CFR Cluj

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CFR Cluj
CFR Cluj's emblem
Full nameSC Fotbal Club CFR 1907 Cluj SA
Nickname(s)
  • Ceferiștii
  • Feroviarii (The Railwaymen)
  • Alb-vișiniii (The White and Burgundies)
  • Campioana Provinciei (Provincial Champions)
Short nameCFR
Founded1907; 114 years ago (1907)
as Kolozsvári Vasutas Sport Club
GroundDr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium
Capacity23,500[1]
OwnerIoan Varga[note 1]
ChairmanMarius Bilașco
ManagerDan Petrescu
LeagueLiga I
WebsiteClub website
Away colours
Third colours

Fotbal Club CFR 1907 Cluj, commonly known as CFR Cluj (Romanian pronunciation: [t͡ʃefeˌre ˈkluʒ] or [ˌt͡ʃefere ˈkluʒ]), is a Romanian professional football club based in the city of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj County. It was founded in 1907 as Kolozsvári Vasutas Sport Club, when Transylvania was part of Austria-Hungary, and the current name "CFR" is the acronym for Căile Ferate Române ("Romanian Railways").[6]

Before receiving significant financial support from previous owner Árpád Pászkány in 2002, the club had spent most of its existence in the lower divisions, only having brief spells in the first league. Since returning to the top flight in 2004, CFR Cluj has relied increasingly on foreign players for its success. In the 2005–06 season, they participated in their first European competition, the Intertoto Cup, finishing as runners-up.

In the 2007–08 campaign, they were champions of Liga I for the first time in their history, taking the national title away from capital-based teams after seventeen years and consequently qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stage in the process. Only six years earlier, CFR was playing in the third tier of the Romanian league system.[7] Between 2017 and 2021, "the White and Burgundies" won four successive championships. CFR has won a total of fifteen domestic trophies, all in the 21st century—seven Liga I, four Cupa României, and four Supercupa României.

CFR has a fierce rivalry with neighbouring Universitatea Cluj, with matches between the two being known as Derbiul Clujului. Several, but minor rivalries also developed in the recent period against teams with which CFR contended for the league title.

History[]

Establishment and early years (1907–1969)[]

Kolozsvári Vasutas Sport Club team in 1911.

CFR was founded in 1907, when the city of Cluj-Napoca (then Kolozsvár) was part of Austria-Hungary, under the name Kolozsvári Vasutas Sport Club ("Kolozsvár Railway Sports Club"). From 1907 to 1910, the team played in the municipal championship. However, the club did not have any notable achievements during this time. In 1911, the team won the newly organized Championship of Transylvania. The club consistently finished in second place in that competition between 1911 and 1914, a competition that was interrupted because of World War I. After the war, in 1920, Transylvania was given to Romania and the club accordingly changed its name to CFR Cluj, maintaining its links with the national rail organisation, this time the Romanian state railway carrier, Căile Ferate Române, hence the acronym. They went on to win two regional titles, in 1918–19 and 1919–20.

Between 1920 and 1934 the club did not have any notable achievements. Between 1934 and 1936, CFR played for two seasons in the Divizia B, ranking sixth in the 1934–35 season and eighth in the 1935–36 season. In 1936, CFR was relegated to the Divizia C, where the team played for two seasons, finishing second and 4th, respectively. After World War II, CFR played for one season in the Divizia C, earning the promotion to the Divizia B. Before the start of the 1947–48 season, the team merged with another local club, Ferar Cluj, and played in the Divizia A for the very first time in history. Unfortunately, the team lasted only two years in the first league and would not play there again for another 20 years. In 1960, another merger, this time with Rapid Cluj resulted in CSM Cluj. In 1964, the team's name was changed to Clujeana. In that same year, the club's junior team won the national championship. Three years later, the team's name was reversed yet again to CFR Cluj.

Return to the top flight (1969–1976)[]

Chart of yearly table positions of CFR in the national leagues.
Constantin Rădulescu in the 1970s.

In 1969, CFR finished first in Divizia B with 40 points, five more than their rival, Politehnica Timișoara. The conclusive game of that season was a 1–1 draw with Politehnica. Politehnica had a 1–0 lead at half-time, but CFR came back with a fine header.

During the summer of 1969, CFR Cluj advanced to Divizia A under the leadership of coach Constantin Rădulescu. Rădulescu was originally from southern Romania, but he grew to manhood in the atmosphere of Transylvania. Before coaching, he had played for CFR and another well-known local team, Universitatea Cluj (or U Cluj), during the 1940s. In the 1969–70 first league championship, CFR made its debut with a 2–0 victory over ASA Târgu Mureș. The next few games did not go as well; although there was a 1–0 win to Politehnica Iași, there were 2 losses to Steaua București (1–3) and Dinamo București (0–2). These and other drefeats were a factor in the team's supposed downhill slide. However, the following spring CFR bounced back with a win over ASA Târgu Mureș (1–0), after a goal from Octavian Ionescu, and averted relegation.

At the beginning of CFR's second season in Divizia A, Rădulescu was replaced by Eugen Iordache as head coach. During his tenure, CFR did not do well, and Rădulescu was swiftly brought back. Even so, CFR Cluj found itself again at the bottom of the table before the winter break. The spring of 1971 was somewhat better, although CFR struggled again to avoid relegation. CFR's last game of that season, against UTA Arad, was a memorable one. CFR led 1–0 at half-time. UTA Arad, however, overturned the match after scoring twice. Nonetheless, the persistence of the players from Cluj was rewarded with a late goal, tying the game at 2–2. UTA went on to play in the European Cups, but, most importantly, CFR avoided relegation.

The 1971–72 season started off badly for CFR. Losses to Dinamo București (1–3); Crișul Oradea (0–1, after a last-minute penalty kick), and Jiul Petroșani (1–2 after two regrettable own-goals) meant CFR's demise after the first round of the championship – the team finished at the bottom, with only seven points. CFR's return was dramatic, although inconsistent at times. The team won some important games, such as a 1–0 with Universitatea Craiova and a 3–0 with Petrolul Ploiești. By the end of the season, however, CFR was again struggling to stay in Divizia A. CFR was tied at half-time after having led with 2–0 in their game against Politehnica Iași. In the second half, two late goals from Ionescu and Petrescu saved the team from relegation. When Rădulescu and his players got back home to Cluj, 3,000 fans turned out to celebrate their performance.

During the summer of 1972, CFR made an important transfer. Mihai Adam, from Universitatea Cluj, was traded for Soos. Adam had been twice Romania's top scorer, and was considered one of the best Romanian players of his generation. He and the rest of the team would make the 1972–73 season the most successful in CFR's history. The team achieved its highest ranking ever in Romanian football, fifth in Divizia A. Several important results concluded a great season, including a 2–0 victory against Rapid București, a 2–2 draw against Sportul Studențesc București, and another draw, 1–1, with Steaua București. Additionally, the stadium that CFR continues to use even today was built in 1973. To celebrate the completion of the stadium, CFR Cluj played a friendly game against Cuba. The game ended in a 2–1 victory for CFR.

The 1973–74 season was a rather bad one for CFR, as it barely saved itself from relegation, ranking 14th at the end of the season. The only notable achievement of that season was Mihai Adam's third title as Romania's top goal-scorer who, even though he was 33 years old, scored 23 goals. The 1974–75 season was much like the one before: CFR struggled to avoid relegation, achieving its objectives all the while. The 1975–76 season marked CFR's relegation and its last season in Divizia A during the 20th century. A contributing factor was the age of the team, with most of its players in their 30s.

Lower leagues (1976–2002)[]

During the 1977–78 season, CFR attempted to make a comeback. However, the team finished only second in Divizia B, after Baia Mare. Four years later, CFR slid further down, into the third division, Divizia C. From then on, the team would alternate between the second and third leagues. In 1983, CFR played in Divizia B under its longstanding coach, Dr. Constantin Rădulescu. In the 1990s, CFR struggled financially and found itself more than once on the brink of bankruptcy. Nevertheless, several very talented players were raised, including Cristian Dulca, Attila Piroska, Cristian Coroian, and Alin Minteuan.

Pászkány takeover and first national titles (2002–2012)[]

In January 2002, a new sponsor, Árpád Pászkány, head of S.C. ECOMAX M.G., founded a new commercial sport society, with ECOMAX M.G. as the primary shareholder. By the end of the 2001–02 season in Divizia C, CFR had been promoted back to Divizia B (later on Liga II).

The summer of 2003 was very important for CFR as many new talented players were transferred including Cătălin Bozdog, Adrian Anca, Cristian Turcu, and Sabin Pîglișan. With these players and others, CFR entered the first league after a successful season in Divizia B. CFR began the season strongly, holding first place for a while. Then the club's main sponsor, Árpád Pászkány, became involved in a public scandal during which Pászkány accused several referees of corruption. The affair plagued the team and resulted in the dismissal of head coach GH. Cioceri.

CFR lost several consecutive games before the scandal subsided. After the winter break, Cioceri was replaced by Aurel Șunda. In the spring of 2004, Sunda's team had a nearly perfect run, winning 14 out of 15 games, with only one draw. One round before the season's end, CFR was in second place, one point behind the Jiul Petroșani in first. But when Jiul was held to a draw by Gaz Metan Mediaș, and CFR won their last match 3–0, CFR advanced to the top of the league for the first time in 28 years. In the summer of 2004, CFR acquired many new valuable Romanian players, including Vasile Jula and Radu Marginean.

CFR Cluj's first year back in Divizia A was strong, yet inconsistent. CFR finished sixth after the first half of the 2004–05 championship. It was during this time that CFR played one of its most popular games ever, defeating, Dinamo București at home. The final score was 4–2, after two goals each by Adrian Anca and Sorin Oncică. However, the second half of the championship proved disappointing for CFR, as it gathered only 12 points after 15 games. The team finished 11th, avoiding relegation.

The summer of 2005 brought significant change to CFR Cluj. The club's executives signed the team up for the UEFA Intertoto Cup, being CFR's first European adventure. CFR began well, qualifying for the second round after two victories against FK Vetra (3–2 and 4–1).

Also, the Romanian international Dorinel Munteanu came to CFR from Steaua București. Munteanu would have the dual role of player-coach. His first game produced one of CFR's greatest successes. CFR defeated Athletic Bilbao of Spain 1–0 (although almost all players from Bilbao's side were from the reserve squad) during the second round of the 2005 UEFA Intertoto Cup. The only goal of the match was scored by Cosmin Tilincă with a header. CFR then lost in Bilbao (1–0) but still qualified to the next round after a penalty shootout.

Munteanu's team played the next game at Cluj, against French club Saint-Étienne. Adrian Anca played one of the greatest games in his career, even though the match ended in a 1–1 draw. Anca hit the crossbar with a header early in the game, and Tilincă pushed the ball into the net from the rebound. Anca then went on to earn a penalty, but did not score. He then hit the crossbar a second time in the second half. The away game, in France, was also an eventful game for CFR Cluj. The game began well for CFR, as Cristian Coroian scored from a penalty kick, earned by Adrian Anca. The second half went less smoothly for CFR; Julien Sablé scored for Saint-Étienne, tying the game at 1–1. This was followed by CFR player László Balint's elimination. However, a Cosmin Tilincă goal gave the team the ability to tie with the French at the last minute. The game ended in a 2–2 draw, so CFR went on to the next qualifying stage due to its away goals. In the next round CFR easily disposed of Zalgiris Vilnius, 2–1 in Lithuania and 5–1 at home.

For the final match of the 2005 UEFA Interoto Cup, CFR Cluj's opponent was another French franchise, RC Lens. The first game, at Cluj, ended in a 1–1 draw with both sides having scored from free kicks. Cristian Turcu scored for CFR. The second game was played at Lens in front of 30,000 French fans. The Romanian players showed signs of exhaustion and conceded three goals. Player-coach Dorinel Munteanu scored a goal from a free kick in the 89th minute. Thus ended CFR Cluj's Intertoto journey. CFR then finished fifth at the end of the 2005–06 domestic season. During the 2006–07 season, major changes at the club started to occur. Dorinel Munteanu resigned as player-coach, and was replaced by Cristiano Bergodi. Foreign players from Western Europe and South America were transferred. A partnership with Portuguese club Benfica was signed. On 22 July 2007, CFR Cluj celebrated its centenary year by playing a friendly game against Benfica and inaugurating the new illumination system at its stadium.

CFR Cluj's players at Stamford Bridge stadium in December 2008 in a duel against Chelsea.

The team's new coach, Romanian Ioan Andone, formerly of Omonia Nicosia and Dinamo București, started the 2007–08 season well, with CFR Cluj leading the league by eight points halfway through the season and remaining undefeated. Their form was not as good in the second half of the season, and they were overtaken by Steaua București with two games remaining. Even though Steaua crushed Gloria Buzau 5–0 in the last matchday, it was not enough to bring the title to Ghencea, since CFR won the derby against Universitatea Cluj and won the title, becoming the first team outside Bucharest to win the title in nearly two decades.[8] Three days later, CFR Cluj completed a league and cup double, beating Unirea Urziceni in the Romanian Cup final.

By winning the league, CFR Cluj qualified for the group stage of the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League season. They were drawn in Group A against Chelsea of England, A.S. Roma of Italy, and Bordeaux of France and given little chance of progressing, with odds of 300–1 being given on them winning the competition.[9] In their opening game, CFR caused a shock by beating Roma in the Italian capital, 2–1,[10] with Argentine Juan Culio scoring the brace. Expectations were further exceeded by holding the previous season's finalists, Chelsea, to a 0–0 draw.[11]

The end of the 2008–09 season saw CFR finish fourth; the team had two coaching staff changes in the second part of the competition and did not manage to secure a second title. The Romanian Cup was kept for a consecutive year at Cluj, and thus they played against Unirea Urziceni (the Liga I champions that season) in the Supercupa României. CFR became the first club not from Bucharest to claim the trophy in 2009.

In the 2009–10 season, the team won the league title for the second time in its history, exhibiting the heavy investments in the club's infrastructure, management, and squad transfers. Managed by coach Andrea Mandorlini, CFR Cluj also kept the Romanian Cup and qualified for the UEFA Champions League group stage. As a premier, the 2009–2010 CFR Fans' Trophy was awarded to Cristian Panin as voted by supporters and football reviewers. The trophy is to be awarded every year by the CFR Cluj fans associations to the player that receives the highest aggregate number of votes online and highest per match rating respectively.[12] The 2010–11 CFR Fans' Trophy was awarded to captain Ricardo Cadú and the 2011–2012 CFR Fans' Trophy was awarded to goalkeeper Beto Pimparel.

The 2011–12 season brought the league title to Cluj for the third time. Starting under Jorge Costa's supervision, the team maintained a spot in the top three. After a few major defeats close to the end of the season, Costa was replaced by Ioan Andone. Under Andone, CFR won all the remaining matches except for one draw, and finished first. Later that year, FC Dinamo București defeated CFR Cluj in the Romanian Supercup with 6–4 after penalties, handing them their first defeat in a final.

Financial difficulties and bounceback (2012–2017)[]

After 2012, poor management saw the club go through a sharp decline, finishing 9th in the 2012-13 season, though in the Champions League they performed admirably, finishing 3rd on goal difference in a group with Manchester United, Galatasaray and SC Braga with 10 points, a record still standing for a Romanian team. Their Champions League campaign culminated in a 1-0 away win at Old Trafford against Manchester United, with a long shot from Luis Alberto. They were drawn against Inter Milan in Europa League, where they were eliminated 5-0 on aggregate.

CFR had a quiet 2013-14 season, finishing 5th and earning an Europa League berth, mainly due to the fact that 4th placed Dinamo filed for insolvency and thus were ineligible for European competitions. During this time owner Pászkány faced legal charges and neglected the team, which lead to serious financial difficulties that would culminate in the following seasons.

CFR Cluj began the 2014–15 season well, but financial difficulties led to insolvency which subsequently started a period of poor performances.[13] After failing to fully remunerate five former club players, the Romanian Football Federation decided to deduct 24 points from CFR, which placed them in the last position in Liga I. Many players left the club as a result, and Ceferiștii challenged the Federation's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. In May 2015 the Court ruled in their favour, restoring the deducted points, which helped the team secure a third-place finish in the league championship. CFR Cluj won the 2016 Cupa României final played against Dinamo București after penalty shootouts,[14] being their first trophy since 2012.

National hegemony and comeback to European cups (2017–present)[]

Dan Petrescu (current manager) led the club to the 2017–18 and 2019–20 league titles. He partially managed them in the 2018–19 and 2020–21 Liga I seasons as well, which CFR also won, before coming back to the club in the late summer of 2021.
CFR Cluj 1–1 Sevilla FC (which went on to win the UEFA Europa League Cup during that season) on 20 February 2020

During early 2017, it was reported that businessman Marian Băgăcean purchased 62% stake in the club.[2] On 30 May that year, after finishing the 2016–17 Liga I campaign on the 4th place, CFR Cluj finally got out of insolvency and was again able to participate in European competitions starting with the 2018–19 season.[15] In June 2017, Dan Petrescu replaced Vasile Miriuță as the head coach of the team, with the goal of a European cup return and an ambitious transfer campaign to support it.[16]

On 20 May 2018, "the Railwaymen" won 1–0 over defending champions Viitorul Constanța and clinched their fourth Liga I title as they finished one point above FCSB in the table.[17] CFR also came victorious in the subsequent 2018 Supercupa României played against Universitatea Craiova, this time under the management of coach Edward Iordănescu.[18] However, Iordănescu was replaced after just three games and Toni Conceição was brought back for his third term as a manager. The club's European campaign was cut short after Luxembourgish side F91 Dudelange won the UEFA Europa League play-off round 5–2 on aggregate; due to Dudelange's underdog status, daily newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor regarded CFR's elimination as "the biggest shame in the history of Romanian football".[19]

In May 2019, again under the management of Dan Petrescu, "The Railwaymen" earned their fifth Liga I title. Unlike the previous year, the club had a fruitful run in European competitions. After getting past Astana and Maccabi Tel Aviv, CFR Cluj defeated Scottish team Celtic in the Champions League third qualifying round. In the play-off they met Slavia Prague, but lost both matches 0–1 and were sent to the Europa League group stages. There, CFR were drawn against Lazio, Rennes and again Celtic. They finished second behind the latter and earned a total of twelve points in the group, a Romanian record in European competitions. In the round of 32, CFR was eliminated by Sevilla on the away goals rule after two draws—The Spaniards went on to win the final 3–2 against Inter Milan, on 21 August 2020. On 3 August, CFR Cluj won the third consecutive title and sixth overall, after a final fixture win over rivals Universitatea Craiova.[20]

CFR started the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League season by beating Maltese side Floriana. They were then eliminated by Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb at home in a penalty shoot-out. Dropping down to the Europa League, they made it to the group stage after defeating Nordic sides Djurgårdens IF and Kuopion Palloseura. Drawn with AS Roma, BSC Young Boys, and CSKA Sofia in Group A, they eventually finished third and were eliminated from the competition from the group stage.[21][22]

During late 2020, Edward Iordănescu became once again coach of the club after the departure of Dan Petrescu. On 18 May 2021, Iordănescu Jr. managed to win the league title of the 2020–21 Liga I season. This was Iordănescu Jr.'s first national title as head coach. In addition, winning the title with CFR thereby allowed the club to play the final of the 2021 Supercupa României (i.e. the Romanian supercup) against Universitatea Craiova, the winners of the 2020–21 Cupa României (i.e. the Romanian cup), which they eventually lost after 2–4 on penalty shoot-out.[23]

Following the end of the season Iordănescu left the club and was replaced by Marius Șumudică. The latter failed to qualify the club for the group stage of either the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League, being consequently dismissed and replaced by the returning Dan Petrescu. Under Petrescu, CFR qualified for the group stage of the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League, competing in Group D with Dutch side Alkmaar, Czech side Jablonec, and Danish side Randers.[24] The club debuted with an away 1–0 loss at Jablonec nad Nisou in the Czech Republic against FK Jablonec on 16 September 2021 and consequently on the 4th place in the group after the first fixture.[25] Although Petrescu stated that he wishes to have a longer as possible path with CFR Cluj in UEFA Europa Conference League, it is very unlikely that they will progress from Group D to the Round of 16 or, let alone, other subsequent knockout stages.

Stadium[]

Main article: Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium
Panoramic view of the Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium in early October 2012

CFR Cluj plays nearly all of its home games at the Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium, which was expanded in 2008 to seat a maximum capacity of 23,500.[1] It meets all of UEFA's regulations and can also host Champions League matches. In 2006–07, with an investment of €30 million, the club upgraded the field with higher quality turf, built a state of the art lighting system, and updated its infrastructure. All the work was completed for the club's 100th anniversary in 2007, when a friendly game was played against Portuguese side Benfica.

Support[]

CFR Cluj supporters on 14 August 2006 at a domestic match against FC Dinamo București in Romania

A 2011 survey has shown that CFR Cluj has the fourth-largest number of supporters in Romania.[26] They have many fans in Cluj-Napoca, but also in some other parts of the country. Since the 2014 withdraw of important groups such as "Patriots" and "Commando Gruia", the fans have a single big group called "Peluza Vișinie", which consists of former members of older groups such as "Romaniacs", "Juvenes", "Gruppo Gara", "Valacchi", "Pride 1907", "Nostra Famiglia", and "1907". There is another group of supporters which consists of older ethnic Hungarians who currently sit in the Tribuna 1 sector of the stadium. Their support is less vocal and visible, but they are a consistent part of the active fans.

Rivalries[]

Main article: Cluj derby
CFR fans at a home game in 2010

CFR Cluj has a fierce rivalry with their local opponents Universitatea Cluj.[27] According to journalist Răzvan Toma, the first match between the two teams was played on 13 October 1920, when CFR thrashed Universitatea 8–0 on a field based in the Central Park.[28] History and statistics website, Romanian Soccer, regards a 1–3 loss by CFR (which had just merged with Ferar Cluj on 7 December 1947) as the first Liga I meeting between the two teams.[29]

In 2019, Liga Profesionistă de Fotbal's website referred to a match between FCSB—formerly FC Steaua București—and CFR Cluj as "the Romanian Derby",[30] a name generally used for the meetings between the former club and their cross-town rivals Dinamo București. This stems from the fact that after the 2000s, CFR and FCSB were many times part of the main contenders for the league championship and during the late 2010s the rivalry further exacerbated while Dinamo lost its power status. Additionally, CFR and FCSB have met each other over 50 times in the first division.[30]

Ceferiștii also hold milder rivalries with Dinamo București, Rapid București, Universitatea Craiova, and Politehnica Timișoara.

Honours[]

Domestic[]

Leagues[]

Cups[]

European[]

  • UEFA Intertoto Cup
    • Runners-up (1): 2005 (Joint Runner-up)

Players[]

First team squad[]

As of 11 September 2021[31][32]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
3 DF Romania ROU Andrei Burcă
4 DF Romania ROU Cristian Manea
6 DF Bosnia and Herzegovina BIH Daniel Graovac
7 MF Romania ROU Adrian Păun (3rd captain)
8 MF Iceland ISL Rúnar Már Sigurjónsson
9 FW France FRA Billel Omrani
10 MF Romania ROU Ciprian Deac (Vice-captain)
11 MF Romania ROU Alexandru Chipciu
13 DF Romania ROU Denis Ciobotariu
16 DF Bosnia and Herzegovina BIH Mateo Sušić (4th captain)
18 FW Romania ROU Valentin Costache
19 MF Argentina ARG Emmanuel Culio
21 MF Ghana GHA Nana Boateng
22 FW Croatia CRO Gabriel Debeljuh
No. Pos. Nation Player
23 GK Portugal POR Cristiano Figueiredo
27 MF Romania ROU Claudiu Petrila
29 DF Algeria ALG Rachid Bouhenna
34 GK Romania ROU Cristian Bălgrădean
37 MF Romania ROU Mihai Bordeianu
45 DF Romania ROU Mário Camora (Captain)
75 MF Romania ROU Adrian Gîdea
77 FW Romania ROU Denis Alibec (on loan from Kayserispor)
82 MF Romania ROU Alin Fică
86 MF Romania ROU Denis Rusu
88 MF Romania ROU Răzvan Andronic
89 GK Romania ROU Otto Hindrich
92 DF Democratic Republic of the Congo COD Mike Cestor
96 DF Romania ROU Florin Ștefan

UEFA list B[]

As of 20 September 2021[33]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
88 MF Romania ROU Raul Haiduc
No. Pos. Nation Player

Other players under contract[]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
5 MF Argentina ARG Jonathan Rodríguez
12 MF Romania ROU Sebastian Mailat
17 DF Romania ROU Mihai Butean
20 FW Moldova MDA Gheorghe Gondiu
28 MF Romania ROU Ovidiu Hoban
No. Pos. Nation Player
76 MF France FRA Guessouma Fofana
87 GK Lithuania LTU Giedrius Arlauskis
— MF Romania ROU Andrei Joca
— MF Morocco MAR Anas Tahiri

Out on loan[]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— GK Romania ROU Ionuț Rus (to Ripensia Timișoara)
— DF Ivory Coast CIV Ulrich Meleke (to Voluntari)
— DF Romania ROU Rareș Ispas (to Sepsi Sfântu Gheorghe)
— DF Romania ROU Alex Pașcanu (to Ponferradina)
No. Pos. Nation Player
— DF Romania ROU Gheorghe Tomșa (to Hermannstadt)
— MF Romania ROU Cătălin Itu (to Dinamo Bucuresti)
— FW Romania ROU Nicolae Carnat (to Rapid București)
— FW Romania ROU Daniel Paraschiv (to Voluntari)

Club officials[]

Records and statistics[]

European cups all-time statistics[]

Main article: CFR Cluj in European football
As of away match played against FK Jablonec on 16 September 2021
Competition S P W D L GF GA GD
European Cup / UEFA Champions League 7 40 16 8 16 55 54 +1
UEFA Cup / UEFA Europa League 7 37 12 7 19 34 50 −16
UEFA Europa Conference League 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 −1
UEFA Intertoto Cup 1 10 5 3 2 20 13 +7
Total 16 87 33 18 37 108 116 −9

Records[]

  • Biggest victory: CFR Cluj – Minaur Zlatna 10–0 (4 October 2003)
  • Biggest defeat: CFR București – CFR Cluj 12–2 (20 April 1949)
  • Player with most caps in Liga I: Portugal Camora (304)
  • Player with most goals in Liga I: Romania Ciprian Deac (57)
  • Biggest European home win: CFR Cluj 5–0 Armenia Alashkert (16 August 2018, UEFA Europa League Third qualifying round second leg)
  • Biggest European away win: Lithuania Vėtra 1–4 CFR Cluj (26 June 2005, UEFA Intertoto Cup First round second leg)
  • Biggest European home defeat: CFR Cluj 0–4 Germany Bayern Munich (19 October 2010, UEFA Champions League group stage)
  • Biggest European away defeat: Italy A.S. Roma 5–0 CFR Cluj (5 November 2020, UEFA Europa League group stage)

Other records[]

  • Since the 2012–13 season, CFR Cluj holds the record for the most points obtained by any Romanian club in the UEFA Champions League group stages, with 10 points, having recorded 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.
  • CFR Cluj also holds the record for most points scored by any Romanian club in the UEFA Europa League group stages, with 12 points, having recorded 4 wins and 2 losses in the 2019–20 season

History by season[]

Champions Runners-up Third place Promoted Relegated

The players in bold were the top goalscorers in the division.

Season League Cup European Cup Other Top Goalscorer(s) Notes Name[36]
Division Pos P W D L GF GA Pts Name Goals
Hungarian Football Championship[37][38] Kolozsvári Vasutas SC
(KVSC)
/ Clubul Sportiv Feroviar
Cluj
1907–08 District 3rd 4 0 0 4 2 42 0  –
1908–09 3rd 8 4 1 3 4 11 9  –
1909–10 2nd 4 2 0 2 2 4 2[39]  –
1910–11 Ch. Tr. 1st[40] 4 3 0 1 11 6 6  – Kolozsvári Torna Club
(KTC)
1911–12 3rd 6 1 0 5 2  –
1912–13 1st[41] 12 11 1 0 23  –
1913–14 2nd 20 34  – Championship discontinued
1914–18 Not involved in any competitions due to World War I. In 1918, Transylvania is united with Romania.
1918–19 District 1st 6  –
1919–20 1st  –
1920–21 3rd  –
Romanian Football Championship[42] CFR Cluj
1921–22 District 7  –
1922–23  –
1923–24 3rd  –
1924–25 14  –
1925–26 18  –
1926–27 6th 10  –
1927–28 Not involved in any competitions
1928–29 District 3rd  –
1929–30  –
1930–31 Not involved in any competitions
1931–32 District 3rd  –
1932–33 2nd  – Foundation of the Romanian Football
League system
1933–34 1st 32 4 p
1934–35 Div B 5th 14 4 3 7 21 27 11 p
1935–36 8th 14 3 1 10 11 28 7 p
1936–37 Div C 2nd 10 3 6 1 12 10 12 p
1937–38 4th 16 8 4 4 39 25 20 p
1938–39 District 1st p
1939–40 1st p
1940–41 Div B  –  –  –  –  –  –  – –  –  –  – Retired due to Second Vienna Award
Hungarian Football Championship[37] Kolozsvári MÁV SE
1940–41 District  –
1941–42 Nem II 3rd 26 15 2 9 77 51 32  –
1942–43 3rd 18 9 2 7 32 37 20  –
1943–44 11th 26 7 7 12 39 49 21  –
1944–45  –  –  –  –  –  –  – –  –  –  – Retired – Vienna Award nullified
Romanian Football Championship[42] CFR Cluj
1945–46 District 3rd  –
1946–47 Div C 1st 16 15 1 0 56 5 31  –
1947–48 Div B 15th[43] 15 10 0 5 40 28 20 p Merged with Ferar Cluj during the Season
Div A 8th 30 9 10 11 48 52 28 R16 Romania Anton Fernbach-Ferenczi 15
1948–49 11th 26 9 5 12 39 67 23 R32
1950 Div B 8th 22 7 5 10 42 34 19 p Locomotiva Cluj
1951 6th 22 9 5 8 37 31 23 R32
1952 4th 22 7 7 8 29 24 21 p
1953 3rd 28 14 7 7 48 32 35 R32
1954 5th 24 10 6 8 33 26 26 p
1955 7th 26 11 3 12 45 38 25 p
1956 10th 24 9 3 12 30 41 21 R32
1957 6th 12 3 2 7 18 28 8  –
1957–58 14th 26 3 5 18 31 71 11 p CFR Cluj
1958–59 Div C 2nd 18 10 3 5 26 17 23 R32
1959–60 Div B 8th 26 11 2 13 33 36 24 R32 Merged with Rapid Cluj
1960–61 8th 26 9 7 10 29 41 25 p CSM Cluj
1961–62 7th 26 10 8 8 32 31 28 p
1962–63 5th 26 10 7 9 40 30 27 p
1963–64 11th 26 9 4 13 34 31 22 R32
1964–65 3rd 26 11 5 10 34 22 27 R32 Clujeana Cluj
1965–66 9th 26 7 8 11 31 43 22 R16
1966–67 11th 26 8 7 11 26 35 23 p Discontinued
1960–67 Amateur Team in District Leagues; Substituted Clujeana Cluj (Div B) CFR Cluj
1967–68 Div B 5th 26 11 3 12 46 37 25 5R Romania Romulus Petrescu 13
1968–69 1st 30 16 8 6 57 31 40 5R Greece Giannis Matzourakis 15
1969–70 Div A 14th 30 10 7 13 29 45 27 R32 Romania Arpad Soos 8
1970–71 14th 30 9 8 13 37 52 26 R32 Romania Octavian Ionescu 9
1971–72 13th 30 9 7 14 27 37 25 QF
1972–73 5th 30 11 11 8 33 33 33 R16 Romania Mihai Adam 11
1973–74 14th 34 11 9 14 40 53 31 R32 Romania Mihai Adam 23
1974–75 15th 34 11 10 13 26 34 32 R16
1975–76 17th 34 9 10 15 30 39 28 R32 Romania Mihai Adam 9
1976–77 Div B 9th 34 14 6 14 38 40 34 p
1977–78 2nd 34 21 8 5 80 21 50 p
1978–79 4th 34 16 4 14 48 42 36 p
1979–80 10th 34 14 4 16 47 54 32 p
1980–81 8th 34 15 4 15 61 48 34 p
1981–82 17th 34 10 6 18 37 58 26 p Merged with CS Armata Cluj
1982–83 Div C 1st 30 20 3 7 64 31 43 p Steaua CFR Cluj
1983–84 Div B 16th 34 13 2 19 44 52 28 p
1984–85 Div C 5th 30 14 2 14 37 26 30 R32
1985–86 1st 30 20 2 8 87 27 42 p
1986–87 Div B 17th 34 7 8 19 35 56 22 p
1987–88 Div C 2nd 30 20 3 7 73 29 43 p
1988–89 1st 30 18 5 7 66 24 41 p
1989–90 Div B 18th 34 5 10 19 26 66 20 R16
1990–91 Div C 1st 30 20 6 4 77 27 46 p Romania Ilie Lazăr 25 CFR Cluj
1991–92 Div B 7th 34 15 5 14 65 52 35 p Romania Ilie Lazăr 30
1992–93 15th 34 13 3 18 56 68 29 p
1993–94 12th 34 12 6 16 53 57 30 5R Romania Cristian Coroian
Romania Dănuț Matei		 9
1994–95 16th 34 10 7 17 49 67 37 p Romania Cristian Coroian 9
1995–96 Div C 1st 34 26 3 5 96 20 81 p Romania Cristian Coroian 31
1996–97 Div B 9th 34 14 5 15 43 45 47 5R Romania Sorin Oncică 7
1997–98 16th 34 11 5 18 41 57 38 p
1998–99 Div C 5th 36 16 8 12 61 55 56 p
1999–00 10th 30 11 6 13 53 49 39 p
2000–01 10th 26 10 5 11 37 35 35 p
2001–02 1st 26 21 2 3 60 10 65 R32
2002–03 Div B 6th 28 12 10 6 52 26 46 QF Romania Cosmin Tilincă 9 CFR-Ecomax Cluj
2003–04 1st 30 21 6 3 75 19 69 p Romania Adrian Anca 24
2004–05 Div A 11th 30 9 9 12 33 44 36 R16 Romania Adrian Anca 11
2005–06 5th 30 14 8 8 36 27 50 R32 IT F Romania Adrian Anca 6
2006–07 L1 3rd 34 21 6 7 59 32 69 R16 Romania Cristian Coroian 11 CFR 1907 Cluj
2007–08 1st 34 23 7 4 52 22 76 W UEFA 2R Romania Eugen Trică 14
2008–09 4th 34 16 11 7 44 26 59 W UCL GS Supercup W Burkina Faso Yssouf Koné 10
2009–10 1st 34 20 9 5 43 21 69 W UEL GS Supercup W Romania Cristian Bud 7
2010–11 10th 34 11 12 11 50 45 45 QF UCL GS Ivory Coast Lacina Traoré 7
2011–12 1st 34 21 8 5 63 31 71 R32 Supercup F Greece Pantelis Kapetanos 12
2012–13 9th 34 12 13 9 56 39 49 F UCL GS Portugal Rui Pedro 7
UEL R32
2013–14 5th 34 13 12 9 44 33 51 R32 Romania Ciprian Deac
Nigeria Derick Ogbu		 6
2014–15 3rd 34 16 9 9 49 29 57 SF UEL 3R League Cup R16 France Grégory Tadé 18
2015–16 10th 26 9 10 7 31 25 27[44] W League Cup QF Spain Cristian López 13
14 6 4 4 25 13 36[45] Supercup F
2016–17 4th 26 14 7 5 42 23 43[46] QF League Cup QF Romania Cristian Bud 11
10 3 2 5 8 14 33[47]
2017–18 1st 26 18 5 3 42 13 59 R32 Supercup W Argentina Emmanuel Culio 8
10 5 5 0 12 6 50[48]
2018–19 1st 26 15 9 2 39 16 54 SF UCL 2R Supercup F Romania George Țucudean 18
10 7 2 1 15 4 50[49] UEL PO
2019–20 1st 26 15 7 4 51 16 52 R32 UCL PO Supercup W Romania Ciprian Deac 14
10 7 2 1 17 7 49 UEL GS
2020–21 1st 26 15 7 4 51 16 52 R32 UCL PO Supercup W Romania Ciprian Deac 14
10 7 2 1 17 7 49 UEL GS
2021–22 1st 26 15 7 4 51 16 52 R32 UCL PO Supercup W Romania Ciprian Deac 14
10 7 2 1 17 7 49 UEL GS

Notable former players[]

For a list of all former and current CFR Cluj players with a Wikipedia article, see Category:CFR Cluj players.

The footballers enlisted below have had international cap(s) for their respective countries at junior and/or senior level. Players whose name is listed in bold represented their countries at junior and/or senior level while they played for the club. Additionally, these players have also had a significant number of caps and goals accumulated throughout a certain number of seasons for the club itself as well.

Notable former managers[]

For a list of all former and current CFR Cluj managers with a Wikipedia article, see Category:CFR Cluj managers.

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b În 2017, omul de afaceri Marian Băgăcean a cumpărat 62% din acțiuni la CFR Cluj.[2] Cu toate acestea, începând din acel an, presa îl recunoaște de obicei pe Ioan Gheorghe „Neluțu” Varga drept „adevăratul” proprietar al clubului.[3][4][5]
  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "Stadion – Info utile" [Stadium – Useful info] (in Romanian). CFR Cluj. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "El e noul patron din Gruia! A cumpărat 62% dintre acțiunile CFR Cluj: cine e și câți bani a oferit" [He is the new owner in Gruia! He bought 62% stake of CFR Cluj: who is he and how much money he offered]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 6 February 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  3. ^ "Campionii din umbră: fețele nevăzute care au făcut-o pe CFR campioană doi ani la rând: dosare, bani publici, teamă, discreție". Gazeta Sporturilor. 15 May 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2020. Varga is the presumed owner of the fresh champions, a guy with a not-so-happy reputation.
  4. ^ "Gigi Becali ANUNTA falimentul la CFR Cluj: "Nelutu Varga are de luat 20 de milioane de euro!" Ce s-ar putea intampla cu campioana Romaniei". Sport.ro. 18 January 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  5. ^ "Visul nebun al lui Neluțu Varga, patronul celor de la CFR Cluj: vrea să câștige Europa League!". Fanatik.ro. 20 February 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  6. ^ Hafez, Shamoon. "BBC Sport – Champions League: What can Manchester United expect in Cluj?". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 3 October 2012.
  7. ^ "Scolari forewarned". BBC News. 28 September 2008. Retrieved 28 April 2010.
  8. ^ Lawrence, Amy (14 September 2008). "Minnows from Transylvania to Cyprus take a bite of the big time". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 3 October 2008.
  9. ^ "Champions League: Full group guide". The Guardian. London. 29 August 2008. Retrieved 3 October 2008.
  10. ^ "Newcomers CFR catch Roma cold". UEFA. 17 September 2008. Retrieved 25 May 2016.
  11. ^ Taylor, Louise (2 October 2008). "Drogba injury leaves Chelsea reeling". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 3 October 2008.
  12. ^ "Trofeul suporterilor". Cluj: cheferetv.net/kvsc1907.ro. 2 January 2010. Archived from the original on 1 May 2010. Retrieved 14 June 2010.
  13. ^ "CFR Cluj a intrat in insolventa, dar a fost penalizata cu 24 de puncte! Cum arata acum clasamentul din Liga I: CFR E ULTIMA" [CFR Cluj became insolvent but was penalized with 24 points! How the Liga I rankings look now: CFR IS LAST]. Sport.ro. 4 February 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  14. ^ "Magistrala CFR! Clujenii se impun cu 5–4 la penalty-uri după o finală dramatică, încheiată 2–2 în timpul regulamentar!" [The great CFR! The Cluj men win 5–4 on a penalty shootout after a 2–2 draw at the end of extra time!]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 18 May 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  15. ^ "CFR Cluj a iesit din insolventa. A doua echipa din Romania care reuseste sa evite falimentul" [CFR Cluj got out of insolvency. The second team in Romania which manages to avoid bankruptcy] (in Romanian). Ziare.com. 30 May 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  16. ^ "Lovitură de proporţii dată de CFR Cluj! Dan Petrescu va fi noul antrenor al echipei: "E singura echipă care m-a căutat"" [Major blow given by CFR Cluj! Dan Petrescu will be the new coach of the team: "It's the only team that sought me"]. Digi Sport. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  17. ^ "Soccer – Cluj clinch fourth Romanian title on final day of season". Reuters. 20 May 2018. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  18. ^ "CFR Cluj a câștigat Supercupa României 2018" [CFR Cluj won the 2018 Romanian Supercup] (in Romanian). Romanian Football Federation. 14 July 2018. Archived from the original on 15 July 2018. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  19. ^ "CFR CLUJ – DUDELANGE 2–3 // 5 motive pentru care "dubla" CFR – Dudelange este cea mai mare rușine din istoria fotbalului românesc" [CFR CLUJ – DUDELANGE 2–3 // 5 reasons why the CFR – Dudelange "double" is the biggest shame in the history of Romanian football]. Gazeta Sporturilor (in Romanian). 31 August 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  20. ^ "Universitatea Craiova – CFR Cluj 1–3. Veni, Vidi, Vinicius. Ardelenii revin spectaculos, câștigă al treilea titlu consecutiv și se pregătesc de preliminariile Champions League" [Universitatea Craiova – CFR Cluj 1–3. Veni, Vidi, Vinícius. Ardelenii turn the game around in a spectacular manner, win their third consecutive title and prepare for the Champions League qualifiers] (in Romanian). ProSport. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  21. ^ "The history of CFR Cluj in UEFA Europa League". UEFA official website. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  22. ^ "Europa League group stage draw made". UEFA official website. 2 October 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  23. ^ "CFR Cluj - Universitatea Craiova 0-0, 2-4 d.l.d. Oltenii câștigă Supercupa României! Pigliacelli, erou". Digi24.ro (in Romanian). 10 July 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  24. ^ "UEFA Europa Conference League group stage draw: 27 August". UEFA official website. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
  25. ^ DigiSport (16 September 2021). "LIVE TEXT Jablonec - CFR Cluj 1-0. Cehii înscriu din penalty după ce Camora a fost eliminat pentru henț în careu. Ocazie uriașă Bouhenna". Digi24.ro (in Romanian). Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  26. ^ "CFR este mai iubită decât "U", potrivit unui sondaj. Cum comentaţi?" [CFR is more loved than "U", according to a survey. What do you think?] (in Romanian). Ziua de Cluj. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  27. ^ "ŢINE-ŢI RESPIRAŢIA! TOP 10 rivalităţi din fotbalul românesc" [HOLD YOUR BREATH! TOP 10 rivalries in Romanian football] (in Romanian). ProSport. 10 June 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  28. ^ "DESTINAȚIE: ROMÂNIA/ U Cluj – CFR 1907, povestea celei mai lungi rivalități din fotbalul românesc" [DESTINATION: ROMANIA/ U Cluj – CFR 1907, the story of the oldest rivalry in Romanian football] (in Romanian). Agerpres. 30 August 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  29. ^ "Divizia A Etapa 15 1947–1948 – Romania" [Division A Fixture 15 1947–1948 – Romania] (in Romanian). Romanian Soccer. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  30. ^ Jump up to: a b "FCSB – CFR Cluj. Derby de România" [FCSB – CFR Cluj. The Romanian Derby] (in Romanian). Liga Profesionistă de Fotbal. 22 September 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  31. ^ "Echipa" [Squad] (in Romanian). CFR Cluj. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  32. ^ "FC CFR 1907 CLUJ" (in Romanian). Liga Profesionistă de Fotbal. Retrieved 23 November 2020.
  33. ^ "CFR Cluj's squad for UEFA Europa Conference League" (in Romanian). UEFA. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  34. ^ "CFR 1907 | Conducerea clubului".
  35. ^ "CFR 1907 | CFR 1907 CLUJ".
  36. ^ RomanianSoccer.ro, (r). "Evolutia denumirilor echipelor de-a lungul anilor". www.romaniansoccer.ro. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  37. ^ Jump up to: a b Magyarfutball.hu. "Kolozsvár, FC CFR 1907 Cluj (bajnoki múlt) • csapatok • Magyarfutball.hu". www.magyarfutball.hu. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  38. ^ Magyarfutball.hu. "Kolozsvár, Kolozsvári TC (bajnoki múlt) • csapatok • Magyarfutball.hu". www.magyarfutball.hu. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  39. ^ Deducted two points.
  40. ^ Qualified for "Best provincial team" Title. Lost to Kassai Athletikai Club in the quarter-finals.
  41. ^ Qualified for "Best provincial team" Title. Lost to Bácska Szabadkai Athletikai Club in the quarter-finals.
  42. ^ Jump up to: a b "CFR Cluj-Napoca – statistics". www.romaniansoccer.ro. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  43. ^ 3rd place at the time of merger
  44. ^ Deducted ten points for failing to comply with licensing requirements.
  45. ^ Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-out with 14 points.
  46. ^ Deducted six points for failing to comply with licensing requirements.
  47. ^ Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-off with 22 points.
  48. ^ Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-off with 30 points.
  49. ^ Points halved after the regular season. Entered the play-off with 27 points.

External links[]

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