Paunescu remains at Steaua helm
Thursday, May 9, 2002
Article summary
Viorel Paunescu has been re-elected as president of Romanian club FC Steaua Bucuresti.
Article body
Viorel Paunescu has been re-elected as president of Romanian first division club FC Steaua Bucuresti for another four-year term at the club's general assembly.
Four vice-presidents
Paunescu, who took up the role in 1998, will now have four vice-presidents - tennis legend Ilie Nastase; Gigi Becali, the club's main investor; Alexandru Sassu, a member of parliament; and ex-handball international Cristian Gatu. Previously only one person held the post.
Hagi objects
However, there is controversy over the low-key nature of the meeting and vote, with former players Gheorghe Hagi, Constantin Oancea, Emerich Ienei and Ilie Dumitrescu claiming there should be another assembly and election on 27 May. Hagi and Anghel Iordanescu, the national coach, were among those unable to attend.
'Not a secret meeting'
But Paunescu denied that his re-election was of a covert nature, saying: "It was not a secret meeting, because it was announced more than a month ago".
Cup exit
This week Steaua's bid to win the Romanian Cup was ended at the semi-final stage by city rivals FC Dinamo Bucuresti. Steaua are currently fifth in the top flight.
