The current leader of Romania’s top football league, Astra Giurgiu, has lost its coach just before the playoffs. Marius Șumudică, who has been managing the team since April 2015, has been suspended from all football-related activities for the next six months for betting on football matches.

The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) also fined Șumudică RON 100,000 (some EUR 22,400), according to an official announcement made on February 29.

The manager can appeal against this decision. However, should he lose the appeal, he won’t be able to coach his team during the playoffs.

Marius Șumudică, a former striker, was accused of betting on football matches in the local first league (Liga I) as well as on other sports, which is against FRF’s regulations. Șumudică publicly admitted to owning 15% of a local bookmaker in the past, according to Agerpres.

Astra Giurgiu, which is owned by jailed businessman Ioan Niculae, finished the regular season first in Liga I with 51 points, 3 points ahead of Dinamo Bucharest and 7 points ahead of reigning champions Steaua Bucharest.

editor@romania-insider.com