FC U Craiova, a Romanian football club, faces a historic 94-point deduction for financial mismanagement, putting their league future at risk. Could they be excluded from all competitions?
In a stunning development, Romanian football club FC U Craiova has been handed one of the largest points deductions in football history. The club has been docked 94 points, a penalty that not only threatens their position in Liga III but also puts their participation in all football competitions at risk. The punishment stems from a combination of financial mismanagement, unpaid debts, and unresolved financial obligations, leading to a catastrophic situation for the once-promising club.
A Record-Setting Points Deduction
To put the severity of this penalty into perspective, the largest points deduction in English football history is 30 points, handed to Luton Town during the 2008/09 season. However, FC U Craiova’s 94-point deduction dwarfs that figure, marking one of the most substantial in European football. This decision has sparked outrage and concern not only within Romania but across the European football community, given the scale of the sanction.
The Financial Issues Behind the Deduction
The points deduction is a direct consequence of the club’s financial troubles, which have been mounting for years. Unpaid debts to former players, coaches, and staff members are at the heart of the problem. Additionally, FC U Craiova owes money to their rivals, Dinamo Bucuresti, following a Romanian Cup match. Despite facing multiple penalties in the past, this latest deduction represents the most severe consequence yet.
Potential Exclusion From Competitions
Following the ruling, the FRF Disciplinary and Ethics Commission has confirmed that FC U Craiova will start the Liga III season with a deficit of 94 points. But the situation could escalate even further. The club has been given a deadline of September 3, 2025, to provide proof of payments to former players and staff. Failure to meet this deadline could result in further points deductions or, even more significantly, the club’s exclusion from Romanian football competitions under the FRF (Romanian Football Federation), LPF (Liga Profesionista de Fotbal), and AJF (Asociația Județeană de Fotbal) regulations.
Owner’s Confidence Amidst Crisis
Despite the grim outlook, FC U Craiova’s owner, Adrian Mititelu, has expressed confidence that the club will avoid further sanctions. He told Golazo: “We will not be excluded. The situation will be resolved one way or another.” Mititelu has also contested every points deduction through the courts, which means that the official rulings cannot take effect until the legal cases are resolved. The outcome of these legal proceedings will ultimately determine the club’s future.
Comparison to Other Clubs’ Sanctions
The 94-point penalty surpasses the penalties handed to Italian clubs AC Milan, Fiorentina, and Lazio for their involvement in the infamous Calciopoli match-fixing scandal, where Juventus was stripped of their 2004/05 and 2005/06 Serie A titles and relegated to Serie B. However, despite the gravity of the situation, another Romanian club, Caransebes, endured an even harsher penalty in 2015/16. The club was hit with a 96-point deduction for similar financial mismanagement and failure to meet the federation’s licensing and administrative requirements.
The Bigger Picture: The Future of FC U Craiova
FC U Craiova’s points deduction is a major blow to the club, which has struggled with financial difficulties for several years. With the looming threat of exclusion from competitions, the club’s future remains uncertain. Their ability to resolve their financial issues and comply with league regulations will ultimately determine their survival in Romanian football.
As the situation unfolds, the eyes of the football world will remain on FC U Craiova, awaiting further developments. If they fail to meet the federation’s demands, they could face an even more severe fate that may end their participation in Romanian football altogether.
