Frank Christian
This week, Chelsea continues their journey in the UEFA Conference League, hosting FC Noah at home.
Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, Chelsea secured victories in their first two matches, positioning them favorably for the knockout rounds starting in early 2025.
The team qualified for this tournament by finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, especially after Manchester United claimed a Europa League spot through the FA Cup. As one of the most recognized teams among the 36 in the group stages, Chelsea is considered a top contender for the title, which has been held since the inaugural season in 2021/22.
This matchup introduces Chelsea fans to a lesser-known club, making it a landmark event for FC Noah, which has only been around for a few years.
The Sporting News delves into the background of FC Noah and highlights key players in their squad.
FC Noah’s Background: Country and History
Based in Armenia, FC Noah competes in the Armenian Premier League.
In the previous season, they achieved second place, trailing behind the champions, Pyunik, which allowed them to enter the Conference League qualifying rounds. The team made it through by defeating Shkendija, Sliema, AEK Athens, and Ruzomberok.
Reaching the league phase marks a significant milestone for the Armavir-based club, originally founded in 2017 as FC Artsakh. In 2019, the club was acquired by former regional Minister of Defence Karen Abrahamyan, who rebranded it as FC Noah. Vardges Vardanyan took over last year and has plans to build a new stadium, aiming to lay the groundwork for the future of Armenian football.
Are They Named After a Biblical Figure?
Yes, FC Noah is indeed named after the biblical character. According to Genesis, Noah’s Ark came to rest in the mountains of Ararat after the flood receded.
Mount Ararat, significant to many Armenians, is traditionally associated with this resting place, despite being located in present-day Turkey, which is adjacent to Armenia.
Notable Players in FC Noah’s Roster
FC Noah’s team features a plethora of Armenian players, including the seasoned Artak Dashyan, and is complemented by a diverse range of international players from Brazil, Portugal, and other nations.
Among them is Gustavo Sangare, an experienced Burkina Faso international who has participated in the Africa Cup of Nations and played in France’s second division. Brazilian striker Matheus Aias has vast experience across Spain and briefly with Orlando City and Watford, though he did not make any appearances for the latter.
The team also includes Gudmundur Thorarinsson, a 2021 MLS Cup champion with New York City, who is also a celebrated singer in Iceland.
Who Coaches FC Noah?
Rui Mota, a 45-year-old from Portugal, is the current head coach, having been at the helm for just five months. His previous role as a performance analyst at Sporting CP enabled him to establish connections that facilitated the signing of several Portuguese players to the squad.
Mota recognizes the challenge posed by Chelsea and humorously noted, as shared with The Athletic, that while they intend to play their brand of football, there might be instances where they have to “park the Ark”.
Watch Chelsea vs. FC Noah: Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
Here’s how you can catch the Conference League match in various regions:
| Region | TV Channel | Streaming Options |
| USA | — | Paramount+, ViX |
| Canada | — | DAZN |
| UK | TNT Sports 1 | discovery+ |
| Australia | — | Stan Sport |
| India | Sony Ten 2 | Sony LIV, JioTV |
