow Submarine can go all the way in the Champions League.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"La Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Small-town European winner / first title","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c658":{"kind":"club","n":582,"club":"Racing Club de Ferrol","hook":"Racing de Ferrol have spent decades in Spain's second division but have never reached La Liga. They even made the Copa del Rey final in 1939. Get this Galician naval town into the top flight for the first time.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"Primera Federación","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic lower-league club / La Liga first","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c659":{"kind":"club","n":583,"club":"Valencia CF","hook":"Valencia lost successive Champions League finals in 2000 and 2001 before winning two league titles under Benítez. They've been a shadow of that side for years. Rebuild the club, end the league title drought and finally win the Champions League.","country":"Spain","fed":"UEFA","div":"La Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Elite","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Fallen giant / unfinished Champions League dream","themes":["Fallen giant","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c427":{"kind":"club","n":584,"club":"AD Ceuta","hook":"Ceuta is geographically in Africa but politically Spanish, and AD Ceuta play in the Spanish league pyramid. The city returned to the second tier after 45 years away. Survive LaLiga Hypermotion, win promotion and put a club based on the African continent into La Liga.","country":"Spain (Ceuta, North Africa)","fed":"UEFA","div":"LaLiga Hypermotion","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Geography oddity / La Liga push","themes":["Climb the leagues","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://adceutafc.com/la-ad-ceuta-fc-celebra-un-ano-de-su-historico-ascenso-consolidandose-en-laliga-hypermotion/","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c428":{"kind":"club","n":585,"club":"St. Mary’s SC Jaffna","hook":"Founded in 1936, St. Mary’s development was heavily disrupted during decades of conflict in Sri Lanka. They eventually reached the national second level and in 2026 became the first club from the north-east to win a major FFSL inter-club trophy. Turn that breakthrough into a top-flight title for Jaffna.","country":"Sri Lanka","fed":"AFC","div":"Sri Lanka Super League / national system","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c429":{"kind":"club","n":586,"club":"Al Hilal Omdurman","hook":"Al Hilal are one of Sudan's biggest clubs but have never won Africa's top club competition, losing finals in 1987 and 1992. Turn one of the continent's great nearly clubs into CAF Champions League winners despite the huge structural challenge around Sudanese football.","country":"Sudan","fed":"CAF","div":"Sudanese top flight","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Continental curse / fallen football nation","themes":["Fallen giant","Nation-builder","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c430":{"kind":"club","n":587,"club":"Al-Merrikh","hook":"Al-Merrikh won the African Cup Winners' Cup in 1989, still Sudanese club football's only major continental trophy. Their rivalry with Al Hilal dominates the domestic game. Restore the side that actually conquered Africa and turn one historic trophy into a modern CAF Champions League title.","country":"Sudan","fed":"CAF","div":"Sudanese top flight","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Only continental winner / CAF revival","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c431":{"kind":"club","n":588,"club":"SV Robinhood","hook":"SV Robinhood reached five CONCACAF finals across the old Champions' Cup era and lost every one. Suriname has never had a continental champion - end one of CONCACAF's longest-running nearly stories and finally win the big one.","country":"Suriname","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Suriname Major League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Five-final curse / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c432":{"kind":"club","n":589,"club":"Transvaal","hook":"Transvaal are two-time CONCACAF champions, winning the region's biggest club competition in 1973 and 1981. No Surinamese club has managed anything comparable in the modern era. Restore one of the Caribbean's forgotten continental giants and prove the old trophies were not just another era.","country":"Suriname","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Suriname Major League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Forgotten CONCACAF champion / revival","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c433":{"kind":"club","n":590,"club":"GAIS","hook":"GAIS are four-time Swedish champions and one of Gothenburg's traditional giants, but their last championship came in 1954. They are established back in Allsvenskan with a huge local rivalry waiting. End a title drought of more than 70 years and make green-and-black the city's dominant colour.","country":"Sweden","fed":"UEFA","div":"Allsvenskan","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic giant / 70-year title drought","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c434":{"kind":"club","n":591,"club":"Helsingborgs IF","hook":"Helsingborg were Swedish champions in 2011 and were still playing Champions League qualifiers the following year. They have since bounced between divisions and are back in Superettan. Get one of Sweden's best-supported provincial clubs back up and rebuild the side that once challenged Malmö.","country":"Sweden","fed":"UEFA","div":"Superettan","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Fallen champion / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c435":{"kind":"club","n":592,"club":"IFK Göteborg","hook":"IFK Göteborg won the UEFA Cup in 1982 and 1987 and remain Sweden's only winners of a major UEFA competition. Their last league title came in 2007. Restore the club that once beat Europe's best on a fraction of the money and make Gothenburg a continental football city again.","country":"Sweden","fed":"UEFA","div":"Allsvenskan","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"European giant / domestic restoration","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c436":{"kind":"club","n":593,"club":"Mjällby AIF","hook":"Mjällby won their first Swedish title in 2025 with a league-record points total despite representing a tiny community. Their first European season then took them into a UEFA league phase. Keep the miracle alive, retain players against richer clubs and see how far Sweden's ultimate small-town champions can go.","country":"Sweden","fed":"UEFA","div":"Allsvenskan","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Small-town miracle / European breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/02a7-211c7d0e6917-e06ef73b98bb-1000--mjallby-s-modern-miracle-how-tradition-and-innovation-shap/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c437":{"kind":"club","n":594,"club":"Örgryte IS","hook":"Founded in 1887, Örgryte are Sweden’s oldest football club and 12-time champions. Restore the country’s original giants in a game that has long since moved on without them.","country":"Sweden","fed":"UEFA","div":"Superettan / Allsvenskan pathway","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c438":{"kind":"club","n":595,"club":"Östers IF","hook":"Öster won four Swedish championships between 1968 and 1981, an extraordinary haul for a club from Växjö. Their return to Allsvenskan in 2025 lasted only one season, so you start back in Superettan. Get them straight back up and revive one of Sweden's most concentrated dynasties.","country":"Sweden","fed":"UEFA","div":"Superettan","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Four-time champion / immediate rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c439":{"kind":"club","n":596,"club":"FC Sion","hook":"Sion built one of football's strangest cup records by winning each of their first 13 Swiss Cup finals before the streak finally ended in 2017. League titles have been much rarer. Turn Switzerland's ultimate cup specialists into a side capable of dominating a full season and then take that mentality into Europe.","country":"Switzerland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Swiss Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Cup specialists / league transformation","themes":["Nation-builder","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to secure European qualification."},"c440":{"kind":"club","n":597,"club":"FC Thun","hook":"Thun returned to the Swiss Super League in 2025 and then won the title in their first season back - the first league championship and first major trophy in club history. Now defend an almost impossible breakthrough, build Champions League-level depth and stop Switzerland's richer clubs taking the crown straight back.","country":"Switzerland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Swiss Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Shock champions / defend the miracle","themes":["Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://sfl.ch/de/articles/fc-thun-ist-erstmals-schweizer-meister","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c441":{"kind":"club","n":598,"club":"FC Winterthur","hook":"Winterthur finally returned to the Swiss top flight in 2022 after a 37-year absence, only to be relegated back to the Challenge League in 2026. The first miracle has already been done once. Get them straight back up and turn a cult club from the Schützenwiese into more than a survival story.","country":"Switzerland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Swiss Challenge League","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Cult club / immediate promotion rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c442":{"kind":"club","n":599,"club":"Neuchâtel Xamax","hook":"Back-to-back Swiss champions in the 1980s, UEFA Cup quarter-finalists twice and capable of beating Real Madrid and Bayern Munich at home. Bankruptcy in 2012 forced the club to start again and climb through four promotions in six years. Finish the rebuild.","country":"Switzerland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Swiss Challenge League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c443":{"kind":"club","n":600,"club":"Servette","hook":"Servette have won 17 Swiss championships, but bankruptcy in 2005 sent one of the country's biggest clubs tumbling into the third tier. The comeback eventually returned them to the top flight and Europe. Complete it by winning their first league title since 1999 and putting Geneva back on top.","country":"Switzerland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Swiss Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Post-bankruptcy revival / title drought","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-high resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c444":{"kind":"club","n":601,"club":"Al-Jaish","hook":"Al-Jaish won the inaugural AFC Cup in 2004. That gives you one wonderfully simple target: take Asia’s original AFC Cup winners back to continental relevance.","country":"Syria","fed":"AFC","div":"Syrian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c445":{"kind":"club","n":602,"club":"Al-Karamah","hook":"Al-Karamah produced one of Syrian club football's greatest runs when they reached the AFC Champions League final in 2006. They lost to Jeonbuk and later reached another Asian final in the AFC Cup. Take Homs back to the continental stage and finally win the trophy that escaped them.","country":"Syria","fed":"AFC","div":"Syrian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Asian final heartbreak / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c446":{"kind":"club","n":603,"club":"AS Pirae","hook":"AS Pirae reached the 2006 OFC Champions League final and later represented Oceania at the 2021 Club World Cup when Auckland City withdrew. They have experienced the global stage without ever becoming continental champions. Win Tahiti, win Oceania and qualify for the Club World Cup properly.","country":"Tahiti / French Polynesia","fed":"OFC","div":"Tahiti Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"OFC near-miss / Club World Cup chase","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c447":{"kind":"club","n":604,"club":"Tahiti United","hook":"Tahiti United are the first professional football club created to represent Tahiti/French Polynesia in the OFC Pro League. Start with virtually no club history, build a Pacific talent pathway and try to take a team from one of world football's most remote markets all the way towards FIFA's global club competitions.","country":"Tahiti / French Polynesia","fed":"OFC","div":"OFC Pro League","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"First professional club / remote nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Geography","New club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Regional professional league","src":"https://www.ofcproleague.com/teams/tahiti-united/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c448":{"kind":"club","n":605,"club":"Taiwan Power Company","hook":"Literally the football team associated with Taiwan’s state electricity company, Taipower. They also won the AFC President’s Cup in 2011. Company team to Asian force is a very Football Manager sentence.","country":"Taiwan","fed":"AFC","div":"Taiwan Football Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c449":{"kind":"club","n":606,"club":"Istiqlol","hook":"Istiqlol were founded only in 2007, rapidly became Tajikistan's dominant club and reached the AFC Cup final twice. Domestic domination is the easy part - the real save is turning Tajik football's modern superclub into a genuine Asian force.","country":"Tajikistan","fed":"AFC","div":"Tajikistan Higher League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Domestic dynasty / Asian breakthrough","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c450":{"kind":"club","n":607,"club":"Regar-TadAZ","hook":"Regar-TadAZ are literally the club of Tajikistan's giant aluminium plant in Tursunzoda and won the AFC President's Cup three times. That combination of factory-team identity and continental history is pure Football Manager. Restore the aluminium club domestically and take it into Asia's modern competition structure.","country":"Tajikistan","fed":"AFC","div":"Tajikistan Higher League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Factory club / continental revival","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c451":{"kind":"club","n":608,"club":"Simba SC","hook":"Simba are one of Tanzania's biggest clubs and reached the CAF Cup final in 1993, but a major African trophy has never followed. Domestic success only gets you so far in this save. Win the Dar es Salaam rivalry, then build the first Simba side capable of conquering the continent.","country":"Tanzania","fed":"CAF","div":"Tanzanian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Domestic giant / first CAF title","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c452":{"kind":"club","n":609,"club":"Young Africans","hook":"Young Africans reached the 2023 CAF Confederation Cup final and came agonisingly close to giving Tanzania a major modern continental title. Build another run and finish it this time.","country":"Tanzania","fed":"CAF","div":"Tanzanian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c453":{"kind":"club","n":610,"club":"Chonburi FC","hook":"Chonburi broke Bangkok's grip on Thai football by winning the league in 2007 and went on to play in the AFC Champions League. Relegation later knocked the Sharks out of the top flight, but they have fought their way back. Rebuild Thailand's great provincial challenger and take it into Asia again.","country":"Thailand","fed":"AFC","div":"Thai League 1","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Provincial giant / Asian return","themes":["Climb the leagues","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c454":{"kind":"club","n":611,"club":"Thai Farmers Bank","hook":"One for a custom database. Thai Farmers Bank won back-to-back Asian Club Championships in 1994 and 1995 and then ceased to exist. Bring one of Asia’s strangest lost giants back from the dead.","country":"Thailand","fed":"AFC","div":"Defunct / custom database","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c455":{"kind":"club","n":612,"club":"Santa Cruz FC","hook":"Promoted from the second tier in 2025, Santa Cruz immediately finished second in the 2026 top flight without losing a match. They were only two points short of the title. Take over right before what could be the first championship in their history.","country":"Timor-Leste","fed":"AFC","div":"Timor-Leste second tier","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c456":{"kind":"club","n":613,"club":"Étoile Filante de Lomé","hook":"Étoile reached the African Cup of Champions Clubs final in 1968 and have seven post-independence Togolese league titles. Their last championship came in 1992. Restore one of Togo’s original giants and chase the African trophy they once came within a final of winning.","country":"Togo","fed":"CAF","div":"Togolese Championnat National","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c457":{"kind":"club","n":614,"club":"Nukuhetulu FC","hook":"Nukuhetulu only made their senior debut in 2020. Five years later they had won their first major cup and league championship before qualifying for the OFC Champions League. Almost every important chapter in the club’s history is still waiting to be written.","country":"Tonga","fed":"OFC","div":"Tonga Major League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c458":{"kind":"club","n":615,"club":"Defence Force","hook":"Literally the football club of Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force, and also two-time CONCACAF champions. A strange identity with genuine continental pedigree is a pretty useful combination for a save.","country":"Trinidad and Tobago","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"TT Premier Football League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c459":{"kind":"club","n":616,"club":"Club Africain","hook":"Club Africain became the first Tunisian club to win Africa’s biggest competition in 1991. City rivals Espérance have since left them far behind on the continental stage. Reverse the balance of power in Tunis.","country":"Tunisia","fed":"CAF","div":"Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c460":{"kind":"club","n":617,"club":"Altay","hook":"Altay are one of İzmir's historic giants, have won the Turkish Cup twice and spent decades in the top flight. A five-year transfer ban and financial crisis helped send them from the Süper Lig to the TFF 3. Lig in barely four years. Rebuild with the academy, clear the chaos and take the black-and-white club all the way back.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"TFF 3. Lig","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Financial collapse / academy rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c461":{"kind":"club","n":618,"club":"Amedspor","hook":"Amedspor reached the Turkish top flight for the first time in 2026 after spending most of their existence outside the elite. The immediate objective is survival, but the long-term save is much bigger: establish a new regional force in a league dominated historically by Istanbul's giants.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"Süper Lig","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"First-time top flight / regional challenger","themes":["Climb the leagues","Title chase","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amed_S.F.K.","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c462":{"kind":"club","n":619,"club":"Bursaspor","hook":"Bursaspor broke the Istanbul monopoly to become Turkish champions in 2010, then financial collapse sent them crashing all the way to the fourth tier. Their huge support has stayed with them and the climb is already under way. Take the Green Crocodiles from 1. Lig back to the Süper Lig and eventually repeat 2010.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"TFF 1. Lig","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":1,"type":"Former champion / financial-collapse rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c463":{"kind":"club","n":620,"club":"Eskişehirspor","hook":"Eskişehirspor were the first great Anatolian challengers to Istanbul's clubs, finishing Turkish league runners-up three times around the turn of the 1970s. Decades later debt and points deductions pushed them out of the professional game. They are back in the TFF 3. Lig - rebuild one of Turkey's great lost fanbases.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"TFF 3. Lig","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic challenger / extreme rebuild","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c464":{"kind":"club","n":621,"club":"Göztepe","hook":"Göztepe became the first Turkish club to reach a major European semi-final when they made the last four of the 1968/69 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. İzmir has never had a modern superclub to match Istanbul's giants. Turn one of Turkey's continental pioneers into the club that finally changes that.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"Süper Lig","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-High","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental pioneer / break Istanbul dominance","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-high resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c465":{"kind":"club","n":622,"club":"Altyn Asyr","hook":"Altyn Asyr reached the AFC Cup final in 2018, one of the biggest achievements in Turkmen club football. Build another run and try to become the country’s first continental champions.","country":"Turkmenistan","fed":"AFC","div":"Ýokary Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental breakthrough / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c466":{"kind":"club","n":623,"club":"Köpetdag Aşgabat","hook":"Köpetdag won six of Turkmenistan's first seven league championships after independence, then disappeared from the title picture for decades. Rebuild the club that defined the country's first football era and turn Ashgabat's forgotten dynasty into an Asian challenger.","country":"Turkmenistan","fed":"AFC","div":"Ýokary Liga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Original dynasty / Asian nation-builder","themes":["Historic club","Nation-builder","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c467":{"kind":"club","n":624,"club":"Tamanuku","hook":"Tamanuku have old cup pedigree but have never won Tuvalu’s A-Division. They finished third in 2026. Take Nukufetau its first league title.","country":"Tuvalu","fed":"OFC","div":"Tuvalu A-Division","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Continental redemption / trophy chase","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c468":{"kind":"club","n":625,"club":"KCCA","hook":"KCCA are owned by the Kampala Capital City Authority and have become one of Uganda's most successful modern clubs. A municipal authority winning domestic trophies is strange enough; now take the city-owned side beyond Uganda and try to deliver the country's first CAF club title.","country":"Uganda","fed":"CAF","div":"Uganda Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Municipal club / CAF nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c469":{"kind":"club","n":626,"club":"SC Villa","hook":"Uganda’s record champions also reached an African final in 1991, but the country is still waiting for its first continental club champion. End that wait with its biggest club.","country":"Uganda","fed":"CAF","div":"Uganda Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c470":{"kind":"club","n":627,"club":"Karpaty Lviv","hook":"Karpaty won the Soviet Cup in 1969 while playing outside the top division and became one of western Ukraine's great football institutions. The original club collapsed in 2021, but a new Karpaty has already climbed back into the Ukrainian Premier League. Finish the rebirth by challenging the country's traditional powers.","country":"Ukraine","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ukrainian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Phoenix rebuild / regional challenger","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c471":{"kind":"club","n":628,"club":"LNZ Cherkasy","hook":"LNZ were playing in Ukraine's fourth tier in 2021. Five years later they finished second in the Ukrainian Premier League and qualified for Europe for the first time. The save is a continuation of one of Europe's fastest climbs - can you turn a brand-new top-flight challenger into Ukraine's next heavyweight?","country":"Ukraine","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ukrainian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Rapid rise / new challenger","themes":["Title chase","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://upl.ua/en/tournaments/championship/428?id=428","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c472":{"kind":"club","n":629,"club":"Metalist Kharkiv","hook":"The old Metalist reached the Europa League quarter-finals in 2012 and finished second in Ukraine a year later before financial collapse ended the club in 2016. The Metalist name was revived and is now back in the Ukrainian second tier. Take Kharkiv from a second life to the Champions League.","country":"Ukraine","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ukrainian First League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Phoenix identity / European restoration","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to win a continental trophy."},"c473":{"kind":"club","n":630,"club":"Palm City FC","hook":"Founded only in 2023, Palm City raced through back-to-back promotions and won a league-and-cup double in 2025/26. Their squad makes the save even stranger, with experienced names such as William Carvalho, Alejandro Pozuelo, Moussa Marega and Abdoulay Diaby turning up outside the top flight. Keep the chaos going.","country":"United Arab Emirates","fed":"AFC","div":"UAE First Division","tier":2,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"New club / create the history","themes":["Historic club","New club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c474":{"kind":"club","n":631,"club":"New York Cosmos","hook":"Pelé. Beckenbauer. One of the biggest names in American football history. After years away, the Cosmos returned to professional competition in 2026 in USL League One, the third tier - rebuild the most famous old American club from the bottom up.","country":"United States","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"USL League One","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic brand revival / lower-league climb","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c660":{"kind":"club","n":632,"club":"Detroit City FC","hook":"Detroit City were founded by supporters who wanted something different from American franchise football. They've built a serious following and are planning a new stadium. Keep the grassroots identity, win trophies in the USL and put Detroit on the national football map.","country":"United States","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"USL Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Grassroots fan culture / USL build","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c661":{"kind":"club","n":633,"club":"Chattanooga FC","hook":"Chattanooga sold shares to thousands of supporters and built a strong following outside MLS. Now in MLS NEXT Pro, they're still an unusual community-owned project in American football. Win the US Open Cup and, with a custom pyramid, take them all the way to the top.","country":"United States","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"MLS NEXT Pro","tier":0,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Local","obs":4,"type":"Supporter shareholder model / custom US pyramid","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Reserve professional","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts outside a promotion-linked top division; build domestically requires a custom pathway."},"c662":{"kind":"club","n":634,"club":"Phoenix Rising FC","hook":"Didier Drogba finished his playing career as Phoenix Rising's player-co-owner, and the club later won 20 straight matches in 2019. They've since won the USL Championship. Build on that history and take Arizona's club into continental football.","country":"United States","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"USL Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Drogba ownership / record run","themes":["Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c663":{"kind":"club","n":635,"club":"San Diego FC","hook":"San Diego entered MLS with backing from the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and links to the Right to Dream academy network. Build around young players developed through that pathway and turn an expansion club into MLS champions.","country":"United States","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Major League Soccer","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Native American ownership / academy network","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c475":{"kind":"club","n":636,"club":"Defensor Sporting","hook":"Defensor's 1976 title was the first in Uruguay's professional era won by anyone outside Nacional and Peñarol. Fifty years on, repeat the rebellion - win another championship and establish a genuine third force in Uruguay.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Uruguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Break the duopoly / historic disruptor","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c476":{"kind":"club","n":637,"club":"Plaza Colonia","hook":"Plaza Colonia are a tiny club from Colonia del Sacramento who stunned Uruguay by winning the 2016 Clausura. Break the Montevideo monopoly properly this time - turn a small-town shock winner into a permanent challenger to Nacional and Peñarol.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Uruguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Small-town upset / break the duopoly","themes":["Title chase","Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c477":{"kind":"club","n":638,"club":"Bunyodkor","hook":"Bunyodkor were the ultimate boom-era project: Rivaldo played there, Zico and Luiz Felipe Scolari managed them and they reached the AFC Champions League semi-finals. The superstar spending disappeared. Rebuild the club without the cheat-code names and prove the project can survive on football rather than celebrity.","country":"Uzbekistan","fed":"AFC","div":"Uzbekistan Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Post-boom rebuild / Asian title chase","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c478":{"kind":"club","n":639,"club":"Nasaf","hook":"Nasaf won the AFC Cup in 2011, becoming the first Uzbek club to lift a major continental trophy. They have continued to challenge domestically without becoming an Asian superpower. Use Qarshi as the base for a save aimed at taking Uzbekistan from AFC Cup success to the top of the Champions League Elite.","country":"Uzbekistan","fed":"AFC","div":"Uzbekistan Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":3,"type":"Continental pioneer / Asian progression","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c479":{"kind":"club","n":640,"club":"Pakhtakor","hook":"One of Central Asia’s great historic clubs had to rebuild after the 1979 air disaster that killed much of their first-team squad. Pakhtakor subsequently became a major force at home but have never been champions of Asia. Add the continental trophy missing from their history.","country":"Uzbekistan","fed":"AFC","div":"Uzbekistan Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen giant / rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c480":{"kind":"club","n":641,"club":"Amicale FC","hook":"Amicale reached two OFC Champions League finals, in 2011 and 2014, and lost both to Auckland City. Vanuatu has never won the competition - turn the country's great nearly side into Oceania's next continental champion.","country":"Vanuatu","fed":"OFC","div":"Vanuatu Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Continental near-miss / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c481":{"kind":"club","n":642,"club":"Tafea FC","hook":"Tafea won 15 consecutive Vanuatu top-flight championships between 1994 and 2008/09, a recognised world record. Domestic dominance on that scale is almost impossible to improve on. The save is about converting the greatest league dynasty in football into Vanuatu's first OFC Champions League winner.","country":"Vanuatu","fed":"OFC","div":"Vanuatu Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"World-record dynasty / continental step-up","themes":["Continental glory","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; tiny resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c482":{"kind":"club","n":643,"club":"Cappella Sistina","hook":"Yes, the Sistine Chapel choir has a football team competing in Vatican football. For anyone willing to build the required custom database, winning with Cappella Sistina might be the most Football Manager thing on this entire list.","country":"Vatican City","fed":"UEFA","div":"Vatican football championship / custom DB","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c483":{"kind":"club","n":644,"club":"Universidad Central de Venezuela","hook":"Universidad Central de Venezuela were founded by university students and have returned to continental football. Take an actual university club, break the traditional Venezuelan order and try to turn it into a Copa Libertadores force.","country":"Venezuela","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Venezuelan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"University club / continental rise","themes":["Continental glory","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c484":{"kind":"club","n":645,"club":"Hanoi FC","hook":"Hanoi won the ASEAN section of the 2019 AFC Cup and made it all the way to the Inter-Zone Final. Recreate one of Vietnam’s best continental runs and see whether you can take the final steps.","country":"Vietnam","fed":"AFC","div":"V.League 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c485":{"kind":"club","n":646,"club":"Bangor 1876","hook":"Bangor 1876 were created by supporters in 2019 as turmoil engulfed historic Bangor City. They won the Ardal North West in 2025/26 and have reached Cymru North. Rebuild senior football in one of Wales' most historic football cities and eventually take the supporter club into Europe.","country":"Wales","fed":"UEFA","div":"Cymru North","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Supporter club / reclaim the city","themes":["City rivalry","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to secure European qualification."},"c486":{"kind":"club","n":647,"club":"Barry Town United","hook":"Barry dominated Wales in the 1990s and early 2000s, winning seven league titles and even beating Porto 3-1 at Jenner Park in 2001. Financial collapse then nearly wiped the club out. Restore Wales' former superclub and turn one famous European night into regular league-phase football.","country":"Wales","fed":"UEFA","div":"Cymru Premier","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen Welsh giant / European revival","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c487":{"kind":"club","n":648,"club":"Cardiff Met","hook":"Cardiff Met are literally a university football club competing in the Welsh top flight. In 2019 they became the first British men's university side to qualify for European competition. Lean fully into the identity: develop students and young players, beat professional clubs and see how far an academic institution can go in Europe.","country":"Wales","fed":"UEFA","div":"Cymru Premier","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"University club / youth-development challenge","themes":["Youth and academy","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff_Metropolitan_University_F.C.","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to secure European qualification."},"c488":{"kind":"club","n":649,"club":"Rhyl 1879","hook":"Rhyl FC were Welsh champions twice and played European football before being wound up in 2020. Supporters formed Rhyl 1879 immediately afterwards, and the new club has climbed into Cymru North. Restore the Lilywhites to the top flight and recreate the European nights without repeating the financial ending.","country":"Wales","fed":"UEFA","div":"Cymru North","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Phoenix club / Welsh revival","themes":["Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c489":{"kind":"club","n":650,"club":"The New Saints","hook":"TNS became the first club from the Welsh domestic league to reach a UEFA league phase in 2024/25. The oddity is that their home ground is in Oswestry, England. Use Wales' dominant club as a coefficient-building project: go from qualifying regularly to actually competing deep into Europe.","country":"Wales","fed":"UEFA","div":"Cymru Premier","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Domestic domination / European progression","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.uefa.com/uefaconferenceleague/news/0293-1c5d4600ce57-3f9821c9e458-1000--uefa-conference-league-success-for-the-new-saints-benefiting/","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c490":{"kind":"club","n":651,"club":"Trefelin BGC","hook":"Trefelin reached the Cymru Premier for the first time in 2026/27. You are starting at the exact moment a small Welsh club hits its highest-ever level. Survive, professionalise, break the established domestic hierarchy and eventually take a complete European newcomer into UEFA qualifying.","country":"Wales","fed":"UEFA","div":"Cymru Premier","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"First-time top flight / Welsh underdog","themes":["Climb the leagues","New club"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9qd254r8xro","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c491":{"kind":"club","n":652,"club":"Merthyr Town","hook":"Merthyr are a Welsh, fan-owned club that deliberately chose the English pyramid over a route into the Cymru Premier because the dream is the EFL. They are now in National League North. Complete one of Britain's strangest cross-border projects and take a Welsh supporter-owned club into the Football League.","country":"Wales (English pyramid)","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League North","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Fan-owned / cross-border EFL chase","themes":["Climb the leagues","Geography","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","src":"https://www.merthyrtownfc.co.uk/results-2627","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c492":{"kind":"club","n":653,"club":"Al-Tilal Aden","hook":"Al-Tilal trace their history back to 1905 in Aden, making them one of the oldest clubs in the Arabian Peninsula. They also won the first championship of unified Yemen in 1990/91. Take the birthplace of Yemeni club football back to number one.","country":"Yemen","fed":"AFC","div":"Yemeni League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c493":{"kind":"club","n":654,"club":"Kabwe Warriors","hook":"Kabwe Warriors are inseparable from Godfrey Chitalu, the Zambian striker credited by the country's FA with scoring 107 goals in 1972 - one of football's most disputed records. Build a side worthy of the legend, return Kabwe to the title race and see if one of your strikers can chase an impossible number.","country":"Zambia","fed":"CAF","div":"Zambia Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Record-chasing identity / historic club","themes":["Historic club","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c494":{"kind":"club","n":655,"club":"Power Dynamos","hook":"Power Dynamos became Zambia’s first continental trophy winners in 1991 and remain the only Zambian club to have achieved it. More than three decades later, build the second great African chapter.","country":"Zambia","fed":"CAF","div":"Zambia Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Continental","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / long-term build","themes":["Historic club"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c495":{"kind":"club","n":656,"club":"Dynamos Harare","hook":"Dynamos reached the 1998 African Champions League final, but Zimbabwe has still never produced a winner of Africa's biggest club trophy. Take the country's most famous club back to that stage and finally get Zimbabwe over the line.","country":"Zimbabwe","fed":"CAF","div":"Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental near-miss / nation-builder","themes":["Nation-builder","Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c496":{"kind":"club","n":657,"club":"Highlanders","hook":"Highlanders are one of Zimbabwe's biggest and oldest clubs, carrying the football identity of Bulawayo, but they have not won the league since 2006. Dynamos and the Harare-centred game have had too much of the modern spotlight. End the drought and make Zimbabwe's second city number one again.","country":"Zimbabwe","fed":"CAF","div":"Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Second-city giant / title drought","themes":["Title chase","City rivalry"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; very low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c664":{"kind":"club","n":658,"club":"San Lorenzo","hook":"San Lorenzo won the Libertadores in 2014, but by 2026 they were dealing with huge debts, dozens of legal cases and unpaid wages. Fix the finances without gutting the squad, then put one of Argentina's biggest clubs back in a position to win trophies.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Argentine Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c665":{"kind":"club","n":659,"club":"Godoy Cruz","hook":"Seventeen straight seasons in Argentina's top flight ended with relegation in 2025. Godoy Cruz are back in Primera Nacional after years as an established Primera División side. Get Mendoza's club promoted and build a team that can stay up and compete in South America again.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera Nacional","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c666":{"kind":"club","n":660,"club":"Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata","hook":"Gimnasia's last Argentine championship was in 1929, before the professional era. They came close in 1995 but have spent most of their history looking up at neighbours Estudiantes. End almost a century of waiting and give La Plata a different league champion.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Argentine Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c667":{"kind":"club","n":661,"club":"Colón de Santa Fe","hook":"Colón waited 116 years to win a major trophy, then lifted the 2021 Copa de la Liga. Two years later they were relegated. Get Santa Fe's fallen cup winners back into the top flight and make sure the club's next trophy doesn't take another century.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera Nacional","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c668":{"kind":"club","n":662,"club":"Independiente","hook":"Seven Libertadores titles, more than anyone else, but not one since 1984. Financial instability has left Independiente a long way from the side that once ruled South America. Put the finances right and chase an eighth continental title.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Argentine Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c669":{"kind":"club","n":663,"club":"Independiente Rivadavia","hook":"Independiente Rivadavia only reached the top flight in 2023, won their first major trophy in 2025 and beat Fluminense at the Maracanã during their 2026 Libertadores campaign. Turn an extraordinary run from Mendoza into lasting success, rather than one brilliant spell followed by a collapse.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Argentine Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c670":{"kind":"club","n":664,"club":"Huracán","hook":"César Luis Menotti's Huracán won the 1973 Argentine title playing unforgettable attacking football. They've never been league champions since and lost the 2025 Apertura final to Platense. Bring that style back and finish what several generations of Huracán teams couldn't.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Argentine Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c671":{"kind":"club","n":665,"club":"Argentinos Juniors","hook":"Maradona made his debut here, and Argentinos went on to win the Libertadores in 1985. Few clubs have such a strong reputation for developing players. Build through the academy, produce another great Argentine talent and take the trophy back to La Paternal.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Argentine Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c672":{"kind":"club","n":666,"club":"Newell's Old Boys","hook":"Messi grew up playing for Newell's, while Bielsa and Martino are part of the club's history. Their last league title came under Martino in 2013. Make the Rosario academy the heart of the club again and develop a side capable of challenging Argentina's giants.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Argentine Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c673":{"kind":"club","n":667,"club":"Deportivo Español","hook":"Founded by Spanish immigrants, Deportivo Español spent 15 seasons in Argentina's top flight before sliding into Primera C. Bring the Buenos Aires club back from the fourth tier, perhaps signing only Argentine and Spanish players to keep the original identity.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera C","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c674":{"kind":"club","n":668,"club":"Club Atlético Atlas","hook":"Atlas became a cult favourite through the documentary series Atlas, la otra pasión, which followed players balancing football with ordinary jobs. After decades at the bottom of Argentina's pyramid, the club finally won promotion in 2021. See how far television's most famous lower-league side can climb.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera C","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c675":{"kind":"club","n":669,"club":"Tigre","hook":"In 2019 Tigre were relegated from Primera División and then beat Boca Juniors to win the Copa de la Superliga, qualifying for the Libertadores as a second-tier club. Recreate that cup magic, this time while building a side that can actually stay in the top division.","country":"Argentina","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Argentine Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c676":{"kind":"club","n":670,"club":"Rocha FC","hook":"Rocha won the 2005 Apertura to become the first club from outside Montevideo to win a Uruguayan top-flight tournament. They lost the championship final and later dropped down the leagues. Return to Primera División and finally deliver an overall title to a club from outside the capital.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera División Amateur (check placement)","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c677":{"kind":"club","n":671,"club":"Rampla Juniors","hook":"Rampla won the Uruguayan championship in 1927, but fell to the third tier in 2025 amid serious financial problems. Restore one of Montevideo's old champions, get the club back on its feet and make their centenary of that title worth celebrating.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera División Amateur","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c678":{"kind":"club","n":672,"club":"Albion FC","hook":"Founded in 1891, Albion are Uruguay's oldest football club and helped establish the national association. They returned to the top flight for 2026 after more than a century spent largely outside it. Take Uruguay's original club and make them champions for the first time.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Uruguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Club rebuild / nation-building","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c679":{"kind":"club","n":673,"club":"Bella Vista","hook":"Bella Vista shocked Uruguay by winning the league in 1990, finishing seven points above Nacional. They've since tumbled into amateur football. Start in the lower leagues, return the old champions to Primera División and find out whether 1990 can happen again.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Amateur / lower division (verify)","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c680":{"kind":"club","n":674,"club":"Progreso","hook":"Progreso's only league title came in 1989 when their president was Tabaré Vázquez, who later became president of Uruguay. They finished above both Nacional and Peñarol. Take the former outsider champions and recreate their most unlikely season.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Uruguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c681":{"kind":"club","n":675,"club":"Danubio","hook":"Founded by Bulgarian immigrants and named after the Danube, Danubio have won four Uruguayan titles and produced the likes of Cavani and Giménez. Their last title came in 2014. Keep the academy producing stars and take the club from domestic success to the Libertadores.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Uruguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c682":{"kind":"club","n":676,"club":"Central Español","hook":"Central Español were promoted in 1983 and won the Uruguayan league in 1984, an extraordinary first season back. They returned to Primera División for 2026 after 12 years away. Try to repeat the original promotion miracle, then build something that lasts.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Uruguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Club rebuild / nation-building","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c683":{"kind":"club","n":677,"club":"Montevideo Wanderers","hook":"Wanderers won three Uruguayan titles before professionalism, the most recent in 1931. They were close in 2014 but lost the championship final to Danubio. End a league drought that has almost reached a century without being one of Montevideo's two giants.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Uruguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c684":{"kind":"club","n":678,"club":"Liverpool FC (Montevideo)","hook":"Uruguay's Liverpool waited 108 years for their first league championship, finally beating Peñarol in the 2023 final. The domestic breakthrough is complete. Next comes the Libertadores, with a club named after one of England's most famous football cities.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Uruguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c685":{"kind":"club","n":679,"club":"Nacional","hook":"Nacional have three Libertadores and three Intercontinental Cups, but their last continental triumph was in 1988. No Uruguayan club has won the Libertadores since. The domestic title isn't the challenge here: bring South America's biggest prize back to Montevideo.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Uruguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c686":{"kind":"club","n":680,"club":"Peñarol","hook":"Peñarol won the very first Libertadores in 1960 and five in total, but none since 1987. Their last final ended in defeat to Neymar's Santos in 2011. Build a side worthy of the club's continental history and get that sixth title.","country":"Uruguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Uruguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"Continental","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c687":{"kind":"club","n":681,"club":"Oțelul Galați","hook":"Oțelul were Romanian champions in 2011 and faced Manchester United in the Champions League that autumn. They went bankrupt five years later, and supporters had to start again in the fourth tier. Keep the recovery going without repeating the financial mistakes that destroyed the original club.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c688":{"kind":"club","n":682,"club":"Rapid București","hook":"Rapid's railway workers won three Romanian titles and reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 2006. Bankruptcy forced a restart in the lower leagues in 2016, but they're back in the SuperLiga. End the title drought stretching back to 2003 and return to Europe.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c689":{"kind":"club","n":683,"club":"UTA Arad","hook":"UTA won six Romanian championships and knocked reigning European champions Feyenoord out of the European Cup in 1970. They haven't won a league title for more than half a century. Bring Romania's western giant back to the top and give Arad another famous European night.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c690":{"kind":"club","n":684,"club":"Petrolul Ploiești","hook":"Petrolul beat Bill Shankly's Liverpool 3-1 in the European Cup in 1966, forcing a deciding third match. Their fourth and last Romanian title also came that year. End the long drought and turn a club with genuine European history into champions again.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c691":{"kind":"club","n":685,"club":"FCU 1948 Craiova","hook":"FCU Craiova played in the Romanian top flight in 2024 but financial and licensing problems have sent them down to Liga 4. Their dispute with Universitatea Craiova makes the comeback even more interesting. Climb back through the divisions and settle the Craiova rivalry on the pitch.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga 4 (county)","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c692":{"kind":"club","n":686,"club":"Dinamo București","hook":"Dinamo won 18 Romanian titles and reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1984, eliminating Hamburg along the way. Relegation in 2022 was the first in their history. They're back in the top flight; now end the title drought and take them deep into Europe.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c693":{"kind":"club","n":687,"club":"Universitatea Cluj","hook":"Founded in 1919, Universitatea Cluj have never won the Romanian league. They came close in 2025/26, finishing second, while city rivals CFR have eight titles. Finally make the university club champions and put the Cluj rivalry on a different footing.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c694":{"kind":"club","n":688,"club":"FC Bihor Oradea","hook":"The old FC Bihor collapsed in 2016. Their replacement made it back to Romania's second tier and reached the 2026 promotion play-offs, but a licensing problem blocked the chance to go up. Fix the off-field issues first, then bring top-flight football back to Oradea.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c695":{"kind":"club","n":689,"club":"CSM Reșița","hook":"Reșița won the Romanian league in 1931 and took the cup in 1954 while playing in the second division. They have spent decades outside the top flight. Rebuild the industrial city's historic club and return a former national champion to the top.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c696":{"kind":"club","n":690,"club":"Gloria Bistrița","hook":"Gloria spent 21 consecutive seasons in Romania's top flight and won the 1994 cup before the original club collapsed. A rebuilt football project reached Liga 2 in 2025. Return Bistrița to the SuperLiga and make sure this revival is financially sustainable.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Liga 2","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c697":{"kind":"club","n":691,"club":"SR Brașov","hook":"After FC Brașov disappeared in 2017, supporters formed SR Brașov to keep the city's colours and Steagul Roșu identity alive. Start in the lower leagues with the fan-backed club and work towards putting Brașov back in the Romanian top flight.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Romanian regional leagues - verify","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"TBC","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c698":{"kind":"club","n":692,"club":"FK Csíkszereda","hook":"Csíkszereda are based in Miercurea Ciuc, a Transylvanian city with a large Hungarian-speaking population. Promotion to Romania's top flight in 2025 was a big milestone. Build around the local academy and regional identity, then try to beat Romania's established powers.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c699":{"kind":"club","n":693,"club":"Universitatea Craiova","hook":"Universitatea Craiova reached the 1983 UEFA Cup semi-finals and lost to Benfica on away goals. They finally ended a 35-year wait for another Romanian league title in 2026. Domestic redemption is complete; now take the club one step further than the great 1983 side.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"SuperLiga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c700":{"kind":"club","n":694,"club":"Astra Giurgiu","hook":"Astra won Romania's title in 2016 and knocked West Ham out of Europe twice, but financial collapse ended their time at the top. Recreate the club in a custom database and take Giurgiu from nothing back to European giant-killing nights.","country":"Romania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Inactive / reconstruction required","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Historic / inactive","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - club recreation required","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c701":{"kind":"club","n":695,"club":"MKE Ankaragücü","hook":"Ankaragücü won the Turkish Cup in 1981 while in the second division, but financial trouble and relegations have sent them to the third tier again. Restore one of Ankara's biggest clubs and bring a modern top-flight championship to the capital.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"TFF 2. Lig","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c702":{"kind":"club","n":696,"club":"Kocaelispor","hook":"Kocaelispor beat Beşiktaş 4-0 in the 2002 Turkish Cup final before eventually falling into amateur football. Five promotions later, they returned to the Süper Lig in 2025. The climb is done; now build a club capable of winning its first league championship.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"Süper Lig","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c703":{"kind":"club","n":697,"club":"Samsunspor","hook":"Samsunspor lost their manager and several players in the 1989 team-bus disaster. Decades of rebuilding and lower-league spells followed, before a return to Europe in 2025. Take the Black Sea club beyond survival and win a first Turkish championship.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"Süper Lig","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c704":{"kind":"club","n":698,"club":"Altınordu","hook":"Altınordu produced Çağlar Söyüncü and Cengiz Ünder through an academy built around Turkish players. For years they refused to use foreign players at all. Commit to that rule in FM and see whether a locally developed squad can win Turkey and then Europe.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"TFF 2. Lig","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c705":{"kind":"club","n":699,"club":"Adana Demirspor","hook":"Balotelli was playing European qualifiers with Adana Demirspor in 2023. By 2026, financial trouble, points deductions and relegation had sent the club into the third tier. Repair the damage, clear the debts and bring them back without relying on another expensive spending spree.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"TFF 2. Lig","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c706":{"kind":"club","n":700,"club":"Denizlispor","hook":"Denizlispor knocked Lyon out of the 2002/03 UEFA Cup before losing to José Mourinho's Porto. They've since fallen out of Turkish professional football. Start in the amateur leagues and take the club that once shocked France's champions back to Europe.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"Turkish amateur / regional leagues","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Amateur","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c707":{"kind":"club","n":701,"club":"Karabük İdman Yurdu","hook":"The old Karabükspor faced Saint-Étienne in Europe in 2014 before financial collapse ended the club in 2023. Karabük İdman Yurdu now carry the city's hopes in the lower divisions. Take the new steel-town side to the Süper Lig and revive European football in Karabük.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"TFF 3. Lig","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c708":{"kind":"club","n":702,"club":"Gençlerbirliği","hook":"Founded by disgruntled schoolboys, Gençlerbirliği knocked Blackburn, Sporting and Parma out of the 2003/04 UEFA Cup. They even beat eventual winners Valencia in Ankara. Build around young players and bring a first modern league title to the Turkish capital.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"Süper Lig","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c709":{"kind":"club","n":703,"club":"İstanbulspor","hook":"İstanbulspor were founded by pupils and teachers at Istanbul High School, with colours tied to the school's First World War history. They have spent years overshadowed by the city's three giants. Restore the student-founded club and give Istanbul a different champion.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"TFF 1. Lig","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c710":{"kind":"club","n":704,"club":"Fenerbahçe","hook":"Fenerbahçe haven't won the Turkish league since 2014, despite vast spending and some big-name managers. Galatasaray have collected titles while their rivals have watched on. End the drought and finally take Fenerbahçe to a Champions League final.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"Süper Lig","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c711":{"kind":"club","n":705,"club":"Hatayspor","hook":"The 2023 earthquakes devastated Hatay and killed members of the club, including Christian Atsu and sporting director Taner Savut. Hatayspor subsequently suffered two relegations. Bring football in Antakya back to the top flight and build a team the city can be proud of.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"TFF 2. Lig","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c712":{"kind":"club","n":706,"club":"Çorum FK","hook":"Çorum only entered the professional leagues in 2018 but won the 2026 promotion play-off to reach the Süper Lig for the first time. Keep them there, compete with Turkey's established powers and see how far a club with almost no top-flight history can climb.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"Süper Lig","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Club rebuild / nation-building","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c713":{"kind":"club","n":707,"club":"Sivasspor","hook":"Sivasspor came close to winning the Turkish title in 2009 and finally lifted their first major cup in 2022. Relegation followed in 2025. Return to the Süper Lig and finish the championship challenge that the famous 2009 side couldn't.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"TFF 1. Lig","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c714":{"kind":"club","n":708,"club":"Akhisarspor / Akhisar 1970 Spor Kulübü","hook":"Akhisarspor beat Fenerbahçe in the 2018 Turkish Cup final and Galatasaray in the Super Cup, then played in Europe. Financial collapse followed, and a separate Akhisar 1970 project now offers a route forward. Use a custom setup to rebuild the town's football identity from amateur level.","country":"Turkey","fed":"UEFA","div":"Akhisar 1970 / local amateur football","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Amateur","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c715":{"kind":"club","n":709,"club":"Cienciano","hook":"Cienciano beat River Plate to win the 2003 Copa Sudamericana and Boca Juniors to lift the Recopa in 2004. Yet they've never won Peru's league. Take the club that conquered South America and finally make them champions of their own country, then go after the Libertadores.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Liga 1","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c716":{"kind":"club","n":710,"club":"Unión Minas","hook":"Unión Minas played top-flight football almost 4,300 metres above sea level in Cerro de Pasco. The miners disappeared from the professional game before winning the 2025 Copa Perú to reach Liga 2. Get them promoted and use one of football's highest home grounds to your advantage.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Liga 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c717":{"kind":"club","n":711,"club":"Deportivo Municipal","hook":"Four-time Peruvian champions Deportivo Municipal haven't won the league since 1950. Years of financial trouble took them out of professional football, with exclusion from Liga 3 in 2026. Start in the amateur game and rebuild one of Lima's old powers from scratch.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Copa Perú / amateur regional","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c718":{"kind":"club","n":712,"club":"Atlético Torino","hook":"Atlético Torino have won the Copa Perú five times, more than anyone else, yet haven't played in the top flight since 1997. Take Peru's promotion specialists back to Primera División and finally win the national championship that has always eluded them.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Copa Perú / amateur regional","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c719":{"kind":"club","n":713,"club":"Unión Huaral","hook":"Unión Huaral became Peru's first provincial champions in 1976 and won a second league title in 1989. They later lost their second-division licence and fell into Liga 3. Bring one of the original challengers to Lima's dominance back to Primera División.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Liga 3","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c720":{"kind":"club","n":714,"club":"Juan Aurich","hook":"Juan Aurich beat Alianza Lima on penalties to win the Peruvian championship in 2011. Financial and licensing problems later sent the Chiclayo club down the divisions. Rebuild the former champions in Liga 3 and bring Libertadores football back to northern Peru.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Liga 3","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c721":{"kind":"club","n":715,"club":"Cusco FC","hook":"Founded as Real Garcilaso in 2009, Cusco reached the Libertadores quarter-finals just four years later. They've finished runners-up in Peru several times without winning the league. Finish the job domestically, then try to surpass that remarkable 2013 continental run.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Liga 1","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c722":{"kind":"club","n":716,"club":"Deportivo Garcilaso","hook":"Founded by schoolteachers in 1957, Deportivo Garcilaso waited 65 years to reach Peru's top flight. They qualified for the Copa Sudamericana in their first season there. Build on that extraordinary rise and bring a first national title to Cusco's school-founded club.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Liga 1","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c723":{"kind":"club","n":717,"club":"Sporting Cristal","hook":"Sporting Cristal reached the 1997 Libertadores final but lost 1-0 to Cruzeiro after a goalless first leg. No Peruvian club has won the competition. Take one of the country's biggest names back to that stage and finish the job the 1997 side couldn't.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Liga 1","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c724":{"kind":"club","n":718,"club":"Coronel Bolognesi","hook":"Coronel Bolognesi won the 2007 Clausura and played Libertadores football from the border city of Tacna. Financial problems later drove them into the local amateur leagues. Rebuild from the bottom and get the former continental qualifiers back among Peru's elite.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Copa Perú / district leagues","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c725":{"kind":"club","n":719,"club":"Universitario de Deportes","hook":"Universitario were the first Peruvian club to reach a Libertadores final, losing to Independiente in 1972. They won three straight domestic titles from 2023 to 2025, so another league championship isn't the main challenge. Finally win the trophy that has eluded Peru for more than half a century.","country":"Peru","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Liga 1","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"High","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c726":{"kind":"club","n":720,"club":"Chabab Mohammédia","hook":"Chabab Mohammédia won the Moroccan championship in 1980. In 2024/25 they finished bottom with just four points and not a single win in 30 matches. Take a former champion from that disastrous season into the second tier and put the club back together.","country":"Morocco","fed":"CAF","div":"Botola 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c727":{"kind":"club","n":721,"club":"Kawkab Marrakech","hook":"Kawkab Marrakech won Morocco's league in 1992 and the CAF Cup in 1996, overturning a first-leg deficit against Étoile du Sahel. They returned to the top flight in 2025 after years away. Restore the great Marrakech side and bring the city another African trophy.","country":"Morocco","fed":"CAF","div":"Botola Pro","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c728":{"kind":"club","n":722,"club":"Kénitra AC","hook":"Kénitra won four Moroccan championships, including consecutive titles in 1981 and 1982. They haven't been champions since and have slipped into the second division. Take the former giants back up and bring a league title to Kénitra after more than four decades.","country":"Morocco","fed":"CAF","div":"Botola 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c729":{"kind":"club","n":723,"club":"Mouloudia Oujda","hook":"Mouloudia Oujda won four of the first six Moroccan Throne Cups and added a league title in 1975. They now play in the second tier. Restore one of the country's original cup specialists and put Oujda back in the title race.","country":"Morocco","fed":"CAF","div":"Botola 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c730":{"kind":"club","n":724,"club":"Raja Beni Mellal","hook":"Raja Beni Mellal upset Morocco's giants to win the league in 1974. More than 50 years later they're down in the third tier. Start from the lower leagues and see whether the former outsider champions can pull off another national title.","country":"Morocco","fed":"CAF","div":"Moroccan third tier","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c731":{"kind":"club","n":725,"club":"Olympic Safi","hook":"Olympic Safi won their first major trophy in 2025 and reached the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals in 2026, only to be relegated from Morocco's top flight that same season. Start in the second tier with recent cup winners and get them back into Africa.","country":"Morocco","fed":"CAF","div":"Botola 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c732":{"kind":"club","n":726,"club":"Difaâ Hassani El Jadida","hook":"Difaâ El Jadida have finished runners-up in Morocco three times but have never won the league. They finally lifted the Throne Cup in 2013 after beating Raja Casablanca on penalties. End their long run as nearly-men and bring the first championship to El Jadida.","country":"Morocco","fed":"CAF","div":"Botola Pro","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c733":{"kind":"club","n":727,"club":"Sfax Railway Sport","hook":"Founded by railway workers, Sfax Railway Sport shocked Tunisia by winning the 1968 league title and nearly completed the double. They're now in the second tier, while CS Sfaxien have become the city's main force. Get the railway club promoted and make them Sfax's biggest team again.","country":"Tunisia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue Professionnelle 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c734":{"kind":"club","n":728,"club":"CS Hammam-Lif","hook":"CS Hammam-Lif won four Tunisian titles and nine cups, but haven't been league champions since the 1950s. They returned to the top flight for 2026/27. Restore one of Tunisia's original giants and give them a first championship in more than 70 years.","country":"Tunisia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue Professionnelle 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c735":{"kind":"club","n":729,"club":"CA Bizertin","hook":"CA Bizertin became the first Tunisian winners of a major African trophy, lifting the Cup Winners' Cup in 1988. Their last domestic league title was in 1984. End the drought and take Bizerte back into continental competition.","country":"Tunisia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue Professionnelle 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c736":{"kind":"club","n":730,"club":"Étoile du Sahel","hook":"Étoile du Sahel won the 2007 African Champions League in Cairo and finished fourth at that year's Club World Cup. Financial trouble has since made life harder. Restore their continental reputation and go one better than the side that reached the world semi-finals.","country":"Tunisia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue Professionnelle 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c737":{"kind":"club","n":731,"club":"CS Sfaxien","hook":"CS Sfaxien were seconds from winning the 2006 African Champions League final before Aboutrika scored a late winner for Al Ahly. They've since won the Confederation Cup three times, but not Africa's biggest prize. Return to the Champions League final and finish the job.","country":"Tunisia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue Professionnelle 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c738":{"kind":"club","n":732,"club":"Stade Tunisien","hook":"Stade Tunisien won four league titles between 1957 and 1965 but none since. A cup triumph in 2024 finally brought silverware back to the club. Turn the cup revival into a first league championship in over 60 years and challenge Tunis's bigger sides.","country":"Tunisia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue Professionnelle 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c739":{"kind":"club","n":733,"club":"US Monastir","hook":"US Monastir finished runners-up in the Tunisian league three times between 2022 and 2025. They won their first cup in 2020 but still haven't been league champions. Take Tunisia's modern nearly-men and finally get them over the line.","country":"Tunisia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue Professionnelle 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Club rebuild / nation-building","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c740":{"kind":"club","n":734,"club":"Olympique Béja","hook":"Olympique Béja have never won the Tunisian league, but they've lifted the national cup three times, most recently against Espérance in 2023. Turn the provincial cup specialists into a side that can challenge for the title over a full season.","country":"Tunisia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue Professionnelle 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c741":{"kind":"club","n":735,"club":"PS Sakiet Eddaïer","hook":"PS Sakiet Eddaïer reached Tunisia's top flight for the first time in 2026, only two seasons after arriving in the second division. There's almost no elite-level history to restore. Survive their debut campaign and create a new football power near Sfax.","country":"Tunisia","fed":"CAF","div":"Ligue Professionnelle 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Club rebuild / nation-building","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c742":{"kind":"club","n":736,"club":"First Vienna FC","hook":"Founded in 1894, First Vienna are Austria's oldest club, have six league titles and wear a badge inspired by the Isle of Man. Their last championship came in 1955. Get them out of the second division and make the country's original football club champions again.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian 2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c743":{"kind":"club","n":737,"club":"Wacker Innsbruck","hook":"Financial collapse forced Wacker Innsbruck to restart in the fifth tier in 2022. Three straight promotions have brought them back to Austria's second division, with LAFC involved in their revival. Finish the climb and bring Bundesliga football back to Innsbruck.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian 2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c744":{"kind":"club","n":738,"club":"Grazer AK","hook":"Grazer AK won the Austrian double in 2004 before collapsing financially and restarting in the eighth tier in 2013. Six promotions took them back to the Bundesliga by 2024. Complete the return by overtaking neighbours Sturm Graz and winning another title.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian Bundesliga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c745":{"kind":"club","n":739,"club":"Mattersburger SV 2020","hook":"SV Mattersburg collapsed in 2020 after a banking scandal. Supporters formed Mattersburger SV 2020 and have climbed back to the third tier. Take the phoenix side from the Pappelstadion back into the Bundesliga, with a financial model that won't end the same way.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Regionalliga Ost","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c746":{"kind":"club","n":740,"club":"DSV Leoben","hook":"DSV Leoben reached the 2024 Austrian Cup semi-finals as a second-tier side. Financial problems then sent them into the Styrian regional leagues. Sort out the finances and take a former top-flight club from survival battles back towards the Bundesliga.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Landesliga Steiermark","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c747":{"kind":"club","n":741,"club":"FC Blau-Weiß Linz","hook":"Blau-Weiß Linz were formed by supporters after FC Linz's identity disappeared in a merger with LASK in 1997. They made it to the Bundesliga before relegation in 2026. Get promoted again, overtake LASK and give the supporter-created club a league title.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian 2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c748":{"kind":"club","n":742,"club":"Admira Wacker","hook":"Admira have nine Austrian titles but haven't won the league since 1966. Mergers, relocations and relegations have left the former Vienna power in the second tier. Put one of Austria's forgotten champions back in the Bundesliga and end the long drought.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian 2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c749":{"kind":"club","n":743,"club":"SK Vorwärts Steyr","hook":"Vorwärts Steyr spent eight straight seasons in Austria's top flight before bankruptcy in 1999. Another slide has taken them back into the third tier. Rebuild the industrial club, return to professional football and chase the major trophy they've never won.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Regionalliga","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c750":{"kind":"club","n":744,"club":"SK Rapid Wien","hook":"Rapid have 32 Austrian titles but not one since 2008. They also lost Cup Winners' Cup finals to Everton in 1985 and PSG in 1996. End the domestic drought and give Vienna's famous green-and-white club the European trophy it missed twice.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian Bundesliga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c751":{"kind":"club","n":745,"club":"SKN St. Pölten","hook":"St. Pölten reached the 2014 Austrian Cup final while playing in the second division and earned a European tie with PSV. They're back in the second tier again. Win promotion, lift the cup for real and finally put the capital of Lower Austria among the country's top teams.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian 2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c752":{"kind":"club","n":746,"club":"Austria Klagenfurt","hook":"Austria Klagenfurt went from Bundesliga football in 2024/25 to the third tier by 2026/27 as relegations and insolvency took their toll. Start with a former top-flight side in regional football and rebuild it properly.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Regionalliga Mitte","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c753":{"kind":"club","n":747,"club":"Schwarz-Weiß Bregenz","hook":"The original Schwarz-Weiß Bregenz collapsed in 2005 after playing Bundesliga football. A successor reclaimed the historic name and is now in Austria's second division. Take the western border-city club back to the top flight and win the first major title in Bregenz's history.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian 2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c754":{"kind":"club","n":748,"club":"Floridsdorfer AC","hook":"Floridsdorfer AC won Austria's league in 1918 and also won a cup final that was never officially recognised. They're now in the second division. Take the forgotten Vienna champions back to the top and finally complete a recognised league-and-cup double.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian 2. Liga","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c755":{"kind":"club","n":749,"club":"TSV Hartberg","hook":"Hartberg reached the Austrian Cup final in 2025, with more supporters travelling to the match than the town has residents. They still haven't won a major trophy. Make one of Austria's smallest top-flight towns a champion, then try to take them into Europe.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian Bundesliga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Remote location / underdog","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c756":{"kind":"club","n":750,"club":"Austria Wien","hook":"Austria Wien reached the 1978 Cup Winners' Cup final but lost to Anderlecht. Their last domestic league title was in 2013, and recent finances have been difficult. Stabilise one of Austria's great clubs and return them to a European final, this time to win it.","country":"Austria","fed":"UEFA","div":"Austrian Bundesliga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c757":{"kind":"club","n":751,"club":"KV Mechelen","hook":"Mechelen beat Ajax to win the 1988 Cup Winners' Cup and then defeated PSV in the Super Cup. No Belgian club has won a major European trophy since. After years of financial turmoil, rebuild the last Belgian European champions and take them to another continental final.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belgian Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c758":{"kind":"club","n":752,"club":"RWDM Brussels","hook":"Molenbeek's football name has endured bankruptcies, rebrands and disputes. The latest RWDM project reached Belgium's top flight before licensing problems sent it down to the third tier for 2026/27. Return Brussels' fallen club to the elite and recreate the 1975 title-winning days of the original RWDM.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"National Division 1","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c759":{"kind":"club","n":753,"club":"KSK Beveren","hook":"KSK Beveren won Belgian titles in 1979 and 1984, but the historic club eventually disappeared from senior football. Supporters preserved the old registration and brought a team back through the provincial leagues. Get the original club's colours back into the top flight, taking care not to confuse them with SK Beveren.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belgian provincial leagues - verify","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"TBC","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c760":{"kind":"club","n":754,"club":"Eendracht Aalst Lede","hook":"Aalst knocked Levski Sofia out of the 1995 UEFA Cup before facing Roma. After the old club collapsed, a new project with Lede kept the football identity going. Rebuild from the fourth tier and take the town back to professional football.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"National Division 2","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c761":{"kind":"club","n":755,"club":"KV Diksmuide-Oostende","hook":"KV Oostende played in Europe in 2017 before going bankrupt in 2024. A club from Diksmuide moved to Ostend and adopted a new identity to keep senior football alive in the city. Start in the lower leagues and bring the coast back to Belgium's top division.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"National Division 2","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c762":{"kind":"club","n":756,"club":"Berchem Sport","hook":"Berchem Sport finished second in Belgium three seasons running from 1949 to 1951, losing out to Anderlecht every time. They have never won the league and are now in the lower divisions. Return Antwerp's forgotten nearly-men to the top and finally win the title they missed three times.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"National Division 2","tier":4,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to win the domestic title."},"c763":{"kind":"club","n":757,"club":"RAAL La Louvière","hook":"The original La Louvière won the 2003 Belgian Cup but collapsed in 2009. The modern RAAL began rebuilding in the fifth tier and reached the top flight by 2025. Finish the comeback with a first league title for La Louvière and a return to Europe.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belgian Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c764":{"kind":"club","n":758,"club":"Olympic Charleroi","hook":"Olympic Charleroi finished runners-up in Belgium in 1947. They returned to the professional divisions in 2025, only to be relegated straight away. Take Charleroi's other historic club back up and finally win the championship that once slipped away.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"National Division 1","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c765":{"kind":"club","n":759,"club":"SK Beveren","hook":"SK Beveren won the 2025/26 Belgian second division unbeaten, an extraordinary feat that sent them back to the top flight. They're a separate club from historic KSK Beveren. Turn the unbeaten promotion into a first major title for the current club.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belgian Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c766":{"kind":"club","n":760,"club":"Cercle Brugge","hook":"Cercle have three Belgian titles, but the last came in 1930. They've lived in Club Brugge's shadow ever since, despite a Monaco ownership link and a recent European run. Use the youth-development connection to win Bruges for Cercle again.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belgian Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against strong opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c767":{"kind":"club","n":761,"club":"Standard Liège","hook":"Standard won ten Belgian titles and lost the 1982 Cup Winners' Cup final to Barcelona. Their last championship came in 2009, with financial trouble following in recent years. Get the finances under control and restore the club to the domestic and European top table.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belgian Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against strong opposition; aim to rebuild the club."},"c768":{"kind":"club","n":762,"club":"Club Brugge","hook":"Liverpool beat Club Brugge in both the 1976 UEFA Cup final and the 1978 European Cup final. Brugge have never returned to win Europe's biggest prize. Forget another Belgian title and build a team that can finally go one better than the side Kenny Dalglish denied at Wembley.","country":"Belgium","fed":"UEFA","div":"Belgian Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against strong opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c769":{"kind":"club","n":763,"club":"Sriwijaya FC","hook":"Sriwijaya won the Indonesian league-and-cup double in 2007/08 and another title in 2012. A long decline has sent them to Liga Nusantara, the third tier. Restore the former champions from Palembang and bring the title back to South Sumatra.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Liga Nusantara (Liga 3)","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c770":{"kind":"club","n":764,"club":"Persis Solo","hook":"Persis helped found Indonesian football's governing association and won seven early national championships. They've fallen into the second division again after relegation in 2026. Restore one of the country's original giants and end a title drought stretching back to the 1940s.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Championship (Liga 2)","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c771":{"kind":"club","n":765,"club":"PSMS Medan","hook":"PSMS dominated Indonesian football in the old Perserikatan era and won the 1967 Aga Khan Gold Cup. They're now in the second tier, a long way from their former status. Take the historic Medan side back into Indonesia's elite and beyond into Asia.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Championship (Liga 2)","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c772":{"kind":"club","n":766,"club":"PSIS Semarang","hook":"PSIS won national titles in 1987 and 1999, but were relegated straight after the second triumph. Another relegation arrived in 2025. Get Semarang back up, build a side capable of staying there and finally win a third title.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Championship (Liga 2)","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c773":{"kind":"club","n":767,"club":"Persiraja Banda Aceh","hook":"Persiraja beat Persipura to win the Indonesian championship in 1980. They haven't come close to repeating it and now play in the second division. Build around players from Aceh and take the province's historic club back to the top.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Championship (Liga 2)","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c774":{"kind":"club","n":768,"club":"PSBS Biak","hook":"PSBS Biak won Liga 2 in 2024 to reach Indonesia's top flight for the first time, before relegation in 2026. Take the small island club back up, develop Papuan players and bring a national title to Biak.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Championship (Liga 2)","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Remote location / underdog","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c775":{"kind":"club","n":769,"club":"PSIM Yogyakarta","hook":"PSIM were among the founders of Indonesia's football association and won the national championship in 1932. Their return to the top flight in 2025 ended a decades-long absence. Establish them there and end more than 90 years without another title.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Indonesian Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c776":{"kind":"club","n":770,"club":"Borneo FC Samarinda","hook":"Borneo won more games and scored more goals than Persib Bandung in 2025/26, but lost the Indonesian league despite finishing level on 79 points. The title went on head-to-head results. Take the Samarinda club and finish the job after one of the most painful near-misses in the country.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Indonesian Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c777":{"kind":"club","n":771,"club":"Persib Bandung","hook":"Persib won three consecutive Indonesian championships from 2024 to 2026, taking the latest on head-to-head results over Borneo. You're starting with the strongest side in the country. The challenge is to turn domestic dominance into an Asian Champions League title.","country":"Indonesia","fed":"AFC","div":"Indonesian Super League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c778":{"kind":"club","n":772,"club":"Lisburn Distillery","hook":"Six-time Irish League champions Distillery drew 3-3 with Benfica in the 1963 European Cup and later faced Barcelona. Financial problems sent them into Northern Ireland's third tier. Bring one of the country's oldest football names back up and recreate their European days.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Premier Intermediate League","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","dbNote":"Core tier status - verify","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c779":{"kind":"club","n":773,"club":"Glenavon","hook":"Glenavon became the first Irish League champions from outside Belfast in 1952. In 2025/26 they lost their opening 11 games and were relegated after 21 years in the Premiership. Bring Lurgan's former champions straight back and restore the club's reputation.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c780":{"kind":"club","n":774,"club":"Ards","hook":"Ards won the Irish League in 1958 and beat Standard Liège in Europe in 1973. They've spent decades without a permanent home in their own town after losing Castlereagh Park. Take them back into the Premiership and try to bring football home to Newtownards.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c781":{"kind":"club","n":775,"club":"Moyola Park","hook":"Moyola Park won the first Irish Cup in 1881, beating Cliftonville in the final. They won promotion to the second tier for 2026/27 after years outside senior football. Take the original cup winners into the Premiership and chase a league title almost 150 years later.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c782":{"kind":"club","n":776,"club":"Glentoran","hook":"Glentoran held Eusébio's Benfica to two draws in the 1967 European Cup but went out on away goals. They haven't won the Irish League since 2009. End the domestic drought and take the Belfast club further in Europe than the side that almost knocked out Benfica.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c783":{"kind":"club","n":777,"club":"Loughgall","hook":"Loughgall put a village of around 300 people into Northern Ireland's top flight in 2023. Relegation followed in 2025. Get them back up and see whether a club from one of European football's smallest top-flight settlements can reach Europe.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Remote location / underdog","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c784":{"kind":"club","n":778,"club":"Carrick Rangers","hook":"Carrick Rangers beat Linfield to win the 1976 Irish Cup while outside the top division, then faced Southampton in Europe. Recreate that famous cup run and go further, with a first league championship for Carrickfergus as the ultimate target.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c785":{"kind":"club","n":779,"club":"Newry City AFC","hook":"Newry City's original club was wound up in 2012. Supporters started again and climbed from local football to the Premiership in five seasons, before further relegations. Take the phoenix club back up and bring the first league championship to Newry.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c786":{"kind":"club","n":780,"club":"Harland & Wolff Welders","hook":"Founded by workers at Belfast's famous shipyard, the Welders began with a collection among employees and grew into a senior football club. Take a team tied to the yard that built Titanic from the Championship to the Irish Premiership and beyond.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Championship","tier":2,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c787":{"kind":"club","n":781,"club":"Coleraine","hook":"Coleraine won their only Irish League title in 1974. They finished runners-up and won the Irish Cup in 2025/26, so the groundwork for a new challenge is there. Finally bring the league championship back to the north coast.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c788":{"kind":"club","n":782,"club":"Linfield","hook":"Linfield have won more Irish League titles than any other club and reached the European Cup quarter-finals in 1967. Another domestic title won't make this save special. Reach the Champions League league phase and take Northern Ireland's most decorated club beyond its old European peak.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c789":{"kind":"club","n":783,"club":"Portadown","hook":"Portadown won four Irish League titles between 1990 and 2002, including a double in 1991. Relegations and off-field trouble have since interrupted that success. Rebuild the Shamrock Park side and bring another championship to the town after more than two decades.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c790":{"kind":"club","n":784,"club":"Crusaders","hook":"Crusaders won three titles between 2015 and 2018, but only survived the 2025/26 relegation play-off on penalties against Annagh United. Take the Belfast club from the brink of the second division back to the title race.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c791":{"kind":"club","n":785,"club":"Limavady United","hook":"Limavady knocked Linfield out of the 2026 Irish Cup while in the Championship, then won promotion to the Premiership for the first time since 2008. Keep the giant-killers up and see whether the cup shocks can become a genuine title challenge.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"NIFL Premiership","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c792":{"kind":"club","n":786,"club":"Belfast Celtic","hook":"Belfast Celtic won 14 titles before leaving the Irish League in 1949 after violence at a match against Linfield. A separate modern club now carries the name in lower-league football. With a custom database, rebuild the famous green-and-white identity without confusing the two clubs' histories.","country":"Northern Ireland","fed":"UEFA","div":"Northern Irish regional amateur leagues - verify","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"TBC","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 6 with tiny resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c793":{"kind":"club","n":787,"club":"Vancouver FC","hook":"Founded in 2022, Vancouver FC reached the Canadian Championship final in 2025 before losing to the Whitecaps. Get the Langley club past its wealthy MLS neighbour and become the first CPL side to win Canada's national cup.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Canadian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c794":{"kind":"club","n":788,"club":"Pacific FC","hook":"Pacific were Canadian Premier League champions in 2021, but a lengthy winless run left them bottom in 2026. Restore the former champions from Vancouver Island and prove that the country's west coast can still produce a title-winning CPL side.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Canadian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Remote location / underdog","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c795":{"kind":"club","n":789,"club":"CF Montréal","hook":"Montréal drew away to Club América in the 2015 CONCACAF Champions League final, then lost the home leg in front of more than 61,000 people. Rebuild the MLS club and finish the continental final they couldn't win in 2015.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Major League Soccer (USA/Canada)","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c796":{"kind":"club","n":790,"club":"Valour FC","hook":"Winnipeg's Valour FC were a founding Canadian Premier League club but never reached the play-offs and suspended operations in 2025. Bring the club back in a custom database and build the professional football team the city was supposed to have.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Operations suspended / recreation","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Historic / inactive","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - club recreation required","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c797":{"kind":"club","n":791,"club":"FC Supra du Québec","hook":"The Montréal Supra name disappeared from Canadian professional football in 1992. A new Quebec-based club revived its spirit for the 2026 CPL season and immediately made a cup run. Build a French-Canadian talent pipeline and make the new Supra national champions.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Canadian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Club rebuild / nation-building","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c798":{"kind":"club","n":792,"club":"TSS Rovers FC","hook":"TSS Rovers became the first semi-professional League1 Canada side to beat a CPL opponent in the Canadian Championship, eliminating Valour 3-1 in 2023. Keep upsetting professional clubs, then use a custom setup to turn the BC outsiders into a top-level team.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"League1 BC (no automatic CPL promotion)","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Regional","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c799":{"kind":"club","n":793,"club":"CS Saint-Laurent","hook":"Saint-Laurent knocked Halifax Wanderers out of the Canadian Championship in 2024 and beat another professional side in 2026. The Montréal amateurs keep embarrassing bigger clubs. Win the national cup without abandoning their roots, or create a promotion route in a custom database.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Ligue1 Québec (no automatic CPL promotion)","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Regional","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts outside a promotion-linked top division; climb the pyramid requires a custom pathway."},"c800":{"kind":"club","n":794,"club":"Toronto FC","hook":"Toronto won the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield and Canadian Championship in 2017, then lost the 2018 CONCACAF final on penalties to Guadalajara. Recreate the great treble-winning team and finally bring North America's biggest club trophy to Toronto.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Major League Soccer (USA/Canada)","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c801":{"kind":"club","n":795,"club":"Vancouver Whitecaps FC","hook":"The Whitecaps knocked Messi's Inter Miami out of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup before losing the final 5-0 to Cruz Azul. The run proved they can reach the biggest stage. Get back there and win it this time.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Major League Soccer (USA/Canada)","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Very Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Club rebuild / nation-building","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c802":{"kind":"club","n":796,"club":"Toronto Croatia","hook":"Toronto Croatia's immigrant community helped turn Metros-Croatia into NASL champions in 1976, with Eusébio leading the attack. Rebuild a Croatian-Canadian football project, recruit from both countries and chase another North American title through a suitable custom league.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Canadian regional / amateur league - verify","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Regional","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 5 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c803":{"kind":"club","n":797,"club":"Serbian White Eagles","hook":"Toronto's Serbian White Eagles played in the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 1975, where a tie against Monterrey ended amid disorder. Recreate a Serbian-Canadian side capable of reaching the continental stage again, this time with the football remembered more than the trouble.","country":"Canada","fed":"CONCACAF","div":"Canadian regional / amateur league - verify","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"Regional","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 4 with tiny resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c804":{"kind":"club","n":798,"club":"General Caballero (Juan León Mallorquín)","hook":"General Caballero were relegated from Paraguay's top flight in 2025 but won the national cup in the same season. Relegation cost them the Libertadores place the trophy should have brought. Start in the second tier, win promotion and reach the continental competition they missed.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"División Intermedia","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c805":{"kind":"club","n":799,"club":"Deportivo Capiatá","hook":"Deportivo Capiatá shocked Boca Juniors 1-0 at La Bombonera in the 2014 Sudamericana before going out on penalties. They're now in Paraguay's second division. Bring Capiatá back to the top flight and set up another trip to face South America's biggest clubs.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"División Intermedia","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c806":{"kind":"club","n":800,"club":"12 de Octubre (Itauguá)","hook":"12 de Octubre won the 2002 Clausura, then lost the overall Paraguayan championship final to Libertad. After dropping into the third tier, they earned promotion to the second in 2026. Return to Primera and finally win the title that got away in 2002.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"División Intermedia (2027 promoted)","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c807":{"kind":"club","n":801,"club":"Presidente Hayes","hook":"Presidente Hayes won Paraguay's league in 1952. More than 70 years later they're in the third division, facing the threat of another drop. Take a former national champion from the edge of the fourth tier back to the top.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Paraguayan third tier - verify","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c808":{"kind":"club","n":802,"club":"Recoleta FC","hook":"Recoleta reached the 2026 Sudamericana in their first spell back in Paraguay's top division and went unbeaten in a group containing Santos and San Lorenzo. Turn the surprise continental run into a permanent place among the country's best clubs.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Paraguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c809":{"kind":"club","n":803,"club":"Atlético Colegiales","hook":"Founded by a family of bookshop owners, Atlético Colegiales went from employees playing football to a 1995 Copa CONMEBOL semi-final. They're now in Paraguay's third tier. Rebuild the bookshop club and take them back to South American competition.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Primera División B / Primera B Nacional","tier":3,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c810":{"kind":"club","n":804,"club":"Nacional Asunción","hook":"Nacional reached the 2014 Libertadores final but lost to San Lorenzo after conceding a penalty in the second leg. They have never won the trophy. Take Paraguay's 2014 nearly-men back to the final and put that result right.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Paraguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c811":{"kind":"club","n":805,"club":"Sportivo Luqueño","hook":"Sportivo Luqueño were formed when three rival clubs in Luque merged in 1921. They won league titles in 1951 and 1953 but none since. Reunite the city behind a new championship-winning side and end a drought that's lasted more than 70 years.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Paraguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c812":{"kind":"club","n":806,"club":"Sol de América","hook":"Sol de América broke Paraguay's established order with league titles in 1986 and 1991. They're now back in the second tier after relegation in 2024. Restore one of the country's old outsider champions and make Villa Elisa a title-winning place again.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"División Intermedia","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c813":{"kind":"club","n":807,"club":"Sportivo Ameliano","hook":"Ameliano spent decades in Paraguay's third and fourth divisions before reaching Primera in 2022. They won the Copa Paraguay in their first top-flight season and reached the Sudamericana knockouts in 2024. Take the next step and win their first league title.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Paraguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c814":{"kind":"club","n":808,"club":"Libertad","hook":"Libertad have collected 26 Paraguayan championships but have never won the Libertadores. They came closest in 2006, knocking out River Plate before losing to Internacional in the semi-finals. Forget another domestic title and finish that continental run.","country":"Paraguay","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Paraguayan Primera División","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c815":{"kind":"club","n":809,"club":"Jorge Wilstermann","hook":"Wilstermann beat River Plate 3-0 in a 2017 Libertadores quarter-final before losing the return 8-0. Four recent Bolivian titles were followed by financial trouble and relegation in 2025. Rebuild Cochabamba's fallen giant and get back to South America.","country":"Bolivia","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Copa Simón Bolívar / regional qualifying","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c816":{"kind":"club","n":810,"club":"Real Potosí","hook":"Real Potosí won Bolivia's 2007 Apertura and hosted Libertadores matches close to 4,000 metres above sea level. They later fell out of the top flight. Return the club to the elite and make their extreme home conditions count again.","country":"Bolivia","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Copa Simón Bolívar / regional qualifying","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c817":{"kind":"club","n":811,"club":"Club Bolívar","hook":"Bolívar reached the 2004 Sudamericana final and beat Boca Juniors at home, only to lose the return leg. They've won plenty in Bolivia but no major continental trophy. Build another final-reaching side and finish the job.","country":"Bolivia","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Bolivian División Profesional","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c818":{"kind":"club","n":812,"club":"Club Aurora","hook":"Aurora won Bolivian championships in 1963 and 2008, but more recently became embroiled in a player identity scandal and a dispute over a huge points penalty. Rebuild the club's reputation, steady the team and take Cochabamba back to the title race.","country":"Bolivia","fed":"CONMEBOL","div":"Bolivian División Profesional","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c819":{"kind":"club","n":813,"club":"Muangthong United","hook":"Muangthong won four Thai league titles and went unbeaten through their 2012 championship campaign. Relegation in 2026 ended 17 consecutive seasons in the top flight. Get them out of Thai League 2 and back above Buriram United.","country":"Thailand","fed":"AFC","div":"Thai League 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c820":{"kind":"club","n":814,"club":"Police Tero","hook":"Known as BEC Tero Sasana, Police Tero reached the inaugural Asian Champions League final in 2003 and lost to Al Ain. Their last Thai title was in 2001 and they're now in the second tier. Restore the former continental finalists and go one better in Asia.","country":"Thailand","fed":"AFC","div":"Thai League 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c821":{"kind":"club","n":815,"club":"Buriram United","hook":"Buriram won five straight Thai titles from 2022 to 2026 and have become the country's benchmark. There's little point making another league title the target. Build a side capable of winning Asia's biggest club competition.","country":"Thailand","fed":"AFC","div":"Thai League 1","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"High","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c822":{"kind":"club","n":816,"club":"Bangkok United","hook":"Bangkok United won the Thai league in 2006 as Bangkok University, but haven't been champions since the change of identity. They've spent years chasing Buriram. End the drought and make the capital's title challengers champions again.","country":"Thailand","fed":"AFC","div":"Thai League 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c823":{"kind":"club","n":817,"club":"Hoàng Anh Gia Lai","hook":"Hoàng Anh Gia Lai won consecutive Vietnamese titles in 2003 and 2004, then worked with Arsenal and JMG on a youth academy that produced national-team players. Stick with the academy model and bring the championship back to Pleiku.","country":"Vietnam","fed":"AFC","div":"V.League 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c824":{"kind":"club","n":818,"club":"Becamex Ho Chi Minh City","hook":"Formerly Becamex Bình Dương, this club won four Vietnamese championships and reached the 2009 AFC Cup semi-finals. They fell into the second division after a difficult 2025/26. Restore the former industrial club and bring continental football back.","country":"Vietnam","fed":"AFC","div":"V.League 2","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c825":{"kind":"club","n":819,"club":"Quảng Ninh FC","hook":"Than Quảng Ninh won Vietnam's cup in 2016 before unpaid wages brought the original professional team to an end in 2021. A new Quảng Ninh project reached the second division by 2026. Rebuild football in the coal-mining province and finally win the league.","country":"Vietnam","fed":"AFC","div":"V.League 2 - verify","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c826":{"kind":"club","n":820,"club":"FC Dnipro","hook":"Dnipro reached the 2015 Europa League final after knocking out Napoli, Ajax and Club Brugge. Financial problems later destroyed the club. Recreate the historic side from Dnipro in a custom database and return to the final, this time to win it.","country":"Ukraine","fed":"UEFA","div":"Defunct / club recreation","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Historic / inactive","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - club recreation required","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c827":{"kind":"club","n":821,"club":"SC Dnipro-1","hook":"Dnipro-1 were founded in 2017, finished Ukrainian league runners-up in 2022/23 and disappeared from professional competition in 2024. It's a meteoric rise and fall. Recreate the modern project and see whether you can build a sustainable Ukrainian champion.","country":"Ukraine","fed":"UEFA","div":"Defunct / club recreation","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Historic / inactive","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - club recreation required","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c828":{"kind":"club","n":822,"club":"Chornomorets Odesa","hook":"Chornomorets reached the 2014 Europa League knockouts before losing narrowly to Lyon. Relegated in 2025, they won promotion back to Ukraine's top flight for 2026/27. Keep Odesa's historic port club there and win their first independent Ukrainian league title.","country":"Ukraine","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ukrainian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c829":{"kind":"club","n":823,"club":"Dynamo Kyiv","hook":"Dynamo won European Cup Winners' Cups under Valeriy Lobanovskyi in 1975 and 1986, then reached the 1999 Champions League semi-finals. Recreate the attacking football of their greatest era and finally win the European Cup itself.","country":"Ukraine","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ukrainian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"High","rep":"Continental","obs":1,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; high resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c830":{"kind":"club","n":824,"club":"Vorskla Poltava","hook":"Vorskla beat Shakhtar to win Ukraine's cup in 2009 and later played Europa League group football. Financial problems and licensing issues followed relegation in 2025. Restore Poltava's former cup winners in an appropriate database and bring them back to the top flight.","country":"Ukraine","fed":"UEFA","div":"Professional licence withdrawn / setup needed","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Historic / inactive","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - club recreation required","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c831":{"kind":"club","n":825,"club":"Zorya Luhansk","hook":"Zorya shocked Soviet football by winning the 1972 USSR championship. The club has played away from its home city since the war began in 2014. Take the displaced former champions back to the top of Ukrainian football and build a squad capable of competing in Europe.","country":"Ukraine","fed":"UEFA","div":"Ukrainian Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium-low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c832":{"kind":"club","n":826,"club":"Skënderbeu Korçë","hook":"Skënderbeu won six consecutive Albanian titles and became the country's first Europa League group-stage club. A long UEFA ban over match-fixing allegations was followed by relegation. Back in the top flight for 2026/27, rebuild their reputation and return to Europe.","country":"Albania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kategoria Superiore","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c833":{"kind":"club","n":827,"club":"KF Tirana","hook":"KF Tirana have more Albanian titles than anyone else, but their last came in 2022. The historic giants have lost ground to Egnatia and their city rivals. Restore Tirana to the summit and go beyond the European qualifying rounds.","country":"Albania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kategoria Superiore","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c834":{"kind":"club","n":828,"club":"Partizani Tirana","hook":"Partizani began as Albania's army-backed club and built a decorated domestic history, including a 1970 Balkans Cup win. Rebuild the old military powerhouse, get ahead in the Tirana derby and make the club a regular European qualifier.","country":"Albania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kategoria Superiore","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c835":{"kind":"club","n":829,"club":"Dinamo City Tirana","hook":"Dinamo won 18 Albanian championships during the communist era but later fell into the second tier. They returned to the top flight and won the 2026 cup. Turn the cup revival into a first league title in years and restore one of the capital's historic powers.","country":"Albania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kategoria Superiore","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c836":{"kind":"club","n":830,"club":"Flamurtari Vlorë","hook":"Flamurtari beat Barcelona 1-0 at home in the 1987 UEFA Cup before going out on away goals. Albania's 1991 champions have since endured relegations and financial difficulty. Get them back to the top and produce another famous European upset.","country":"Albania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kategoria e Parë","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to rebuild the club."},"c837":{"kind":"club","n":831,"club":"FK Kukësi","hook":"Kukësi reached the Europa League play-offs in 2013 and won Albania's title in 2017. Years of decline later sent them to the second tier. Restore the northern club that once broke the country's established order and return to European competition.","country":"Albania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Kategoria e Parë","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c838":{"kind":"club","n":832,"club":"Nations FC","hook":"Nations FC were relegated from Ghana's Premier League in 2025/26 but won the FA Cup, earning African football as a second-tier team. Handle a promotion campaign and continental competition at the same time, then see whether the unlikely cup winners can take Ghana's next step in Africa.","country":"Ghana","fed":"CAF","div":"Division One League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c839":{"kind":"club","n":833,"club":"AshantiGold SC","hook":"Four-time champions AshantiGold fell out of Ghana's top flight after sanctions linked to the notorious 7-0 match against Inter Allies. Rebuild the reputation of Obuasi's gold-mining club and return the former champions to the Premier League.","country":"Ghana","fed":"CAF","div":"Ghanaian regional league / status to verify","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"TBC","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c840":{"kind":"club","n":834,"club":"Bibiani Gold Stars","hook":"Gold Stars reached Ghana's top division in 2021 and won their first championship just four years later. They followed it with a runners-up finish in 2026. Build on the mining town's remarkable rise and turn Bibiani into a regular force in African competition.","country":"Ghana","fed":"CAF","div":"Ghana Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c841":{"kind":"club","n":835,"club":"Aduana Stars","hook":"Aduana Stars won Ghana's 2009/10 league in their debut top-flight season while scoring just 19 goals in 30 matches. They've since won another championship. Recreate the famously tight defence and see whether clean sheets alone can carry the club deep into Africa.","country":"Ghana","fed":"CAF","div":"Ghana Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c842":{"kind":"club","n":836,"club":"Berekum Chelsea","hook":"Named after the London club, Berekum Chelsea won Ghana's league in 2011 and reached the CAF Champions League group stage a year later. They've never repeated that success. Bring Ghana's Chelsea back to the top and chase an African title.","country":"Ghana","fed":"CAF","div":"Ghana Premier League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c843":{"kind":"club","n":837,"club":"Accra Great Olympics","hook":"Great Olympics won the Ghanaian league in 1970 and 1974, but decades of relegations have left them behind Accra rivals Hearts of Oak. Bring one of the city's historic clubs back up and end a title drought stretching over half a century.","country":"Ghana","fed":"CAF","div":"Division One League","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Mid-level","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c844":{"kind":"club","n":838,"club":"AJEL de Rufisque","hook":"AJEL finished level on points with neighbours Teungueth in the 2025/26 Senegalese league but lost the title on a tiebreaker. Take the Rufisque club that came so close and finally finish ahead of their city rivals.","country":"Senegal","fed":"CAF","div":"Senegal Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c845":{"kind":"club","n":839,"club":"ASC Jaraaf","hook":"Jaraaf have won more Senegalese league titles than anyone else, including another in 2025, but have never lifted a major African trophy. Build a side worthy of Dakar's historic giants and make continental success the target.","country":"Senegal","fed":"CAF","div":"Senegal Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c846":{"kind":"club","n":840,"club":"Diambars FC","hook":"Founded with the involvement of Patrick Vieira and Bernard Lama, Diambars combine football coaching with education. The academy has produced international players, but the senior team has never matched the biggest clubs for trophies. Win Senegal and Africa with their own graduates.","country":"Senegal","fed":"CAF","div":"Senegal Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c847":{"kind":"club","n":841,"club":"Dakar Sacré-Cœur","hook":"Dakar Sacré-Cœur developed players including Iliman Ndiaye and spent years in partnership with Lyon. That relationship ended in 2025. Keep the academy producing talent, hold on to your best youngsters and win a first Senegalese championship.","country":"Senegal","fed":"CAF","div":"Senegal Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to build domestically."},"c848":{"kind":"club","n":842,"club":"US Gorée","hook":"US Gorée represent a tiny island off Dakar with enormous historical significance. They've won Senegalese league titles despite their limited home community. Build a new champion on the island and bring African club football to Gorée.","country":"Senegal","fed":"CAF","div":"Senegal Ligue 1","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Remote location / underdog","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c849":{"kind":"club","n":843,"club":"Jeanne d'Arc de Dakar","hook":"Jeanne d'Arc won ten Senegalese championships and reached the 2004 African Champions League semi-finals. They have since dropped away from the country's top level. Restore one of Senegal's great historic clubs and return them to the continental stage.","country":"Senegal","fed":"CAF","div":"Lower Senegalese division - verify","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"TBC","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 3 with tiny resources; goal is to become a continental regular."},"c850":{"kind":"club","n":844,"club":"Zob Ahan","hook":"Steelworks club Zob Ahan reached the 2010 Asian Champions League final but lost to Seongnam. They've also never won Iran's national league despite coming close. Bring the first title to Isfahan's nearly-men and finish their Asian final story.","country":"Iran","fed":"AFC","div":"Persian Gulf Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c851":{"kind":"club","n":845,"club":"Sepahan","hook":"Sepahan broke Tehran's grip on Iranian football with the 2003 championship and reached the 2007 Asian Champions League final, losing to Urawa Red Diamonds. End their domestic drought and finally lift Asia's biggest trophy.","country":"Iran","fed":"AFC","div":"Persian Gulf Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c852":{"kind":"club","n":846,"club":"United FC (Dubai)","hook":"Founded in 2022, United FC became the UAE's first privately owned club to reach the Pro League after winning promotion for 2026/27. Keep the new club up, compete with the government-backed giants and see whether a four-year-old project can win the championship.","country":"United Arab Emirates","fed":"AFC","div":"UAE Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c853":{"kind":"club","n":847,"club":"Al Nasr Dubai","hook":"Founded in 1945, Al Nasr are widely considered the UAE's oldest football club. They last won the league in 1986. Restore Dubai's original giants and end a championship drought that has lasted almost four decades.","country":"United Arab Emirates","fed":"AFC","div":"UAE Pro League","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":3,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against moderate opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c854":{"kind":"club","n":848,"club":"Emirates Club","hook":"Emirates Club brought Andrés Iniesta to Ras Al Khaimah in 2023, only to be relegated the following year. They're now in the second division. Build a team that can win promotion and stay up without relying on another superstar signing.","country":"United Arab Emirates","fed":"AFC","div":"UAE First Division","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Strong","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c855":{"kind":"club","n":849,"club":"HB Tórshavn","hook":"HB have won more Faroese league titles than anyone else, but none since 2020. KÍ Klaksvík have taken over and reached a European group stage. Put the capital's historic giants back on top and beat KÍ to the next European breakthrough.","country":"Faroe Islands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Betri deildin","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c856":{"kind":"club","n":850,"club":"TB Tvøroyri","hook":"Founded in 1892, TB are the oldest club in the Faroes and have seven championships, but their last was in 1987. Relegated in 2025, they're now in the second division. Bring top-flight football back to Suðuroy and end nearly 40 years without a title.","country":"Faroe Islands","fed":"UEFA","div":"1. deild","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c857":{"kind":"club","n":851,"club":"B68 Toftir","hook":"B68 won three Faroese titles between 1984 and 1992 from the tiny village of Toftir. They've spent more recent years fighting for their top-flight place. Rebuild one of the islands' smallest former champions and take them into Europe.","country":"Faroe Islands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Betri deildin","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Remote location / underdog","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c858":{"kind":"club","n":852,"club":"ÍF Fuglafjørður","hook":"ÍF won the Faroese championship in 1979, their first and only title. Years of relegation battles followed. Restore the little fishing-town club and see whether Fuglafjørður can have another national champion after nearly half a century.","country":"Faroe Islands","fed":"UEFA","div":"Faroese divisions - verify","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Local","obs":5,"type":"Lower-league rebuild / long climb","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"TBC","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in estimated tier 2 with tiny resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c859":{"kind":"club","n":853,"club":"FC Atert Bissen","hook":"Atert Bissen were in Luxembourg's third tier in 2024, reached the top flight and won the league in their first season in 2025/26. They sealed the title by beating Differdange on the final day. Prove the miracle wasn't a one-off and turn Bissen into a regular European qualifier.","country":"Luxembourg","fed":"UEFA","div":"BGL Ligue","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":5,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c860":{"kind":"club","n":854,"club":"F91 Dudelange","hook":"Dudelange became the first Luxembourg club to reach a UEFA group stage in 2018 and beat APOEL 4-3 away in the following season's Europa League. Build on those breakthroughs and take Luxembourg beyond the league phase of European competition.","country":"Luxembourg","fed":"UEFA","div":"BGL Ligue","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c861":{"kind":"club","n":855,"club":"Jeunesse Esch","hook":"Jeunesse Esch have won a record 28 Luxembourg league titles, but none since 2010. They even held Liverpool to a goalless European Cup draw in 1973. Restore the country's historic champions and bring them back to the European stage.","country":"Luxembourg","fed":"UEFA","div":"BGL Ligue","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c862":{"kind":"club","n":856,"club":"Avenir Beggen","hook":"Avenir Beggen won six Luxembourg league titles and seven cups before slipping into the lower divisions. Their last title was in 1994. Take one of the country's forgotten powers back through the pyramid and into Europe.","country":"Luxembourg","fed":"UEFA","div":"Division of Honour","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":4,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c863":{"kind":"club","n":857,"club":"FC Kuressaare","hook":"Kuressaare represent Saaremaa, Estonia's largest island, so away trips mean crossing to the mainland. They've never won the league. Build around island-born players and take one of football's more isolated top-flight clubs to the Estonian title.","country":"Estonia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Meistriliiga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Remote location / underdog","themes":["Geography"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c864":{"kind":"club","n":858,"club":"Narva Trans","hook":"Narva Trans come from Estonia's eastern border with Russia and have spent decades in the top flight without winning the league. Break Tallinn's grip on Estonian football and finally bring the championship to Narva.","country":"Estonia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Meistriliiga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c865":{"kind":"club","n":859,"club":"FC Flora Tallinn","hook":"Flora have 16 Estonian league titles and a long history of developing local talent for the national team. Domestic success is expected. Make an Estonian-built squad competitive in European league-phase football, then go after the Champions League.","country":"Estonia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Meistriliiga","tier":1,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c866":{"kind":"club","n":860,"club":"Paide Linnameeskond","hook":"Paide represent a town of fewer than 10,000 people, yet have won the Estonian Cup and reached the final round of Conference League qualifying. Beat Tallinn's giants to a first league title and bring regular European football to Paide.","country":"Estonia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Meistriliiga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c867":{"kind":"club","n":861,"club":"Tartu JK Tammeka","hook":"Tammeka represent Tartu, Estonia's university city and second-largest urban centre. They've never won the league. Build a proper rival to Tallinn's big clubs and deliver a first national championship to Tartu.","country":"Estonia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Meistriliiga","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c868":{"kind":"club","n":862,"club":"Skonto FC","hook":"Skonto won 14 straight Latvian titles from 1991 to 2004 before the club collapsed financially and disappeared. Recreate one of Europe's most relentless domestic dynasties in a custom database and try to match the run from the bottom of the pyramid.","country":"Latvia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Defunct / club recreation","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Historic / inactive","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - club recreation required","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c869":{"kind":"club","n":863,"club":"RFS","hook":"RFS beat Ajax 1-0 in the 2024/25 Europa League, one of Latvian football's greatest results. They've also become regular domestic champions. Turn the occasional European shock into sustained progress and take a Latvian club into the Champions League main competition.","country":"Latvia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Latvian Virslīga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win a continental trophy."},"c870":{"kind":"club","n":864,"club":"FK Ventspils","hook":"Ventspils won six Latvian titles and became the country's first Europa League group-stage club in 2009. Financial problems ended their professional era in 2021. Recreate the old side and bring European football back to the Baltic port.","country":"Latvia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Inactive / club recreation","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Historic / inactive","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - club recreation required","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c871":{"kind":"club","n":865,"club":"FK Metta","hook":"University-linked academy club Metta spent years surviving in Latvia's top division before relegation in 2025. Start in the second tier, back young players and see whether the academy can produce a title-winning team.","country":"Latvia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Latvian First League (Nākotnes līga)","tier":2,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Academy / youth-only challenge","themes":["Youth and academy"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 2 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c872":{"kind":"club","n":866,"club":"Ogre United","hook":"Ogre United won the 2025 Latvian second division on a dramatic final day to reach the top flight for the first time. There's no established elite history to lean on. Keep them up and see whether the new outsiders can become champions.","country":"Latvia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Latvian Virslīga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Club rebuild / nation-building","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Nation-builder"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to develop the league and reach Europe."},"c873":{"kind":"club","n":867,"club":"BFC Daugavpils","hook":"Daugavpils is Latvia's second-biggest city, yet BFC have never won the national championship. They finished fourth in 2025. Build around the Latgale region and make the country's second city its first football power.","country":"Latvia","fed":"UEFA","div":"Latvian Virslīga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Historic club / title challenge","themes":["Historic club","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c874":{"kind":"club","n":868,"club":"FK TransINVEST","hook":"Founded in 2021, TransINVEST won the 2023 Lithuanian Cup while in the second division and qualified for Europe. Promotion, relegation and another comeback followed. Turn the transport-company club into league champions, not just unlikely cup winners.","country":"Lithuania","fed":"UEFA","div":"A Lyga","tier":1,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to win the domestic title."},"c875":{"kind":"club","n":869,"club":"FK Žalgiris Vilnius","hook":"Žalgiris became Lithuania's first UEFA group-stage club in 2022 after years of domestic success. Another national title isn't enough. Build the first Lithuanian team capable of regularly reaching European league phases and eventually the Champions League.","country":"Lithuania","fed":"UEFA","div":"A Lyga","tier":1,"diff":"Medium","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Medium","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":4,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; medium resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c876":{"kind":"club","n":870,"club":"FBK Kaunas","hook":"FBK Kaunas won eight Lithuanian titles and knocked Rangers out of Champions League qualifying in 2008. Financial collapse later ended the club. Recreate the former champions and bring Kaunas back to a European stage where they once caused a huge upset.","country":"Lithuania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Defunct / club recreation","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Historic / inactive","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - club recreation required","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c877":{"kind":"club","n":871,"club":"FK Atlantas Klaipėda","hook":"Atlantas won two Lithuanian Cups and played in Europe before financial problems and match-fixing allegations brought their professional era to an end. Restore Klaipėda's historic coastal club in a custom setup and take them back to Europe.","country":"Lithuania","fed":"UEFA","div":"Inactive / club recreation","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Historic / inactive","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - club recreation required","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c878":{"kind":"club","n":872,"club":"FK Mornar Bar","hook":"Mornar made their best European run in 2024, knocking out Dinamo Tbilisi and Radnički Kragujevac. Two years later they finished three points short of Montenegro's title. Turn the near-miss into the first league championship in Bar and make another European run.","country":"Montenegro","fed":"UEFA","div":"Montenegrin First League","tier":1,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Continental ambitions / unfinished business","themes":["Continental glory"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Top-flight start; low resources against smaller-league opposition; aim to become a continental regular."},"c879":{"kind":"club","n":873,"club":"FK Mogren Budva","hook":"Mogren won Montenegrin titles in 2009 and 2011 before financial collapse destroyed the club. Recreate the old Budva champions in a custom database and take the resort town from the lower leagues back to national glory.","country":"Montenegro","fed":"UEFA","div":"Defunct / club recreation","tier":0,"diff":"Brutal","db":"likely","std":"N/A","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Historic / inactive","obs":4,"type":"Club recreation / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","tierLabel":"N/A","dbNote":"No - club recreation required","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Recreation-only project; difficulty depends heavily on the new club's league placement and resources."},"c880":{"kind":"club","n":874,"club":"Sheffield Wednesday","hook":"Four-time English champions who entered administration in October 2025 and finished the 2025/26 Championship season on zero points after an 18-point deduction. New owners have since taken over, but the club still faces financial restrictions. Rebuild Wednesday in League One, get them back to the Premier League and make Sheffield's biggest rivalry a top-flight fixture again.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"League One","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":1,"type":"Financial recovery / fallen giant","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c881":{"kind":"club","n":875,"club":"Carlisle United","hook":"Carlisle were top of the English First Division in August 1974 after winning their opening three games. They finished bottom that same season and have never returned to the top flight. Now in the National League, the challenge is to take them back to the top of English football and stay there for rather longer this time.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League","tier":5,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Top-flight return / non-league rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c882":{"kind":"club","n":876,"club":"Worthing","hook":"Former player George Dowell bought Worthing in 2015 using compensation from the accident that left him paralysed. He paid off debts, improved the club's facilities and helped transform its fortunes. Worthing won the National League South in 2025/26 to reach the fifth tier for the first time. Take them into the Football League and keep the rise going.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League","tier":5,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Owner-led revival / first EFL promotion","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c883":{"kind":"club","n":877,"club":"Reading","hook":"Reading set a Championship record with 106 points in 2005/06, then finished eighth in their first Premier League season. Financial problems, transfer embargoes and points deductions sent them into a long decline before a takeover in 2025. Rebuild the Royals in League One and see if you can get anywhere near that record-breaking promotion campaign.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"League One","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Financial recovery / promotion rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c884":{"kind":"club","n":878,"club":"Maidstone United","hook":"In 2024, sixth-tier Maidstone beat Championship high-flyers Ipswich 2-1 away in the FA Cup, despite being 98 league places below them. They became the first club from outside the top five tiers to reach the fifth round since 1978. Turn that one extraordinary cup run into lasting success by taking Maidstone into the Football League.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League South","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"FA Cup miracle / EFL breakthrough","themes":["Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c885":{"kind":"club","n":879,"club":"Hashtag United","hook":"Spencer Owen founded Hashtag United in 2016 as a YouTube football team. They climbed into the seventh tier, but asked for voluntary relegation in 2026 because of the costs involved and now play in the eighth. Rebuild on a sustainable footing and see how far you can take a club that began on the internet.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Isthmian League North Division","tier":8,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Creator club / sustainable lower-league climb","themes":["Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 8 with very low resources; goal is to climb the pyramid."},"c886":{"kind":"club","n":880,"club":"Grimsby Town","hook":"Grimsby were a First Division club in the 1930s and reached two FA Cup semi-finals. Their 1939 semi-final against Wolves drew 76,962 to Old Trafford, still the stadium's record attendance. Take the Mariners from League Two back to the top flight and give the town another taste of its footballing heyday.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"League Two","tier":4,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic top-flight return","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c887":{"kind":"club","n":881,"club":"Yeovil Town","hook":"Yeovil beat Brentford at Wembley to reach the Championship in 2013. Ten years later, they'd dropped to the sixth tier after four relegations in a decade. They're back in the National League, but still a long way from their peak. Take the Glovers back into the EFL and try to get them to the Premier League for the first time.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League","tier":5,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fallen club / Championship return","themes":["Fallen giant","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c888":{"kind":"club","n":882,"club":"Scunthorpe United","hook":"Scunthorpe were playing in the Championship in 2011, but ownership problems and repeated relegations sent them into the National League North by 2023. They finally won promotion to the National League in 2025. Bring the Iron back into the EFL and rebuild the side that spent much of the 2000s punching above its weight.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League","tier":5,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Financial collapse / promotion rebuild","themes":["Fallen giant","Rebuild or revival","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c889":{"kind":"club","n":883,"club":"Plymouth Argyle","hook":"Plymouth is one of England's biggest cities never to have had a club in the top flight. Argyle have spent well over a century trying to change that without quite managing it. Get them out of League One and take the Pilgrims into the Premier League for the first time.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"League One","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"First-ever top-flight promotion","themes":["Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":5,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c890":{"kind":"club","n":884,"club":"Truro City","hook":"No Cornish club has ever played in the Football League. Truro became the first from the county to reach the National League in 2025, but were relegated after just one season. Take them back up from National League South and become the first manager to bring EFL football to Cornwall.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League South","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Cornish first / EFL promotion","themes":["Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c891":{"kind":"club","n":885,"club":"Forest Green Rovers","hook":"Forest Green rose from non-league to League One in 2022, with their vegan menu and environmental policies attracting attention far beyond football. Back-to-back relegations then returned them to the National League in 2024. Restore the world's best-known eco-friendly club to the EFL and see if you can take them all the way to the Premier League.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League","tier":5,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Eco club / fallen league side","themes":["Fallen giant"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c892":{"kind":"club","n":886,"club":"Tamworth","hook":"Fifth-tier Tamworth held Tottenham to 0-0 after 90 minutes in the 2025 FA Cup before eventually losing 3-0 in extra time. The Lambs came painfully close to one of the competition's greatest shocks. Take them into the Football League and see if you can finally beat Spurs on equal terms.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League","tier":5,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"FA Cup underdog / EFL breakthrough","themes":["Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 5 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c893":{"kind":"club","n":887,"club":"Marine","hook":"In January 2021, eighth-tier Marine hosted José Mourinho's Tottenham in the FA Cup at their tiny Rossett Park ground. Fans couldn't attend because of Covid restrictions, so the club sold more than 30,000 virtual tickets instead. Take Marine from the National League North to the Premier League and get a proper rematch with Spurs.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"National League North","tier":6,"diff":"Very Hard","db":"core","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Cup history / long promotion climb","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 6 with very low resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c894":{"kind":"club","n":888,"club":"Chesterfield","hook":"Chesterfield were denied a place in the 1997 FA Cup final after Jonathan Howard's shot against Middlesbrough crossed the line but wasn't given. They lost the semi-final replay and never got another shot. Having returned to the EFL after six non-league seasons, take the Spireites to the Premier League and give them another chance at Wembley.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"League Two","tier":4,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Low","budget":"Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"FA Cup unfinished business / top-flight climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":7,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 4 with low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c895":{"kind":"club","n":889,"club":"Hallam FC","hook":"Founded in 1860, Hallam are widely recognised as the world's second-oldest football club. Their Sandygate ground is recognised as the oldest football ground in the world. Take one of the game's original clubs out of the eighth tier and see if you can bring top-flight football to Sandygate.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Northern Premier League Division One East","tier":8,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Football heritage / lower-league climb","themes":["Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":10,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 8 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the top flight."},"c896":{"kind":"club","n":890,"club":"Bishop Auckland","hook":"Bishop Auckland won the FA Amateur Cup a record ten times, including three in a row between 1955 and 1957, but have never played in the Football League. Now back in the ninth-tier Northern League, take one of English amateur football's most successful clubs into the professional game.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Northern League Division One","tier":9,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Tiny","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Amateur giant / historic revival","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 9 with tiny resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c897":{"kind":"club","n":891,"club":"AFC Croydon Athletic","hook":"AFC Croydon Athletic were formed by supporters in 2012 after the previous club folded. In 2023, Stormzy and Wilfried Zaha joined a consortium to take over their hometown side. Build a club around south London talent, rise from the eighth tier and see how far the celebrity-backed project can go.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Isthmian League South East Division","tier":8,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Regional","budget":"Very Low","rep":"National","obs":3,"type":"Celebrity ownership / local-talent rebuild","themes":["Rebuild or revival","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":10,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 8 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c898":{"kind":"club","n":892,"club":"Enfield Town","hook":"Supporters founded Enfield Town in 2001 after falling out with the ownership of Enfield FC, creating England's first fully supporter-owned senior football club. They've climbed through the non-league pyramid without giving up that principle. Take the fan-owned Towners into the Football League and eventually fight for major trophies.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Isthmian League Premier Division","tier":7,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":3,"type":"Fan ownership / long league climb","themes":["Climb the leagues","Fans and identity"],"ed":"FM27","score":9,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 7 with very low resources; goal is to build domestically."},"c899":{"kind":"club","n":893,"club":"Cray Wanderers","hook":"Founded in 1860 by railway workers, Cray Wanderers are London's oldest surviving football club. They've never played in the Football League, and only recently ended decades of groundsharing by moving into Flamingo Park. Take the Wands into the professional game and eventually challenge London's established clubs.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"Isthmian League Premier Division","tier":7,"diff":"Brutal","db":"custom","std":"Very Low","budget":"Very Low","rep":"Regional","obs":4,"type":"Oldest London club / EFL breakthrough","themes":["Historic club","Climb the leagues"],"ed":"FM27","score":8,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 7 with very low resources; goal is to reach the professional leagues."},"c900":{"kind":"club","n":894,"club":"Huddersfield Town","hook":"Huddersfield became the first English club to win three consecutive top-flight titles, doing so from 1924 to 1926. Almost a century later they spent two seasons in the Premier League before dropping back down. Get the Terriers out of League One and see if you can build another title-winning dynasty.","country":"England","fed":"UEFA","div":"League One","tier":3,"diff":"Hard","db":"core","std":"Strong","budget":"Medium-Low","rep":"National","obs":2,"type":"Historic champions / dynasty rebuild","themes":["Historic club","Rebuild or revival","Title chase"],"ed":"FM27","score":6,"scoreWhy":"Starts in tier 3 with medium-low resources; goal is to build domestically."}},"challenges":{"h001":{"kind":"challenge","n":1,"name":"Youth academy only","hook":"No signings, ever. Every player in your squad has to come through your own youth intake.","rules":["No transfers, loans or free agents in.","Selling players is allowed.","You can still hire staff and improve the academy."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h002":{"kind":"challenge","n":2,"name":"Sell only","hook":"You can sell anyone, but you can never buy. Chelsea is the obvious place to try it.","rules":["No incoming transfers or loans.","Academy players and returning loanees are your only new faces.","Sales are unlimited."],"diff":"Hard","club":"Chelsea","ed":"all","starter":true},"h003":{"kind":"challenge","n":3,"name":"Pentagon challenge","hook":"Win the top club competition on five continents in a single career.","rules":["Win the continental title in Europe, South America, North America, Africa and Asia.","Start unemployed, with the lowest coaching badges and playing reputation.","Any order counts."],"diff":"Brutal","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h004":{"kind":"challenge","n":4,"name":"Journeyman","hook":"Start unemployed with no badges and take the first job that will have you. Move on whenever a better club calls.","rules":["Start with no club and the lowest coaching and reputation settings.","Load plenty of nations so jobs come up.","Go wherever the next offer takes you."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h005":{"kind":"challenge","n":5,"name":"Domestic players only","hook":"Sign only players from the country your club plays in.","rules":["Applies to transfers, loans and free agents.","Foreign players already at the club can stay until they leave."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h006":{"kind":"challenge","n":6,"name":"Under-23s only","hook":"No signings over the age of 23.","rules":["Applies to transfers, loans and free agents.","Players can stay once they turn 24."],"diff":"Medium","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h007":{"kind":"challenge","n":7,"name":"Free transfers and loans only","hook":"Never pay a transfer fee.","rules":["Free agents, loans and academy players only.","Sales are unlimited."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h008":{"kind":"challenge","n":8,"name":"Director of football does the deals","hook":"Hand every transfer to your director of football and work with whoever turns up.","rules":["Give transfers and contracts to your director of football.","No vetoing signings or sales."],"diff":"Medium","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h009":{"kind":"challenge","n":9,"name":"Sell your top scorer","hook":"Every summer, your leading scorer has to go.","rules":["Sell the player with the most league goals before the window shuts.","Loaning him out doesn't count."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h010":{"kind":"challenge","n":10,"name":"Build a nation","hook":"Take a club from a small nation to continental success, then win the World Cup with that country.","rules":["Pick a nation with a low-ranked league.","Stay at one club for the whole save.","Take the national team job when it's offered."],"diff":"Brutal","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h011":{"kind":"challenge","n":11,"name":"Home-region players only","hook":"Sign only players from your club's home region, the way Athletic Club do.","rules":["Decide what counts as the home region before you start.","Applies to transfers, loans and free agents."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"Athletic Club","ed":"all","starter":true},"h012":{"kind":"challenge","n":12,"name":"The Invincibles","hook":"Go a whole league season without losing a match.","rules":["Every league game counts, home and away.","Cup defeats don't break it.","Any club, any league."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h013":{"kind":"challenge","n":13,"name":"Fortress","hook":"Nobody leaves your ground with three points for an entire season.","rules":["Unbeaten at home in the league for one full season.","Draws are allowed."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h014":{"kind":"challenge","n":14,"name":"Oldies but goldies","hook":"Experience over everything. Every signing has to be 30 or older.","rules":["Applies to transfers, loans and free agents.","Academy players can still come through."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h015":{"kind":"challenge","n":15,"name":"Wonderkid hunter","hook":"Build a squad from teenagers you find before anyone else does.","rules":["Only sign players aged 18 or under.","Selling them on is allowed."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h016":{"kind":"challenge","n":16,"name":"Loan army","hook":"Never own your own players. Build each season's squad from loans.","rules":["Only loan signings, no permanent transfers.","Academy graduates can play.","No free agents."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h017":{"kind":"challenge","n":17,"name":"Fire sale","hook":"Take over a big club and sell every star in your first summer.","rules":["Sell every player valued in the club's top five in your first window.","Rebuild from what's left and win the league within five seasons."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h018":{"kind":"challenge","n":18,"name":"One tactic for life","hook":"Pick one formation on day one and never change it.","rules":["One formation for the whole save.","Player roles and instructions can change.","In-match shape changes are not allowed."],"diff":"Medium","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h019":{"kind":"challenge","n":19,"name":"Three at the back","hook":"Back three or nothing, every match, every season.","rules":["Always play with three centre-backs.","Win a league title doing it."],"diff":"Medium","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h020":{"kind":"challenge","n":20,"name":"Nomad","hook":"Never stay anywhere long. Manage in a different country every season.","rules":["Leave your club at the end of each season.","Each new job must be in a new country.","Win something in five different countries."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h021":{"kind":"challenge","n":21,"name":"Grand tour of Europe","hook":"Win a league title in five different European countries.","rules":["Any five UEFA nations.","Start unemployed with no badges."],"diff":"Brutal","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h022":{"kind":"challenge","n":22,"name":"Lower-league lifer","hook":"Make your name without ever reaching the top flight.","rules":["Never manage above the third tier.","Win every lower-league title in one country."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h023":{"kind":"challenge","n":23,"name":"Rival raid","hook":"Weaken them, strengthen you. Only sign players from your biggest rival.","rules":["Every transfer in must come from your main rival.","Free agents who last played for them count."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h024":{"kind":"challenge","n":24,"name":"Survival specialist","hook":"Become the firefighter. Keep sinking clubs up, then move on.","rules":["Only take jobs at clubs in the relegation zone.","Keep them up, then leave in the summer.","Ten great escapes to finish."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h025":{"kind":"challenge","n":25,"name":"Cup kings","hook":"Forget the league. Win every domestic cup with a lower-league side.","rules":["Start outside the top flight.","Win every domestic cup in your country before you're promoted."],"diff":"Brutal","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h026":{"kind":"challenge","n":26,"name":"Three strikes","hook":"Lose three in a row and your highest earner has to go.","rules":["After any three straight defeats, sell or release your top earner.","No exceptions in January or summer."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h027":{"kind":"challenge","n":27,"name":"Bring them home","hook":"Only re-sign players who have played for the club before.","rules":["Signings must be former players or former academy players.","Free agents count if they played for you before."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h028":{"kind":"challenge","n":28,"name":"National team only","hook":"No club, ever. Make your name as an international manager.","rules":["Start unemployed and only take national team jobs.","Win a continental trophy, then a World Cup."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h029":{"kind":"challenge","n":29,"name":"Goalkeeper factory","hook":"Produce a world-class keeper from your own academy.","rules":["Your first-choice keeper must be an academy graduate.","Get him into the national team."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h030":{"kind":"challenge","n":30,"name":"Set-piece specialists","hook":"Win the league with a team built around dead balls.","rules":["Hire a set-piece coach in your first month.","Score at least a third of your league goals from set pieces in a title-winning season."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h031":{"kind":"challenge","n":31,"name":"No January","hook":"The winter window doesn't exist for you.","rules":["No transfers in or out in January.","Contract renewals are allowed."],"diff":"Medium","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h032":{"kind":"challenge","n":32,"name":"Balanced books","hook":"Turn a profit in every single transfer window.","rules":["Money in must beat money out each window.","Win the league within ten seasons."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h033":{"kind":"challenge","n":33,"name":"Wage cap","hook":"Nobody at the club earns more than a fixed wage.","rules":["Set a cap equal to your highest earner's wage on day one, then halve it.","No player can be on more than the cap."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h034":{"kind":"challenge","n":34,"name":"Flat wages","hook":"Everyone in the first team is paid the same.","rules":["All first-team players on identical wages.","New contracts must match the agreed figure."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h035":{"kind":"challenge","n":35,"name":"Tiny tiki-taka","hook":"Small players, quick passing, big ambitions.","rules":["Only sign players 5ft 9in or shorter.","Play a possession style for the whole save."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h036":{"kind":"challenge","n":36,"name":"Little and large","hook":"Every team you pick has a target man up top.","rules":["Always start a striker 6ft 3in or taller.","Win a trophy within three seasons."],"diff":"Medium","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h037":{"kind":"challenge","n":37,"name":"Twenty-year man","hook":"Pick one club and stay for twenty seasons, whatever happens.","rules":["Never resign or accept another job.","Turn down every approach.","Build a statue-worthy legacy."],"diff":"Medium","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h038":{"kind":"challenge","n":38,"name":"Dynasty from scratch","hook":"Win the league with eleven academy graduates in the starting line-up.","rules":["One league title with a starting XI of your own graduates.","Signings are allowed along the way."],"diff":"Brutal","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h039":{"kind":"challenge","n":39,"name":"Second string","hook":"Start every league match with a different keeper than last season.","rules":["Your first-choice keeper must change every season.","Sell or loan out the previous number one."],"diff":"Medium","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h040":{"kind":"challenge","n":40,"name":"Golden boot factory","hook":"Turn one of your academy strikers into the league's top scorer.","rules":["The league's top scorer must be your academy graduate.","Any season counts."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h041":{"kind":"challenge","n":41,"name":"Top-flight debutants","hook":"Take a club that has never been in the top division all the way up.","rules":["Choose a club with no top-flight history.","Reach the top flight, then stay up for five seasons."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h042":{"kind":"challenge","n":42,"name":"Phoenix rising","hook":"Pick a club that has gone bust in real life and finish the job.","rules":["Choose a club that has been liquidated or reformed.","Return them to their highest-ever division."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h043":{"kind":"challenge","n":43,"name":"Continental minnow","hook":"Win a continental trophy with a club from a country ranked outside the top 20.","rules":["Choose a nation outside the continental top 20.","Any continental competition counts."],"diff":"Brutal","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h044":{"kind":"challenge","n":44,"name":"Island hopper","hook":"Every club you manage must be on an island.","rules":["Islands only: Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Cyprus, Malta and the rest.","Win a league title on three different islands."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h045":{"kind":"challenge","n":45,"name":"Derby day","hook":"Win every derby for five straight seasons.","rules":["Never lose a derby against your main rival in any competition.","Five seasons in a row."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h046":{"kind":"challenge","n":46,"name":"The underdog sprint","hook":"Win the league in your first season with a club tipped for relegation.","rules":["Pick a club the media predict to go down.","Title in season one, or start again."],"diff":"Brutal","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h047":{"kind":"challenge","n":47,"name":"No agents allowed","hook":"Only sign players whose contracts have under a year left.","rules":["Every transfer must be a player with under 12 months on his deal.","Free agents count."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h048":{"kind":"challenge","n":48,"name":"Sell before you buy","hook":"You can't sign anyone until you've sold someone.","rules":["Each signing must follow a sale in the same window.","One in, one out."],"diff":"Medium","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h049":{"kind":"challenge","n":49,"name":"Passport control","hook":"A random nationality picks your squad each season.","rules":["Roll a random nation every summer.","That window, only sign players from it."],"diff":"Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h050":{"kind":"challenge","n":50,"name":"Silent touchline","hook":"No team talks, no shouts, no in-match changes except subs.","rules":["Skip every team talk and touchline shout.","Substitutions are allowed.","Win a trophy within three seasons."],"diff":"Medium","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true},"h051":{"kind":"challenge","n":51,"name":"Hollywood takeover","hook":"Rich new owners, fifth tier, and a city that wants the Premier League.","rules":["Start in the fifth tier of England.","Reach the Premier League in five seasons or fewer."],"diff":"Very Hard","club":"","ed":"all","starter":true}},"votes":{"pf4c77110fb204c68":{"c307":1,"c175":-1}},"comments":{},"names":{"pf4c77110fb204c68":"GeorgeLean"},"ok":true}