Romanian pair axed for misconduct
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Article summary
The Romanian Football Federation has banned two players from representing their country for the next two years.
Article body
Until summer 2006
The pair, both Under-21 internationals, will play no part in qualifying for either the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship or the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and the suspension also precludes participation in the final tournaments should Romania progress.
Misconduct charge
The move follows a complaint levelled at both men by Romania U21 coach, Nicolae Manea, after his team's European Championship qualifier in the Czech Republic last Friday. Manea accused Zicu, a midfield player with Italian side Parma FC, and Goian, a defender with FC Dinamo Bucuresti, of improper conduct during the game, a 4-1 defeat.
Unanimous decision
The FRF's executive committee backed the coach unanimously, arguing that discipline and good behaviour were prerequisites of the job of representing Romania at any level.