Following the recent inclusion of actor Mihai Bobonete as a shareholder at Universitatea Craiova, principal financier Mihai Rotaru has shared his plans for the club’s future.
Just a day after the team’s qualification for the Europa League playoffs, Rotaru discussed his vision for the club’s financial development, revealing an ambitious goal of establishing a €30 million budget over the next five years.
“I am no longer the majority shareholder of the team; my ownership has been significantly diluted. I currently hold approximately 25%. While I remain a pivotal figure, I do not possess majority control anymore,” Rotaru stated.
He emphasized, “My aim for Universitatea Craiova is to reach a budget of €30 million within five years. Once we achieve this, we can reasonably aspire to the Champions League. Until then, luck will play a significant role. However, with a €30 million budget, we should at least qualify for the Champions League group stage once every four years.”
“We are growing. We have targets for shareholder budgets, expectations from supporters, and revenue from transfers and UEFA. I have tried to maintain a balanced outlook—neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic. I believe it will be easier to reach €50 million in ten years from a base of €30 million. With €30 million, we can produce results, and those results will generate revenue,” he remarked during an interview on DigiSport Special.
“We are the only team in Romania representing the country with the potential to host bigger teams like Benfica or Juventus in Craiova. Let’s enjoy this moment,” said Mihai Rotaru.
“My objective is to bring some of the love I receive from my fans to Universitatea Craiova. This has been my goal since joining. I am friends with most of the shareholders; we have known each other for some time. The signing was merely a formality. I have been a shareholder for a while; now it’s official. I will register everywhere, including with the tax authorities,” added Mihai Bobonete.
