Andrei Vochin, an advisor to Răzvan Burleanu, and Ilie Dumitrescu, Player Transition Manager at the Romanian Football Federation (FRF), have addressed the appearance of the U21 national team’s staff at a party hosted by Nicu Gheară in Ibiza. This event occurred just before the team’s humiliating 1-7 defeat against Spain U21.
Present at the party were Costin Curelea, head coach of Romania U21, Marius Niculae, the sports director, Iulian Oțelea, team manager, and Ionuț Stancu, assistant coach. This gathering involved alcohol and was hosted at the home of a businessman with controversial connections.
Ilie Dumitrescu labeled the outing as a “disciplinary breach,” while Andrei Vochin referenced a similar incident from 2017 involving players drinking on a flight to Spain, which resulted in their exclusion from the team.
Dumitrescu and Vochin Comment on U21 Officials’ Outing
“This is a disciplinary violation, especially before an official match while in training camp. The players were alone in the hotel at that time. We are discussing the staff, the most important people in the delegation,” Dumitrescu stated during a segment on Digi Sport’s “Fotbal Club”.
Vochin added, “In preparing for the next four U21 qualifications, such an incident is troubling. It’s a violation of internal regulations. About nine years ago, after a flight to Spain, several players disembarked and acted irresponsibly.
Under coach Isăilă at the time, that incident ultimately served as a valuable lesson, leading that generation to the semifinals at the EURO and the Olympics.
They didn’t have the strength to say ‘no.’ Many Romanians abroad want to engage with you, and while it’s enjoyable to spend time with them, one must choose the right moment.”
FRF Launches Internal Investigation
“The Romanian Football Federation views this matter with utmost seriousness. The institution’s stance is clear: leaving the official program during a national team event constitutes a disciplinary breach and a lack of professionalism. Such actions contradict the standards of rigor, responsibility, and conduct we expect from all personnel.
The FRF has a strict Internal Order Regulation and a Code of Ethics applicable to all employees and national team staff. Professionalism, discipline, and impeccable ethical conduct are fundamental principles guiding our activities, from which no deviations are tolerated.
Given the seriousness of the reported issues, the FRF finds it necessary to initiate an internal investigation in accordance with existing procedures and regulations, and appropriate measures will be taken accordingly.”
