# Romanian football clubs face European setbacks and tensions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/csm-slatina-coach-hire-and-preseason > Updated: 2026-08-14T05:46:32.000Z. Sources: 63. Developments: 27. As the 2026–27 season progresses, Romanian football clubs are navigating difficult European campaigns and increasing internal tensions. In European competition, Universitatea Craiova has successfully advanced to the Europa League play-off round. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Finnish side KuPS, Craiova secured a 2-1 victory at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium, resulting in a 3-2 aggregate win. Despite an early goal from Valentin Gasc, Steven Nsimba equalized via a penalty, and Carlos Mora secured the win with a long-range strike. Craiova will now face Ararat Armenia in the play-offs. This progression carries significant financial implications; having already guaranteed substantial prize money through qualifying rounds and a secured place in the Conference League group stage, total UEFA revenues could exceed 4 million euros depending on the outcome against the Armenian champions. In the domestic Superliga, FC Argeș recently secured a 1-1 draw against Farul Constanța in Mioveni. Robert Moldoveanu scored for FC Argeș in the 18th minute via a deflected free kick, while Eduard Radaslavescu equalized for Farul in the 22nd minute. The result keeps FC Argeș at the top of the standings with 10 points after five rounds, their first time leading the league in 29 years. Following the match, Farul coach Ioan Ovidiu Sabău noted concerns regarding the physical preparation of players who joined late in the preseason. In contrast, CFR Cluj has faced severe setbacks. Following their elimination from the Conference League by Tromso, the club has officially requested insolvency proceedings at the Cluj Tribunal, citing debts exceeding 25 million euros. Amidst this financial crisis and previous management turnover, Marius Șumudică has been appointed as the new head coach. Domestic tensions and tactical shifts continue. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-14: Romanian football: FC Argeș remains Superliga leader after draw Romanian football updates: FC Argeș remains Superliga leader after a 1-1 draw with Farul, while Dinamo defeated Rapid 1-0 in a tense derby. Ianis Hagi is sidelined with an injury in Turkey. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fcsb-eliminated-from-conference-league-by-fk-auda ### 2026-08-13: Universitatea Craiova advances to Europa League play-offs Universitatea Craiova advanced to the Europa League play-offs after a 2-1 victory over KuPS (3-2 aggregate), setting up a clash with Ararat Armenia. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-hosts-kups-in-europa-league-qualifier ### 2026-08-11: Romanian SuperLiga clubs face coaching shifts and internal tensions Romanian SuperLiga faces internal friction as FC Botoșani's owner criticizes player Sebastian Mailat, CFR Cluj seeks new coaching options, and club officials clash over refereeing and team discipline. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gigi-becali-criticizes-fcsb-player-florin-tnase ### 2026-08-11: Universitatea Craiova and CFR Cluj face pivotal European fixtures amid club transitions Universitatea Craiova faces KuPS in a crucial Europa League qualifier following a 1-1 first-leg draw, while CFR Cluj undergoes coaching changes and salary disputes after a heavy defeat to Tromso. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-football-clubs-face-european-setbacks ### 2026-07-25: Romanian lower‑league clubs win pre‑season friendlies ahead of 2026/27 season CSM Reșița beat Nera Bogodinț 5-1 and CSC Dumbrăvița won 3-0 in pre‑season friendlies, gearing up for the 2026/27 Liga 2 season in Romania. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-lowerleague-clubs-win-preseason-friendlies-ahead-of-202627-season ### 2026-07-22: Romanian clubs wrap up summer friendlies with narrow 1‑0 victories Romanian clubs FC Bihor and Concordia Chiajna each earned 1‑0 wins in summer friendlies, extending their pre‑season unbeaten runs. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-wrap-up-summer-friendlies-with-narrow-10-victories ### 2026-07-20: Romanian clubs boost squads with key summer signings Romanian clubs FCSB, Corona Brașov and Sănătatea Cluj have added several players, including FCSB’s high‑paid defender Dylan Batubinsika and Corona Brașov’s veteran lineup, ahead of the new season. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cfr-cluj-signs-former-porto-midfielder-bruno-costa-as-romanian-clubs-reshape-squads ### 2026-07-19: Chindia Târgoviște loses 2-3 to Concordia Chiajna in pre‑season friendly In a pre‑season friendly at Târgoviște, Chindia lost 2‑3 to Concordia Chiajna; Daniel Celea and Rareș Mihai scored for Chindia, while Concordia led 3‑1 at halftime and added loanee Cristian Licsandru from Dinuo 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chindia-trgovite-loses-2-3-to-concordia-chiajna-in-preseason-friendly ### 2026-07-16: Stefan Târnovanu seeks move from FCSB as UTA coach Adrian Mihalcea targets playoff Goalkeeper Stefan Târnovanu wants to leave FCSB, expecting a sale below his €5 million clause, while UTA coach Adrian Mihalcea targets a play‑off spot and a deep cup run. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stefan-trnovanu-seeks-move-from-fcsb-as-uta-coach-adrian-mihalcea-targets-playoff ### 2026-07-12: Romanian football clubs CSM Slatina and CSM Caransebeș record wins in preseason and Cup fixtures CSM Slatina won 3‑1 in a Bulgarian preseason match; CSM Caransebeș drew 0‑0 with Ripensia but won 5‑4 on penalties in a Romanian Cup regional game. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-football-clubs-csm-slatina-and-csm-caransebe-record-wins-in-preseason-and-cup-fixtures ### 2026-07-11: Romanian clubs CSC Dumbrăvița and Concordia Chiajna hold summer friendly matches CSC Dumbrăvița drew 0‑0 with Hungary’s Szeged‑Csanad Grosics Akademia II after two disallowed goals, while Concordia Chiajna beat Inter Ilfov 6‑0 in a Romanian summer friendly, with Alexandru Jipa scoring a hat 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-csc-dumbrvia-and-concordia-chiajna-hold-summer-friendly-matches ### 2026-07-11: Romanian preseason friendlies deliver goal fests in July Romanian clubs Cetatea Suceava beat Botoșani 4‑3 and Steaua lost 5‑4 to CS Afumați in goal‑filled July friendlies. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-preseason-friendlies-deliver-goal-fests-in-july ### 2026-07-08: Romanian football clubs post mixed preseason results and junior tournament win Romanian clubs CSM Slatina, Cetatea 1932 Suceava and CSM Râmnicu Sărat juniors recorded preseason results: Slatina lost 3‑2 to Slavia Sofia, Suceava drew 2‑2 with Gloria Bistrița, and Râmnicu Sărat juniors won 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-football-clubs-post-mixed-preseason-results-and-junior-tournament-win ### 2026-07-07: Stefan Târnovanu open to Dinamo move but aims for foreign transfer FCSB goalkeeper Stefan Târnovanu says he won't rule out a move to rival Dinamo, but aims for a foreign transfer; no official offers yet. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stefan-trnovanu-open-to-dinamo-move-but-aims-for-foreign-transfer ### 2026-07-05: CFR Cluj adapts to Antonio Folha's new tactics ahead of new season CFR Cluj captain Mario Camora says the squad is adapting to new coach Antonio Folha's tactics after two summer friendlies in Slovenia, with the league debut set for 18 July. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cfr-cluj-adapts-to-antonio-folhas-new-tactics-ahead-of-new-season ### 2026-07-04: Romanian Liga II clubs CSM Slatina and CSM Reșița win summer friendlies CSM Slatina beat SC Popești‑Leordeni 4‑1 and CSM Reșița edged Cetatea 1932 Suceava 2‑0 in Romanian Liga II summer friendlies ahead of the new season. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-liga-ii-clubs-csm-slatina-and-csm-reia-win-summer-friendlies ### 2026-07-02: Romanian clubs UTA Arad and FC Argeș win friendlies in Slovenia UTA Arad cancelled its friendly with Radnički Niš and will face NK Istra 1961, while FC Argeș beat NK Jadran Dekani 4-0 during their Slovenian training camp. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-uta-arad-and-fc-arge-win-friendlies-in-slovenia ### 2026-06-28: Romanian FA grants FK Csíkszereda stadium exemption for 2026‑27 season The Romanian Football Federation amended its rules to let FK Csíkszereda keep playing at its 2,500‑seat stadium for the 2026‑27 SuperLiga season, avoiding a potential relocation to Sepsi Dunărea. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-fa-grants-fk-cskszereda-stadium-exemption-for-202627-season ### 2026-06-27: Romanian clubs Metalul Buzău and UTA Arad win preseason friendlies Metalul Buzău beat CSL Ștefăneștii de Jos 4‑2 and UTA Arad defeated CSC Dumbrăvița 4‑0 in preseason friendlies, each preparing for the upcoming Liga 2 season. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-metalul-buzu-and-uta-arad-win-preseason-friendlies ### 2026-06-25: FC Botoșani coach Marius Croitoru sets cautious transfer strategy for upcoming season FC Botoșani’s pre‑season in Bulgaria sees coach Marius Croitoru pledge to keep the core squad, avoid hasty signings and add only a few quality players later to build on last season’s playoff run. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-botoani-coach-marius-croitoru-sets-cautious-transfer-strategy-for-upcoming-season ### 2026-06-25: Romanian SuperLiga 2026‑27 fixtures drawn, clubs unveil transfer plans SuperLiga 2026‑27 draw held in Bucharest; season starts 18‑19 July. Craiova adds Rus, Sava, Ronaldo; Argeș wins friendly; Deac becomes CFR Cluj vice‑president; Crețu re‑signs with FCSB; Tănase absent from camp; 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-arge-coach-bogdan-andone-stays-despite-foreign-offers-and-guides-team-to-20-friendly-win-in-slove ### 2026-06-17: FCSB star Florin Tănase weighs Chinese offer amid Romanian clubs' summer transfer moves Florin Tănase is considering a €3 million Chinese offer while Romanian clubs Dinamo and FCSB complete low‑cost signings, including Răzvan Radu, Ronny Labonne and Shaquil Delos. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cfr-cluj-secures-marian-huja-transfer-and-appoints-new-coach-antonio-folha ### 2026-06-15: CFR Cluj appoints Portuguese Antonio Folha as head coach CFR Cluj hired Portuguese Antonio Folha as head coach on a one‑year deal, with intensive training, a Slovenia camp and aims to chase the title despite financial challenges. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cfr-cluj-appoints-antonio-folha-as-head-coach ### 2026-06-13: CFR Cluj hires Portuguese coach Antonio Folha CFR Cluj appoints Portuguese Antonio Folha as head coach after talks with Edi Iordănescu fell through; Folha arrives with staff and a €17,000 monthly salary. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cfr-cluj-hires-portuguese-coach-antonio-folha ### 2026-06-09: Romanian clubs Botoșani and FCSB begin preseason camps FC Botoșani and FCSB start preseason training, Botoșani in Bulgaria and FCSB in the Netherlands, with FCSB set to face Belgium's Union Saint‑Gilloise. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-botoani-and-fcsb-begin-preseason-camps ### 2026-06-08: CSM Slatina sets preseason schedule and Bulgaria training camp for Liga II CSM Slatina resumes training on June 18 under coach Adrian Dulcea, schedules friendlies with SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea, Popești Leordeni and Steaua, and holds a July camp in Bansko, Bulgaria. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/csm-slatina-sets-preseason-schedule-and-bulgaria-training-camp-for-liga-ii ### 2026-06-02: Adrian Dulcea named CSM Slatina head coach as CFR Cluj eyes new manager Adrian Dulcea becomes CSM Slatina head coach; CFR Cluj searches for a new manager, weighing candidates like Dan Petrescu and Adrian Mutu. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adrian-dulcea-named-csm-slatina-head-coach-as-cfr-cluj-eyes-new-manager --- Cite as: Romanian football clubs face European setbacks and tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/csm-slatina-coach-hire-and-preseason