FCU 1948 Craiova’s Player Contracts in Limbo After Club Exclusion
Craiova, Romania — December 13, 2025.
The fallout from FCU 1948 Craiova’s exclusion from all Romanian competitions continues to deepen, with growing uncertainty surrounding the future of several key players whose contracts extend well beyond the club’s current crisis.
Long-Term Deals Under Threat
- Constantin Dragoș Albu: The midfielder, considered one of the brightest talents in Romanian football, signed a deal keeping him at Craiova until 2028. His development trajectory now faces disruption as the club’s competitive status has collapsed.
- Rokas Lekiatas: The Lithuanian defender also has a contract running until 2028. His situation mirrors Albu’s, with questions over whether he will seek termination or transfer to maintain his career momentum.
- Other squad members: Several players tied to long-term agreements now face the prospect of contract disputes, free agency claims, or forced negotiations with the Romanian Football Federation.
Implications for Careers
The exclusion leaves players in a precarious position:
- Transfer market impact: Clubs across Romania and abroad are expected to monitor the situation closely, anticipating potential bargains if contracts are annulled.
- Legal uncertainty: The FRF’s decision raises complex legal questions about whether players can walk away freely or if compensation clauses will apply.
- National team considerations: For talents like Albu, continued inactivity could jeopardize future call-ups to Romania’s senior squad.
Club’s Position
Owner Adrian Mititelu has condemned the sanctions, calling them “unjust and politically motivated.” However, with the FRF’s ruling now in effect, the club’s ability to honor long-term contracts appears severely compromised.
This development marks one of the most dramatic contract crises in Romanian football history, with FCU Craiova’s players caught between loyalty, legality, and career survival.
