Elimai Football Club

The return of a proud football tradition

The modern club was established in 2022 following the creation of Abai Region, with Semey as its administrative centre. Samat Smakov and Serik Baigaliyev were among the project’s initiators. The team bears the name of the celebrated Elimai side that won Kazakhstan’s league in 1994, 1995 and 1998, although the modern organisation has not operated continuously since the 1990s.

A first European campaign

Elimai made their European debut in 2026, facing Armenia’s Alashkert in Conference League qualifying. The two matches finished 1–1 and 2–2. The Kazakh side lost the penalty shootout 5–6, but the debut itself was an important occasion for Semey’s revived football club.

Sixth place in 2026

Elimai collected 45 points and finished sixth in the 2026 Premier League. The club established itself in the top half and continues to develop a project closely connected to the city’s history and the enthusiasm of its supporters.