Ioniţa named Moldova's player of the year

Hellas Verona FC midfielder Artur Ioniţa has been named as Moldova's footballer of the year, following a poll by the Football Association of Moldova (FMF).

The 24-year-old spent the first part of the year at Swiss club FC Aarau before signing for Verona in July, becoming the first ever Moldovan player in Serie A. Ioniţa has scored two goals in 12 league outings so far for Verona and was also ever-present for the national team, contesting eight international matches for his country in 2014.

"It's very pleasing that Artur trusted me to collect this award – I am very proud," said his first coach Veaceslav Carandaşov, as Ioniţa could not attend the awards ceremony. "Well done Artur! He had a great year, but I am sure he is capable of doing more."

Four-time winner Alexandru Epureanu – who moved from FC Anji Makhachkala to İstanbul Başakşehir in the summer – finished as runner-up, while Moldova goalkeeper Ilie Cebanu came third. Cebanu played for Russian clubs FC Tom Tomsk and FC Mordovia Saransk in 2014.

FC Sheriff custodian Serghei Paşcenco claimed the accolade for the Moldovan league's goalkeeper of the year, while his team-mate Radu Gînsari was named the best forward. Other league awards went to Petru Racu (best defender) of FC Veris and FC Zimbru Chisinau's Alexandru Dedov (best midfielder).

Veris tactician Lilian Popescu was named best coach, while Vlad Ivancenco earned the refereeing award.