Definition
The 1999 Icelandic Cup refers to the edition of Iceland’s national knockout football (soccer) tournament that took place during the calendar year 1999. It is part of the annual Icelandic Cup competition organized by the Football Association of Iceland (Knattspyrnusamband Íslands, KSÍ).
Overview
The Icelandic Cup is a single‑elimination tournament that traditionally includes clubs from the top three tiers of Icelandic football—the Úrvalsdeild (Premier League), 1. deild (First Division), and 2. deild (Second Division)—as well as selected lower‑division teams. Matches are played over several rounds, culminating in a final usually held at Reykjavík’s national stadium, Laugardalsvöllur. The champion of the cup secures qualification for the following season’s UEFA Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup).
The 1999 edition followed the standard format: early rounds were regionalized to reduce travel, while later rounds were drawn nationally. The competition typically began in the spring and concluded in the autumn, aligning with the Icelandic football calendar.
Etymology / Origin
The term “Icelandic Cup” (Icelandic: Bikarkeppni karla) translates directly to “men’s cup competition.” The word “bikar” means “cup” in Icelandic, and “keppni” means “competition.” The numeral “1999” simply designates the year in which this particular edition was contested.
Characteristics
- Format: Single‑elimination knockout; matches decided by regular time, extra time, and penalty shoot‑out if needed.
- Eligibility: Open to all KSÍ‑registered men’s clubs; entry is typically mandatory for top‑division clubs.
- Venue for Final: Traditionally held at Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavík’s national stadium, though occasional finals have been staged at other venues.
- European Qualification: The winner earned a place in the qualifying rounds of the 2000–01 UEFA Cup.
- Scheduling: The tournament normally spanned from May to September, fitting within Iceland’s short summer playing season.
Related Topics
- Icelandic Cup (football): The broader competition series spanning from its inception in 1960 to the present.
- 1999 Úrvalsdeild karla season: The parallel top‑flight league competition in Iceland for the same year.
- UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League): Continental competition for which the Icelandic Cup winner qualified.
- Knattspyrnusamband Íslands (KSÍ): Governing body responsible for organizing the cup.
Note: Detailed records for the 1999 Icelandic Cup—such as the exact number of participating teams, match results, and the identity of the champion—are not fully corroborated by publicly accessible, reliable sources. Consequently, while the structural aspects of the tournament are well documented, specific outcomes for the 1999 edition remain unverified.