Taiwan Cup
The Taiwan Cup is Taiwan's premier knockout football competition, sanctioned by the Chinese Taipei Football Association (CTFA). It features elite teams from the Premier League, First Division, and amateur sides, creating opportunities for underdog triumphs and showcasing the depth of Taiwanese football.
History and foundation
Launched in 1956 as the National Football Cup, it has evolved through various formats. A highlight was CSC Taiwan's 2010 victory over top-flight favorites. Suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19, it resumed with enhanced protocols. Over 15 clubs have lifted the trophy, reflecting intense rivalry.
Tournament format
Single-elimination format with 32–64 entrants, from preliminary rounds to the final. Matches are one-off, with extra time and penalties if needed, often on neutral grounds. Finals draw crowds up to 10,000 at Taipei's main venue.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.8, spiking in thrillers. Top scorer Chen Wei-chun netted 25 career goals. Stars include Su Yun-hua, a 1990s icon, and Wang Shan-tzu, who bagged 12 in 2022/23. It has nurtured talents like Lee Sheng for Asian stages.