Article by Adrian Duţă – Published Friday, February 13, 2026, 11:30 p.m. / Updated Friday, February 13, 2026, 11:53 p.m.
Radu Petrescu canceled a valid goal from Pitesti. Sierra sent a header into the goal after Micovschi's free-kick cross. The “central” whistled before the ball entered the net, so VAR could not intervene.
CCA issued a statement in which it confirmed that the referee from Petrolul – Argeș was wrong, and the goal should have been validated. The Commission also conveyed that Radu Petrescu will bear the consequences of the erroneous decision. Kyros Vassaras, the president of the CCA, refused to go live to talk to the broadcasters that hold the television rights to the championship.
CCA's reaction, after Radu Petrescu's error from Petrolul – FC Argeș
“The Central Commission of Referees analyzed the controversial phase that happened in the 86th minute of the match between Petrolul and FC Argeș, played on Friday, February 13.
Following review of video footage and discussions with game officials, it was determined that the decision made in the 86th minute of the match was erroneous. There was no offside position and no attacking foul, so the goal should have been awarded.
Unfortunately, according to the VAR protocol, the intervention of the video referee was no longer possible, as the referee's whistle was heard before the ball entered the goal, which eliminated the possibility of reviewing and correcting the decision.
The Central Referees Commission recognizes the significant impact such errors can have on the conduct and outcome of a match. Consequently, the arbitrator will bear the necessary measures following this major mistake.
At the same time, the CCA reaffirms its support for referees and understands the complexity of decisions made in real time, but underlines its firm commitment to maintaining the highest standards of refereeing. The Commission remains dedicated to the principles of fairness, transparency and continuous improvement”, is the statement issued by the CCA, on the frf.ro website.
I wouldn't be surprised if Petrescu stays for a very long time, maybe until the end of the championship. When you make something up, it's much worse than if you made a mistake on a penalty that was or wasn't. When you make it up, it's much worse.
– Marius Avram, former referee
VIDEO WITH PHASE. Radu Petrescu's error at Petrolul – FC Argeș
