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Romanian football clubs face European setbacks and tensions

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2026-08-14 16:52 UTC → 2026-08-15 06:41 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. FCSB owner Gigi Becali has announced a move to a three-center-back system and has signed striker Arnold Garita from Shenzhen Juniors on a four-month contract, with a confirmed monthly salary of 15,000 euros. At FC Botoșani, owner Valeriu Iftime has criticized striker Sebastian Mailat, suggesting his playstyle is “eating the team,” and expressed frustration with coach Marius Croitoru. Officiating consistency remains a point of dispute between Rapid Bucharest, Dinamo, and FCSB, while Becali has also publicly criticized player Florin Tănase regarding his relationship with coach Marius Baciu.

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