Universitatea under new ownership

Romanian club FC Universitatea Craiova have announced Dinel Staicu as their new owner, following the departure of Gheorghe Netoiu to rivals FC Dinamo Bucuresti.

Majority shareholding
Local businessman Staicu, who also owns second division outfit CSM Resita, has bought Netoiu's majority shareholding in the club in a deal believed to be worth around €400,000. Meanwhile, Netoiu, who is now vice-president at Dinamo, is searching for a new coach following former Universitatea manager Florin Marin's decision to quit the capital club after just 29 days in charge.

'Big boss'
Speaking after the conclusion of the deal, Staicu said: "In the end, the Universitatea football team is only a business like all other business. Someone must be the big boss. Before the start of the new season all players will be obliged to swear with one hand on the club's flag and the other on their heart that they will never betray the club".

Competitive team
Netoiu was hopeful for the future but revealed that Staicu was the only party to make a bid for the club's ownership. "Staicu's offer is the only one which was made to me," he said. "I hope that the people of Craiova people will become aware of what it means to have a football team. Now Staicu, if he is supported by the local authorities, has the opportunity to form a competitive team in the next two or three years."

Local support
Staicu becomes the major shareholder, with 51 per cent, and will be supported by the local council, the Dolj county council and Craiova University.

Difficult situation
Universitatea won the Divizia A title in 1990/91, but have struggled to rediscover that form since and only managed a seventh-place finish in the standings last term. Netoiu's departure and the loss of eleven key players to Dinamo, has left Universitatea in a difficult situation, but the club will be hoping for a return to the glory days of the early 1990s under the guidance of Staicu and new coach Emil Sandoi.

Internal problems
However, the internal wranglings within the club continue and president Viorel Ilinca revealed his intention to resign from his post to Staicu. Meanwhile, new vice-president, Constantin Mitrita, nominated for his new position only three days ago and not yet officially unveiled, quit his job after being heavily criticised by the local press.