Universitatea Craiova and Universitatea Cluj prepare for European qualifiers

Universitatea Craiova Universitatea Cluj European qualifiers Champions League UEFA

Four Romanian clubs—Universitatea Craiova, Universitatea Cluj, FCSB and CFR Cluj—have entered the preliminary rounds of UEFA competitions, with draws setting their opponents for this summer. Craiova will face Belarusian champion ML Vitebsk in the first qualifying round of the Champions League, with the first leg scheduled for 8 July at Mezőkövesd (Hungary) and the return on 15 July in Craiova. UEFA confirmed the dates and noted that Vitebsk must play at a neutral venue due to sanctions on Belarus.

Craiova opened its preseason with a 7‑1 friendly win over Austrian amateurs FC Stubai, while Cluj suffered a 1‑2 loss to Croatia’s U19 side in its first summer friendly. Cluj’s camp includes further friendlies against Ujpest (27 June), FK Vojvodina (2 July) and Nyiregyhaza Spartacus (3 July) before its Europa League qualifier against Dinamo Kiev and a Supercupa match against Craiova on 12 July.

Negotiations are ongoing over broadcast rights for the Craiova–Vitebsk tie, with platforms Voyo and Digi Sport submitting competing offers. The outcome will determine whether fans must subscribe to an online service or can watch the match on television.