[1][2][3] First contested in the 2021–22 season, the word FENIX is an acronym and stands for Friendly, European, Non-professional, Innovative, and Xenial (From the ancient Greek xenos, the word examined for an attitude of resistance to strangers, with maintaining mutual respect for cultural differences).

The Fenix Trophy was originally envisioned by Alessandro Aleotti, chairman of Italian club Brera Calcio.

Examples from the competition's early history include Beveren,[7] a Belgian club notable for having played professional European football, most recently in the 2004–05 UEFA Cup, and Venus București, winners of the Romanian Liga I on seven occasions.

The number of teams was increased to nine for the 2022–23 season, with Danish club BK Skjold winning the competition.

[8] Semi-professional and amateur teams from across Europe are invited to play in the competition based on exceptional social, historical and cultural significance.