Romanian Football Federation spectator disciplinary measures

The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) has implemented new measures to address spectator conduct and safety.

Following a UEFA sanction related to a 2024 match against Kosovo, the FRF announced that the Nations League match between Romania and Bosnia and Herzegovina on September 28, 2026, will be played behind closed doors. Unlike previous matches where academy children were permitted to attend, this decision bars all spectators, including children, citing safety concerns and logistical challenges.

In a separate disciplinary move aimed at youth competitions (U7 through U16), the FRF is introducing a ‘black card’ to combat bullying and aggression from parents and spectators. Approved by the FRF Emergency Committee on September 11, 2026, the federation claims to be the first in the world to introduce a card specifically intended to sanction spectator behavior.

The measure involves a three-stage escalation: an initial warning where the referee pauses the match to ask coaches to address spectators, a 10-minute match suspension where teams are sent to locker rooms, and finally, the issuance of the black card, which results in the permanent termination of the match if disruptions continue. The initiative aims to protect children from insults, physical aggression, and conflicts with officials. All 130 accredited academies in Romania have been provided with information regarding these new guidelines.