What Is 2001-02 Kup Bosne i Hercegovine

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2001–02 Kup Bosne i Hercegovine was the sixth edition of Bosnia and Herzegovina's national football cup, running from August 2001 to May 2002, with Željezničar defeating Čelik 1–0 in the final to claim their first title.

Key Facts

The 2001–02 Kup Bosne i Hercegovine began in August 2001 and concluded in May 2002.
FK Željezničar won the tournament by defeating FK Čelik 1–0 in the final.
The final match was held at Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica.
This was Željezničar’s first national cup title in independent Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A total of 32 teams participated from both the Premier League and lower divisions.

Overview

The 2001–02 Kup Bosne i Hercegovine was the sixth season of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s premier knockout football competition since independence. Organized by the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the tournament spanned nearly ten months, starting in August 2001 and culminating in the final in May 2002.

It featured clubs from both the top-tier Premier League and lower divisions, creating a classic cup format with single-leg ties and a final held at a neutral venue. The competition provided smaller clubs a rare chance to challenge the nation’s elite, though it was ultimately won by a well-established team from Sarajevo.

FK Željezničar claimed their first national cup title by defeating FK Čelik 1–0 in the final on May 8, 2002.
The final was played at Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, a neutral site chosen to ensure fairness and accommodate larger crowds.
A total of 32 teams entered the competition, including all 12 Premier League clubs and 20 representatives from lower-tier leagues.
Matches were played in single-elimination format, with ties going to extra time and penalties if necessary after 90 minutes.
The tournament served as a qualifier for the UEFA Cup, with the winner earning a spot in the 2002–03 UEFA Cup preliminary rounds.

How It Works

The Kup Bosne i Hercegovine follows a traditional knockout structure with modifications to include teams from multiple divisions. It is designed to promote inclusivity and excitement, allowing underdog clubs to compete against top-flight sides.

Entry Rounds: Lower-division teams enter in early qualifying rounds, with Premier League clubs joining in later stages to reduce fixture congestion.
Draw Format: The draw is unseeded after the first round, increasing the likelihood of high-profile matchups and upsets.
Match Rules: Games last 90 minutes; if tied, extra time of two 15-minute halves is played, followed by penalties if needed.
Home Advantage: The first team drawn hosts the match, giving smaller clubs rare home games against elite opposition.
Final Venue: The final is held at a pre-selected neutral stadium, such as Bilino Polje or Koševo Stadium, to ensure impartiality.
UEFA Qualification: The winner qualifies for the UEFA Cup (now Europa League), provided they meet licensing requirements.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2001–02 Kup BiH with the previous and subsequent editions to highlight structural and competitive trends.

Season	Champion	Runner-up	Final Venue	Teams
1999–2000	FK Sarajevo	Široki Brijeg	Koševo Stadium	28
2000–01	Široki Brijeg	Zrinjski Mostar	Bilino Polje	30
2001–02	Željezničar	Čelik	Bilino Polje	32
2002–03	Zrinjski Mostar	Leotar	Koševo Stadium	32
2003–04	Široki Brijeg	Borac Banja Luka	Bilino Polje	32

The 2001–02 edition marked a slight increase in participation, with 32 teams—the highest number to date—reflecting growing interest and administrative stability. While previous winners included clubs from both the Federation and Republika Srpska entities, this season highlighted Sarajevo’s dominance, with both finalists hailing from the capital city. The consistent use of Bilino Polje and Koševo for finals underscored logistical reliability despite political complexities.

Why It Matters

The 2001–02 Kup Bosne i Hercegovine holds significance beyond the trophy, symbolizing resilience and unity in a post-war football landscape. It provided a platform for clubs to rebuild prestige and qualify for European competition, reinforcing the tournament’s role in national identity.

Historic win: Željezničar’s victory marked their first major national title since Bosnia’s independence, ending years of near-misses.
Local rivalry: The final between two Sarajevo clubs intensified the city’s football culture and boosted local engagement.
European access: The win earned Željezničar a spot in the 2002–03 UEFA Cup, where they faced Slovenian side Maribor.
Competitive balance: Despite the presence of underdogs, the final featured two top-tier teams, reflecting structural challenges for lower-division clubs.
Administrative milestone: The smooth organization signaled improving governance by the Football Association amid lingering post-war challenges.
Legacy: The tournament helped normalize national competition across ethnic lines, promoting unity through sport.

Overall, the 2001–02 Kup Bosne i Hercegovine was more than a football tournament—it was a symbol of progress, offering clubs and fans a renewed sense of purpose in a recovering nation.