# Tromsø and CFR Cluj Europa Conference League match

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/troms-and-cfr-cluj-europa-conference-league-match
> Updated: 2026-08-07T15:23:04.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Tromsø IL secured a significant 5-0 victory against CFR Cluj in the first leg of the Europa Conference League qualifying round, featuring goals from Heine Åsen Larsen and a hat-trick by Isak Dahlqvist.

Following this defeat, CFR Cluj entered a period of internal crisis. The club dismissed head coach Antonio Folha and several players, including goalkeeper Andre Moreira and midfielder Karlo Muhar. The loss also triggered financial instability, with reports suggesting the club may seek insolvency to manage debt. Owner Nelu Varga has indicated potential withdrawal of investment, while the club explores selling key players and negotiating with potential new coaching candidates, such as Marius Șumudică and Laszlo Balint.

Recent developments have confirmed a massive restructuring at the club. Marius Șumudică has been appointed as the new head coach to stabilize the team. The player exodus has expanded to include high-earning recent signings Renato Pantalon, Bruno Costa, and Francisco Barrios. To alleviate mounting financial pressure, the club is considering the sale of players such as Andrei Cordea, Meriton Korenica, and Lorenzo Biliboc. While Șumudică has requested defensive reinforcements like Marko Jevtovic, the club's ability to make signings remains heavily constrained by its budget and ongoing debt management efforts.

## Claims

- Nelu Varga ordered the substitution of goalkeeper Andre Moreira during the halftime of the CFR Cluj vs Tromso match. (single source)
- CFR Cluj lost 0-5 at home to Tromso in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round. (single source)
- The club has terminated the contract of head coach Antonio Folha. (single source)
- Marius Șumudică is in negotiations to take over as the new head coach of CFR Cluj. (single source)
- The club is considering filing for insolvency due to significant financial debts and unpaid salaries. (single source)
- Several players, including Karlo Muhar, Renato Pantalon, Bruno Costa, Francisco Barrios, and Andre Moreira, have left or had their contracts terminated. (single source)
- Owner Nelu Varga has expressed interest in potentially moving to UTA Arad. (single source)
- The club is looking to sell Andrei Cordea, Meriton Korenica, and Lorenzo Biliboc to address financial issues. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-07: CFR Cluj faces massive restructuring after 0-5 defeat to Tromsø

Following a heavy 0-5 loss to Tromsø, CFR Cluj is undergoing massive changes, including the dismissal of coach Antonio Folha and several players, while appointing Marius Șumudică as the new manager.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cfr-cluj-in-turmoil-after-0-5-defeat-to-tromso-owner-ejects-goalkeeper-and-top-scorer-karlo-muhar-te

### 2026-08-06: Tromsø thrashes CFR Cluj 5-0 in Europa Conference League qualifier

Tromsø IL beat CFR Cluj 5‑0 in the Europa Conference League qualifier, with Åsen Larsen scoring twice and Dahlqvist a hat‑trick; the winner will meet Brighton next.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/troms-thrashes-cfr-cluj-5-0-in-europa-conference-league-qualifier

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Cite as: Tromsø and CFR Cluj Europa Conference League match. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/troms-and-cfr-cluj-europa-conference-league-match