Serious protests are expected tonight at the National Arena during the Nations League match between Romania and Sweden. Fans plan to voice their discontent towards Răzvan Burleanu, the president of the Romanian Football Federation (FRF), from the very first minute, holding him primarily responsible for the national team’s current struggles. Over 50,000 fans are anticipated to attend the match, incited by Florin Prunea, who stated, “They only fear the fans of FRF!”
The chants that erupted in Warsaw, as the national team’s humiliation became evident, appear to be just the beginning of an anti-Burleanu movement sparked by the team’s recent performances. Reports suggest that Burleanu will receive a hostile welcome tonight as the national team returns to the National Arena after one year.
Protests Planned from the Outset
In Poland, the calls against the Federation’s leadership began only after the 50th minute when Romania started conceding goal after goal. However, sources from the Romanian fan groups indicate that tonight’s protests will commence right from the start of the match, with fans announcing their intentions online to protest against Burleanu and his associates.
It is expected that the anti-FRF demonstrations will begin even before the opening whistle and continue promptly after the national anthem, regardless of the score. “We keep hearing that Hagi will be booed and asked to resign. This is false! He is not the one at fault here; the real culprit lies elsewhere, as you all know!” remarked an anonymous source connected to the stadiums.
In anticipation of potential escalation, organizers are implementing additional security measures. The FRF officials are also on alert, especially since UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee is closely monitoring Romania’s matches following recent incidents that occurred in Stockholm.
This is not the first instance where Federation officials have faced backlash from fans. Beyond the obscene chants that often target them, past matches have also seen aggressive displays aimed at Burleanu and Mihai Stoichiță during a game against Bosnia held in Giulești.
Fans Encouraged to Stand Up
“Fans must urgently take a stand and push for Burleanu and his entire team to leave. They only fear the supporters; otherwise, they have no fear at all. The only ones who can apply pressure are the spectators. Otherwise, he will remain there as long as he wants,” declared Prunea following the significant defeat in Poland.
Last Friday, Burleanu became the main target of 1,000 Romanian fans present at the National Stadium in Warsaw. During the second half, as Poland dominated the match, chants condemning the FRF leadership were the loudest among the sounds coming from the stands.
