The Final Whistle Blows on a Legal Battle

It’s over. The gavel has fallen, and for Gigi Becali, the verdict is a stinging defeat. The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has issued its final decision regarding the trademark dispute that has haunted FCSB for years. The club’s owner attempted to register the combined mark “FCSB Steaua,” hoping to legally reclaim the historic name that defined an era of Romanian football glory. But the European bureaucrats have said no. Again.

The saga began in 2023 when Becali, through his legal team, launched the offensive to secure the brand. The initial ruling came in the summer of 2025, delivering a harsh message: FCSB cannot associate with the name Steaua in any form. True to his combative nature, Becali refused to fold. He vowed to fight, predicting the appeals process could drag on for one, two, or even three years. He wanted a war. He got a verdict.

A Costly Defeat on Paper

The ambiguity ended on Thursday, May 28. The EUIPO published the final ruling, and it was unchanged. The appeal was rejected. The door is closed. FCSB is barred from using the Steaua name in its trademark. The decision is final, binding, and expensive.

The office didn’t just deny the request; they penalized the effort. The ruling states clearly that the appellant must bear the costs. Becali’s side is ordered to pay 550 EUR for the appeal procedure alone. When combined with the opposition phase, the total bill comes to 1,170 EUR. It’s a small price for a legal battle, but the symbolic weight is massive.

This isn’t just about logos or merchandise. It’s about identity. For decades, Steaua București was a European giant, lifting the UEFA Cup and the Champions League. The rebranding to FCSB after the 2017 takeover sparked a civil war among fans, splitting the supporters into two camps. This legal loss cements the separation. The name Steaua remains untouchable for the club owned by Becali. The history belongs to the foundation, not the football entity. The battle for the soul of the club continues in the stands, but in the courtroom, the fight is done.

What Comes Next for the Red-Blues?

With the legal route exhausted, FCSB must focus on the pitch. The distraction of the trademark war fades, replaced by the immediate pressures of the Liga I season. For Becali, it’s another chapter in a career filled with controversy and defiance. For the fans, it’s a reminder that some things cannot be bought, only inherited. The name Steaua lives on, but not on the crest of FCSB. The EUIPO has drawn a line in the sand, and this time, it’s permanent.