Definition
The 2019–20 Slovak Cup, officially titled the Slovnaft Cup for sponsorship reasons, was the annual knockout football tournament organized by the Slovak Football Association (SFZ) to determine the national cup champion of Slovakia for the 2019–2020 season.
Overview
The competition began in the summer of 2019 and concluded in July 2020. It featured clubs from across the Slovak football league system, ranging from top‑division sides in the Fortuna Liga to lower‑division and amateur teams. The tournament followed a single‑elimination format, with matches decided by regular time, extra time, and, if necessary, penalty shoot‑outs.
The 2019–20 edition was notably affected by the COVID‑19 pandemic. After the quarter‑finals were completed in early 2020, the competition was suspended in March 2020 in line with public‑health measures. Play resumed in May 2020 behind closed doors, and the final was held on 8 July 2020 at Tehelné pole in Bratislava. ŠK Slovan Bratislava won the cup, defeating MFK Ružomberok 1–0 after extra time, thereby securing a place in the 2020–21 UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
Etymology / Origin
- Slovak Cup: The term denotes a national cup competition organized by the Slovak Football Association, reflecting its role as the premier knockout tournament in Slovak football.
- Slovnaft Cup: The naming rights for the competition were held by Slovnaft, a Slovak oil refining and petrochemical company, thus the tournament was marketed under the sponsor’s brand during the season.
Characteristics
- Format: Single‑match elimination rounds; earlier rounds often feature regional pairings to reduce travel.
- Participants: Open to all clubs affiliated with the SFZ, typically encompassing over 200 teams across all levels of Slovak football.
- Match Rules: Standard 90‑minute regulation time, followed by two 15‑minute halves of extra time if tied, and a penalty shoot‑out if necessary.
- European Qualification: The cup winner earns a berth in the qualifying stage of the UEFA Europa Conference League (previously the UEFA Europa League).
- Sponsorship: The competition was sponsored by Slovnaft, influencing its commercial branding and prize‑money distribution.
- COVID‑19 Impact: The 2019–20 season experienced an unprecedented suspension and subsequent matches were played without spectators, in accordance with national health directives.
Related Topics
- Slovak Cup (general overview of the competition’s history and format)
- Slovnaft Cup (sponsorship history and naming rights)
- 2019–20 Slovak First Football League (concurrent top‑flight league season)
- 2020–21 UEFA Europa Conference League (European competition for which the cup winner qualified)
- COVID‑19 pandemic impact on European football competitions.