During the2016–17 Greek Second Division season,Chania were represented in theGreek Second Division by two clubs, namelyAO Chania of the city ofChania, andKissamikos, based in the neighboring town ofKissamos.Kissamikos had quickly established itself in theFootball League, managing to outgrow, and eventually outperform its more prestigious local competitorAO Chania. Facing insurmountable financial issues,AO Chania were forcibly relegated to theGamma Ethniki at the end of the season after being deducted 33 points, while simultaneously having its licence revoked. In the summer of 2017, Kissamikos owner at the time Antonis Rokakis proposed a merger of the two clubs in an attempt to form a new, strong outfit to represent the region, and more specifically the city ofChania (as the region's competitor in theGreek Super League,Platanias is based in the neighboring town and municipality ofPlatanias). The initiative was eventually approved on 19 August 2017,[1] however, any club that would result from a potential merger would inherit the financial obligations ofAO Chania. As such,Kissamikos changed its name toAO Chania − Kissamikos, retaining its original crest and colors,[2][3] while the club's home ground was relocated toPerivolia Municipal Stadium inMournies,Chania.[4] The entire merger was met with fierce opposition by the supporters ofKissamikos.[5] On the other hand, supporters ofAO Chania demandedKissamikos' name and crest be completely erased, basically turning the club into a modern continuation ofAO Chania.[6]
The new club became serious competitors in the two years following the merger, finishing 4th during the2017–18 season, and 6th in2018–19, thus becoming eligible to play in the 2019-formedSuper League 2.
In the summer of 2019, the club's board of directors changed the club's name toP.A.E. Chania (Greek:Π.Α.Ε. Χανιά), indicating their intent to represent the entireChania regional unit.[7][8] The2019–20 season saw Chania FC achieve its best result to date, finishing third in the Super League 2.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Antonis Rokakis
/
Shefki Kuqi
Edinho
Francesco Polverino
