“At CSA, there are nostalgic people without a goal who chop public money”

Horoba claims that, in the absence of a strong private sponsor, public investment remains the only viable solution for the survival and development of clubs, giving the example of Bistrița, where he says that public money has generated infrastructure, performance and thousands of children involved in sports every day.

At the same time, the former manager enters head-on into the identity debate in Romanian football, criticizing the situations at CS Dinamo and Steaua, which he considers expressions of the waste and confusion created by the use of public money without a clear project, clearly stating that, in the case of Stela, the sports identity belongs to FCSB, in his opinion.

VIDEO. Ioan Horoba: “The stadium is a national asset, not private property”

– Do you think that, with the withdrawal of a sponsor who has been supporting the team for years, a team from the province is already doomed to bankruptcy?
– Yes, that's exactly what's happening. In today's conditions, without a strong sponsor, a team has no chance.

– But how do you view so many investments of public money in Romanian sports, from the town halls to the county councils?
– There is no other solution. Bistrita, for example, is the only city where the Multipurpose Hall, at the beginning of the year, is 95% occupied, with all tickets being bought throughout the season. Here you see more and more children dressed in Gloria's gear. There are football and handball academies, and in 2-3 years we will see the results. There are groups of juniors engaged in national competitions, in leading places.

– How is the organization?
-It's a “hats off” organization. If it weren't for the County Council, to which the City Hall was added, you would probably only see aurolacs on the streets. At least 2,000 children are busy every day, school, training, competitions. If there wasn't this concern for sports, we would be in a much worse situation. Investing in sports actually means long-term economics. Children are healthier, more disciplined. Sedentaryism is a huge problem, children sit all day with their noses on their phones and don't move. Things have changed in Bistrita, it is one of the few cities that shows something in this field.

– Do you think the football team can promote to League 1 in the next 2-3 years?
– Here things are done with measure. This year is one of survival. The jump is very big from League 3 to League 2. This year I am sure that the team will stay in the 2nd League. I don't think he will be promoted next year, but in two years the team will be ready to fight for League 1. The conditions here are exceptional. There is a sports base near the Multipurpose Hall, fields, medical team, strength rooms, everything an athlete needs. Medicines, vitaminization, everything is well set up.

– Are there other sponsors?
– Sponsors are also attracted, not only the County Council and the City Hall could support the team alone. Especially since Bistrita also has a women's handball team in the Champions League. To the credit of the city and county, there are several local firms that are national leaders in their fields, from panels to pipes and batteries.

– Since we talked about public investments, I can't help but ask you. How do you see this whole situation with FCSB, Steaua, and in the Romanian Cup, Dinamo and CS Dinamo played?
– Something seems wrong with Dinamo. Either you're Dinamo or you're not. There cannot be two entities with the same name. And at Steaua, I don't understand how, at the MApN level, they can seize a stadium just for them. It's a national asset, not private property. And the team has been capped for years, without the right to promotion. For me, Steaua is FCSB. And this is not just my opinion, but that of all football people. There, at the CSA, some nostalgics without an objective, who chop public money, have taken refuge. They should unite with FCSB, reach an agreement and raise the level of football.