Chisinau Mayor denies political links to Matei Basarab stadium project

Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban and Petrocub Football Club have denied allegations of political involvement regarding the construction of a football pitch at the Matei Basarab Lyceum. The controversy arose following claims by former deputy mayor Victor Chironda, who suggested that Ceban’s father-in-law, Ghenadie Țaulean, was involved in the project’s documentation and site supervision.

Ceban clarified that Țaulean is a retiree with a modest salary and has no role in the management of Petrocub. The club’s president, Mihail Usatîi, stated that the 11 million lei investment is intended to expand the club’s academy and support youth sports, specifically for children under 16. The project includes installing artificial turf and is part of a five-year collaboration agreement with the school.

Local residents have expressed concerns regarding the deforestation required for the project. The Environmental Agency confirmed that authorization was issued for the removal of 172 trees. In response, club officials noted that the project includes plans to landscape green spaces and plant new trees to ensure the area remains suitable for students.