Fradi remain favorites in revamped first division

BUDAPEST (Reuters) -- Hungary is hoping for a football revival as the reorganized 16-club first division kicks off this weekend.

Ferencvaros, known by their supporters as Fradi, remain the favorites to retain the title, despite losing inspirational striker Zoltan Gera, who left for English Premier League newcomers West Bromwich Albion, and top-scorer Attila Tokoli who signed for Cologne.

It also has a new manager after sacking Attila Pinter, replacing him with Csaba Laszlo.

Ferencvaros lost at home on Wednesday to a mediocre Albanian side in the Champions League qualifiers and looked short of strikepower, struggling through to a tie with Czech Sparta Prague thanks to the away goals rule.

The Green and White Eagles' biggest rivals for the championship appear to be Debrecen, who lost out on the title after defeat by Ferencvaros in the final game of last season.

The arrival of Hungary international right-back Adam Komlosi from Budapest club MTK and Leonardo Ferreira Coelho from Brazil's Vasco da Gama have boosted the chances of the club from the east of Hungary.

LEAGUE UPHEAVAL

The expansion of the league in the offseason proved chaotic with some teams losing out on the chance of top-flight football because they could not meet club license terms.

While Diosgyor FC missed out and remain in the second division, Nyiregyhaza, who finished fifth, will step up.

A number of teams also moved in search of new sponsors and supporters, with Balaton FC Siofok, surprise fourth in the first division last year, locating to Miskolc.

First division Haladas also moved to the city of Papa from Szombathely.

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