Romanian club CLB Romania receives a severe penalty, deducted by... 94 points

The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) continues to enforce a strict penalty against FCU Craiova 1948. This club has lost a total of 94 points because it has not settled debts owed to former players, coaches, and Dinamo Bucharest.

According to the FRF announcement, the penalties were not applied all at once but accumulated continuously after multiple violations. This caused Craiova to suffer a record points deduction, 94 points, almost completely nullifying all their efforts on the field.

The FRF Disciplinary Committee, based on Articles 85 and 24 of the regulations, imposed this sanction as part of measures addressing delayed debt payments. Beyond the point deductions, Craiova has also been denied a license to compete in Liga 2 and is forced to play in Liga 3 starting from the new season.

The Romanian Football Federation set a deadline of September 3, 2025, for the club to provide proof of debt repayment. Failure to comply may result in further penalties, including possible expulsion from the professional league system. The final decision is expected on September 25.

The club owner, Mr. Adrian Mititelu, considers the penalty unreasonable and has announced plans to appeal. In an interview with Romanian media, he stated: “These decisions lack legal grounds. Everything will be resolved, and we will not be expelled from the competition.”

However, experts believe Craiova’s situation is extremely difficult. Even if the appeal succeeds, the heavy point deduction combined with playing in the third division will undoubtedly plunge the club into a comprehensive crisis, both financially and competitively.

Notably, Craiova previously had Dutch striker Stijn Meijer, a former forward for FC Dordrecht and PEC Zwolle. However, he has left the team and currently plays for Hamrun Spartans in the Maltese Premier League. Meijer’s departure partly reflects instability within the club, as many players no longer trust the club’s future.

With a total deduction of 94 points and the risk of removal from the professional football system, FCU Craiova faces one of the greatest crises in its history. Unless the debts are settled promptly and financial capability is proven, the club could entirely disappear from Romania’s football map.