To put the scale of the penalty into context, the largest deduction in English football history is 30 points, handed to Luton Town in the 2008/09 season. That sanction contributed to Luton’s relegation from the Football League for the first – and only – time in the club’s 100+ year history.
The issues stem from unpaid debts to former players, coaches, and staff, as well as financial obligations owed to rival club Dinamo Bucuresti following a Romanian Cup match. While the club has faced a series of penalties over time, the latest ruling represents a particularly severe escalation ahead of their upcoming league campaign.
Romanian Club Hit With Devastating 94-point Deduction
The club have also been informed that they must provide proof of payments to former coaches and players by September 3, 2025, or risk further points deductions and potential exclusion from FRF, LPF, and AJF competitions. See below:
Despite their immense troubles, Craiova owner Adrian Mititelu is adamant they’ll avoid further punishment. He told Golazo: “We will not be excluded. The situation will be resolved one way or another.
“We have already contested every point deduction and the refusal to be accepted into League 2 at the Court. The files are pending, so their decisions cannot produce effects while they are contested.”
Remarkably, another Romanian club has faced an even harsher points deduction than FC U Craiova. During the 2015/16 season, Caransebes were handed a staggering 96-point penalty by the Romanian Football Federation. The deduction came as punishment for serious financial irregularities, including unpaid wages to players and staff, as well as failing to meet the federation’s licensing and administrative requirements.
