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FC Universitatea Cluj

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from CSU Cluj)

Universitatea Cluj
Full nameAsociația Sportivă Fotbal Club Universitatea Cluj
Nicknames
  • Șepcile roșii (The Red Caps)
  • Studenții (The Students)
  • Alb-negrii (The White and Blacks)
Short nameU Cluj
Founded23 November 1919; 106 years ago (1919-11-23)
as Societatea Sportivă a
Studenților Universitari

2016; 10 years ago (2016) (refounding)
as ACSF Alb-Negru al Studenților Clujeni
GroundCluj Arena
Capacity30,201[1]
OwnersCluj-Napoca Municipality
Babeș-Bolyai University
U Cluj Supporters Association
ChairmanRadu Constantea
Head coachCristiano Bergodi
LeagueLiga I
2025–26Liga I, 2nd of 16
Websitewww.fcucluj.ro
Current season

Asociația Sportivă Fotbal Club Universitatea Cluj (Romanian pronunciation: [universiˈtate̯a kluʒ]), commonly known as Universitatea Cluj or simply U Cluj, is a Romanian professional football club based in the city of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj County, that competes in the Liga I, the top flight of the Romanian league system.

Founded in 1919 by doctor Iuliu Hațieganu, Universitatea Cluj has spent more than half of its history in the top flight, but never became national champion. It has played seven Cupa României finals under four names, and won the trophy in the 1964–65 season after a 2–1 defeat of Dinamo Pitești. Historically the most prominent club in the region of Transylvania, it has been overtaken since the 2000s by CFR Cluj, with whom it contests the Cluj derby.

Universitatea players and fans are nicknamed Șepcile roșii ("the Red Caps") after the red berets worn by students of the Cluj University of Medicine. The team traditionally plays in white and black kits, although variations of red, maroon and gold have been used in the past. Its home ground is Cluj Arena, which was opened in 2011 and can host around 30,000 spectators.

History

[edit]
U Cluj squad in 1923 before a match at the Stade Bergeyre in Paris, France.

The Universitatea sports club of Cluj was founded on 23 November 1919 by the "Sports Society of University Students" (Romanian: Societatea Sportivă a Studenților Universitariabbreviated to "U"), the press from Cluj wrote an announcement that day:"With patriotic warmth for every young Romanian university student to hold on to a holy duty to join the sports lists that are at the University's Secretariat".[2][3] Its first chairman was Professor Iuliu Hațieganu, a physician and politician who in 1932 said:"Our goal is not to create champions, but healthy people. Not record, but harmony, not hate, but camaraderie; not personal victory, but the victory of the nation; don't speculate, but sacrifice".[4] Between 1930 and 1932, Hațieganu also funded a youth sports park on the southern bank of the Someșul Mic river, dedicating it to the memory of his deceased son.[5][6] On 16 May 1920, the team played its first game, a 3–1 win over Gloria Arad with goals scored by Crâsnic II, Târla and Vatian, the first 11 being: Mihai Tripa – Aurel Guga, Eugen Metainu – Brutus Ratiu, Ioan Nichin, Petrila Petica, Arcadie Crâsnic I – Sabin Vatianu, Eugen Crâsnic II, Sabin Târla, Nicolae Gruescu.[4] In addition to participating in the first regional championships, "U" stands out as the first Romanian team to perform in an international tournament. It happened in 1923, Cluj playing with some of the most important teams from France, Italy and Yugoslavia: 0–5 Stade Francaise, 4–2 with Lyon, 3–0 with Grenoble Etudiant Club, 0–1 with Politehnica Turin and 1–2 with HAŠK Zagreb.[4]

In the early years of its existence "U" Cluj played in local competitions; at the time there was no national football championship in Romania. The team played against Chinezul Timișoara in the 1923 final of the Mara Cup, losing 0–2. "U" played in the Romania national football championship Divizia A from 1932. In their first season "U" finished first in its group and played the championship final against Ripensia Timișoara (0–0 and 3–5). In the first season of the Romanian Cup, in 1933–34, "U" reached the final, losing against Ripensia Timișoara (0–5).

The first notable captain of "U" Cluj was Mircea Luca who took the captain armband in 1941, in the hardest period of the club's history, as in 1940, the team moved from Cluj-Napoca to Sibiu as a result of the Second Vienna Award, when the northern part of Transylvania was ceded to Hungary.[7][8][9][10] In 1945, after the end of the Second World War and the return of the northern part of Transylvania to Romania, "U" returned to its home in Cluj.[7][9][10] During these years some players left to play for Bucharest teams but Luca refused to do so, also the team's biggest performance was the reaching of the 1942 Cupa României final, which however was lost in front of Rapid București.[4][7][10][11] After the war, in which some of the club's players died, the team had to earn its right to play in Cluj by facing Ferar Cluj, which had competed in the Hungarian league during the war under the name Kolozsvár AC and fielded more experienced players.[7][8] "U" won the match 4–0, a result historian Gheorghe Bodea attributed largely to Luca's performance in defense.[7][8]

Știința Cluj squad in 1963

In 1946, the name of the club was changed to Știința Cluj (Science Cluj) and in the summer of the same year, the Romanian Football Federation decided that they had to play a play-off against Victoria Cluj in order to earn the right to play in the 1946–47 Divizia A season.[8] The first leg ended 1–1, but The Red Caps won the second leg with 3–1, thus earning their right to play in the first league where they would stay for the following three seasons, relegating in 1949.[8] During this period the team also reached the 1949 Cupa României final for the third time, but it was beaten by CSCA Bucureștinow called Steaua București (1–2).[12]

Știința Cluj posing with the Cupa României trophy in 1965.

At the end of the 1950s and the beginning of the 1960s, the manager of Știința Cluj was Ștefan Kovácsa famous Romanian coach who later became the manager of Ajax Amsterdam. In 1964–65, Știința Cluj defeated with 2–1 Dinamo Pitești with goals scored by Câmpeanu and Ivansuc and won the Cupa României[13] under coach Andrei Sepci who used the following players in the final: Simion Moguț – Paul Marcu, Traian Georgescu (c), Paul Grăjdeanu, Remus CâmpeanuVasile Alexandru, Mircea Neșu – Nicolae Szabo, Zoltán Ivansuc, Mihai Adam, Ioan Suciu.[4][14][15] In the following season, the club made its debut in European competitions, participating in the 1965–66 European Cup Winners' Cup, eliminating Austrian team, Wiener Neustadt with 3–0 on aggregate in the first round, the goals being scored by Ivansuc (2) and Adam but they got eliminated in the following round by Atlético Madrid.[16][17][18][19]

In 1966, the name of the team was changed back to "Universitatea". At the end of the 1971–1972 season, "U" was in the best position in the Romanian Championship Divizia A after the Second World War; it finished third in the league table, with the same number of points as the second placed team UTA Arad. In 1998, "U" reached the final of Cupa Ligii but lost to FCM Bacău. In 1999, "U" was relegated into the second Romanian division, Divizia B and in 2000 it was relegated for the first time in its history into the third division, Divizia C. It played one season in the third division, and in 2001 it was promoted back to Divizia B. The manager of the team at the time was the ex-Romanian international, Ioan Ovidiu Sabăuwho started playing football in the 1980s at "U" Cluj.In the 2005–06 Divizia B season, the new objective became promotion to the first league. Under coach Leo Grozavu, who often played highly defensive football,[citation needed] the team made many nil draws and the team lost second place (promotion play-off) by a point, though in the last match days they won 4–0 with the first place and the third, and 3–2 (after leading 3–0) with the second place.

In the beginning of the 2006–07 Liga II season (Divizia B was renamed to Liga II in this season), a new manager, Adrian Falubwho had never coached before but had played over 220 matches for "U" Cluj in the first leaguewas hired. Under his lead, the team had a poor early season and only reached eighth position. Yet, the moment passed and the team reached first position, often separated by over 6 points from the next position. On 19 May 2007, virtual promotion was achieved after a 0–0 draw against second place contender Dacia Mioveni. Three weeks before the final match day, "U" ended its 8-year spell in the lower divisions, returning to the first league for the 52nd season in its history.

Name Period
Societatea Sportivă a Studenților Universitari Cluj 1919–1940
Universitatea Cluj-Sibiu 1940–1945
Știința Cluj 1946–1948
CSU Cluj 1948–1950
Știința Cluj 1950–1966
Universitatea Cluj 1966–1994
AS FC Universitatea Cluj 1994–2015
ACS Alb-Negru al Studenților Clujeni 2016–2017
FC Universitatea Cluj 2017–present
"U" Cluj players celebrating the promotion in the Liga I in 2007

The 2007–08 Liga I season, the first season of Liga I in the last eight years[when?] for "U" Cluj was a tough one. The club did not manage the promotion very well, and at the end of a tumultuous season the club finished in 18th place, the last one, with only 17 points, returning to Liga II.[20]

The 2008–09 Liga II season was a transition one and "U" was saved from relegation to Liga III in the last round, after a 3–0 victory against Arieșul Turda while the main contra-candidate ACU Arad ended only 1–1 at home against Bihor Oradea, a match which was followed by a major scandal. Bihor Oradea accused ACU Arad of trying to fix the match, a victory being enough for the team from Arad to save from relegation.[21]

In the summer of 2009 "U" Cluj was taken over by Florian Walter, owner of the facility management company Romprest Service.[22] After only one season under the ownership of Walter, "U" Cluj was promoted to Liga I finishing second in the 2009–10 Liga II season.

In the new season, "U" Cluj demonstrated that was much better prepared from an administrative and sports point of view and managed to finish 2010–11 Liga I season in eighth place, far away from the relegation area.

The 2011–12 Liga I season brought "U" to another area of its existence. Well known and valuable players like Mircea Bornescu, George Galamaz, Gabriel Boștină, Marian Cristescu, Ovidiu Hoban, Gheorghe Grozav, Laurențiu Marinescu and Tony were bought by the club and the objective was qualification in the UEFA Europa League. Șepcile Roșii finished only in seventh place and failed to achieve the objective, but they got the best ranking of the club in the last 26 years.

In the summer of 2012, Florian Walter left "U" Cluj and became the owner of Petrolul Ploiești. Together with his departure, most valuable players left also the club and signed with the team from Ploiești.[23] Left without the main financier, Alb-Negrii attempted to form a squad of competitive players with little money. In February 2013 club debts grew worrying and "U" went into insolvency.[24] Despite all the financial problems the team saved from relegation, finishing 12th at the end of 2012–13 season.

In the spring of 2013 Florian Walter announced that he would return at "U" Cluj.[25] At the end of the 2012–13 season a new problem shook the already disturbed environment of "U" Cluj. The license committee refused to license the club for the 2013–14 Liga I season and decided to relegate it to Liga II.[26] Șepcile Roșii contested the decision at CAS and won, assuring their presence in the next season of Liga I.[27] 2013–14 season it would once again be one without claims for "U" due to financial problems that the club had. Also Florian Walter no longer seemed interested in investing too much in the team. With all the problems Studenții managed again to save from relegation, finishing 11th.

The 2014–15 Liga I season was a reorganization one, with six teams relegated instead of four, in an attempt to reduce Liga I teams from 18 to 14. "U" Cluj struggled with its few resources until the very end, but at the end of the season the club was placed on 15th position and relegated to Liga II after its five-year spell in Liga I.

Chart showing the progress of U Cluj's league finishes from 1932 to 2017

The relegation in the Liga II was a real disaster for "U"'s already shaky financial situation. The club made a squad full of young players from the academy hoping that through the ambition of the young players and a miracle the team would promote back in Liga I after only one season of Liga II.[28] That was the only solution for saving the club, which was at that moment in insolvency for two and a half years and with an owner, Florian Walter, present only as a name in the papers, without investing in the club anyway and also being in international tracking for tax evasion and money laundering.[29][30][31]

The 2015–16 Liga II season was one of extremes for "U" Cluj. In the first part of the championship the team had run over expectations and had great chances of promotion. But after the winter break the financial situation become worse and the team started to have bad results which ended with a qualification in the play-out tournament, without any chances of promotion. This moment was a crucial one; without any motivation the team ended the championship on tenth place and relegated to Liga III.[32]

The summer of 2016 meant a new beginning for "U". With a sporting society in insolvency, with big chances of bankruptcy and an owner arrested for tax evasion and money laundering, there was no other solution than the formation of a new club. Cluj-Napoca Municipality, which is the owner of "U" Cluj logo and record, terminated the lease agreement with the company of Florian Walter. Then Cluj-Napoca Municipality together with Babeș-Bolyai University and "U" Cluj Supporters Association started a new project entitled ACSF Alb-Negru al Studenților Clujeni (ACSF White-Black of the Students from Cluj) a name that was given to the new team, because the society administered by Florian Walter was not yet bankrupt and the name of FC Universitatea Cluj could not belong to two companies. After the foundation of the new team Cluj-Napoca Municipality rented "U" logo and record to the new society.[33] The team was enrolled in Liga IVCluj County, Ioan Ovidiu Sabău has been named team manager and Marius Popescu the new coach. Șepcile Roșii also signed with a lot of valuable players like Octavian Abrudan, Alexandru Păcurar, Dorin Goga or Gabriel Giurgiu. Together with them in the team have been added the most talented players of "U" Cluj Football Academy and the objective was the promotion.[34] The project was a real success and Studenții won Liga IV without any problems, winning 26 matches and making only a draw in a match against Sticla Arieșul Turda. Also the team achieved the number of 1,000 contributing members and a lot of development projects are planned.[35][36][37]

On 29 September 2016 Walter's society, FC Universitatea Cluj, has gone bankrupt leaving the name free.[38] But the bankruptcy occurred after the starting of the 2016–17 Liga IV season, so the name remained ACSF Alb-Negru al Studenților Clujeni for that season. On 11 May 2017 was announced officially that from the 2017–18 season the team will return to the old name, FC Universitatea Cluj and also the basketball team will evolve under the same brand.[39][40]

Stadium

[edit]
Cluj Arena at night

Ion Moina Stadium, the first football and athletics stadium in Cluj-Napoca, was built between 1908 and 1911 and had a capacity of 1,500. The official inauguration in 1911 was a game between a Cluj team and Galatasaray Istanbul. It was the first game in Europe for Galatasaray; the Cluj team won 8–1. In 1961, new U-shaped stands were built and the capacity of the stadium became 28,000. In 2000, most of the stands were declared structurally unsafe for hosting supporters and were closed, leaving the stadium with a capacity of 12–13,000. In late 2008, the old "Ion Moina" Stadium was demolished, and building works begun for the Cluj Arena. The last official game at the old stadium was played on 22 November 2008; Universitatea drew 0–0 in their Liga II game with Mureșul Deva.[41]

During the construction works for the new stadium, Universitatea played its home games in the 2008–09 and 2009–10 Liga II seasons at the Clujana Stadium and its home games in the 2010–11 Liga I season at the Cetate Stadium in Alba Iulia, Gloria Stadium in Bistrița and Gaz Metan Stadium in Mediaș.

On 11 October 2011, the first match at the new Cluj Arena stadiuma friendly between Universitatea and the Russian team Kuban Krasnodarwas played and Kuban won 4–0; the game was also the retirement match for one-club man, Cristinel Pojar who played a few minutes for "U".[42][43][44][45][46] The first official match at the new stadium was played; Universitatea won the Liga I game against FC Brașov 1–0 on 16 October 2011.[47] A Court of Accounts audit found that the company operating Cluj Arena had been liable for building tax to Cluj-Napoca Municipality from the venue's 2011 inauguration onward but had not paid it, leaving debts of over 15 million lei by 2016.[48]

Support

[edit]
"U" Cluj supporters during a First Division game (season 2011–12)

"U" has many supporters in Cluj-Napoca, but also in some other parts of Romaniaespecially in Transylvania. One of the reasons for the team's popularity is that Cluj-Napoca has some of Romania's most important universitiesincluding the Babeș-Bolyai University, the largest in the country with more than 45,000 students.[49]

The history of U's fanatic supporters began in the 1970s, when fan-groups started to appear on the stadium. First, in 1972 appeared Amicii U, one of the first supporters groups in Romania. The group started to compose songs along with Music Academy's students and wear accessories like the well-known red hats or pins with the club's crest. Those years, Slavă ție studenție was composed, being nowadays club's anthem.[50] After the fall of communist regime, the Ultras idea arrived in Romania. First ultras group founded was Vecchia Guardia in 1996, followed by Ultra Curva Groapa in 1997 and Ultras 19 in 2004.

"U" Cluj fans during a Liga 1 promotion game against Dinamo Bucharest in 2022

Some of the present-day ultras groups of "U" Cluj are Groparii, VG (Vecchia Guardia), BOYS, MADS, FPU (The Few The Proud The Ultras), Potaissa, PPS (Prezenti pentru simbol), MNST (Mănăștur). .[51]

The fanaticism sometimes led to violence, some violent episode being in 1979 when Sportul Studențesc won the match with "U" due to poor referee decisions. After the match, supporters began to shout thieves in front of the stadium and the police started to fight the angry fans.[50] Other episode happened in 2008, when CFR fans went to one of the main squares of the city to celebrate a Dinamo victory over Steaua, that advantage their team to win the league that year. Some Universitatea fans went to the square and had a fight with the rivals before police intervention.

Rivalries and friendships

[edit]
"U" Cluj supporters during a Second Division game against CFR Cluj in 2004

Universitatea have a rivalry with local city team CFR Cluj. The animosity between the teams is one of the oldest in Romanian football. The first incidents between fans of the two sides occurred in the 1920s.[52] A particularly violent episode took place during a derby played in 1924, when the stadium had to be evacuated because of a large-scale fight between supporters. Universitatea won the match 2–1. Other episodes of this rivalry are: in 2005, upset by the fact that Universitatea lost a match against UTA Arad, "U" fans injured CFR players at the Sport Hotel in Cluj-Napoca;[53] in 2008, following a derby, CFR won and obtained its first league title and Universitatea relegated in Liga II, but this match was preceded by a corruption scandal, because Steaua București's owner, Gigi Becali, offered "U" staff one million euros for defeating CFR.[54][55] Accusations over that case resurfaced in February 2026, when the presidents of both clubs traded claims about suspicious refereeing in the decisive 2008 and 2012 matches.[55] The derby has continued to draw wide attention in the following years, including in the Cupa României, with local authorities urging supporters to keep the rivalry peaceful.[56]

The second-most important rivalry is against FC Rapid București due serious clashes between fans in 2006, 2011, 2019. Another rivalries are Steaua București, Farul Constanța, UTA Arad, FCSB, Petrolul Ploiești and SSU Politehnica Timișoara.

Universitatea's fans have a good friendship with Dinamo's fans, the main rivals of FCSB and Rapid. Dinamo friendship started in the mid-1990s, both ultras groups being linked with the "mentality, fanaticism and nationalist side",[57] although in the 1970s and 1980s, "U" supporters had friendships with other important clubs fans, like Politehnica Timișoara or Rapid București, these teams being the few that already had fan-groups.[50] The ultras group Students ‘12 have a friend relation with Strassbourg Offender, the of supporters of the RC Strasbourg Alsace, known for his many violent actions. The group was dissolved by the government in September 2025.

Honours

[edit]

Domestic

[edit]

Leagues

[edit]

Players

[edit]

First-team squad

[edit]
As of 27 July 2026[58][59]

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  ROU Ștefan Lefter
2 DF  ROU Alin Chinteș
6 DF  ROU Iulian Cristea
7 MF  GAM Mouhamadou Drammeh
8 MF  ROU Dorin Codrea
9 FW  ROU Atanas Trică
10 MF  ROU Dan Nistor (Vice-captain)
12 DF  NGA Friday Adams
14 MF  ROU Marius Ștefănescu
17 FW  BIH Jovo Lukić
18 MF  POR Pedro Pinho
19 FW  CIV Issouf Macalou
20 FW  NGA Ibuchi Chukwu
21 GK  ROU Denis Moldovan
No. Pos. Nation Player
22 DF  MTQ Florent Poulolo
24 DF  CRO Dino Mikanović
25 FW  SWE Alibek Aliyev
26 DF  CIV Jonathan Cissé
27 MF  ROU Alexandru Chipciu (Captain)
29 FW  FRA Oucasse Mendy
33 FW  SRB Jug Stanojev
46 GK  CYP Neofytos Michail
59 DF  ROU Alin Techereș
77 MF  ROU Andrei Gheorghiță
94 MF  ROU Ovidiu Bic (3rd captain)
96 MF  ROU Lukas Pall
98 MF  ROU Gabriel Simion (4th captain)
99 GK  ROU Tudor Coșa

Other players under contract

[edit]

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
11 MF  ITA Alessandro Murgia
23 DF  UGA Elio Capradossi
28 DF  POR Miguel Silva
31 MF  ROU Matei Moraru
No. Pos. Nation Player
89 DF  GER Tobias Horn
93 FW  MDA Virgiliu Postolachi
MF  ROU Luca Nagy

Out on loan

[edit]

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

No. Pos. Nation Player
50 MF  NGA Raji Ayomide (at Popești-Leordeni until 30 June 2027)
GK  ROU Iustin Chirilă (at Bihor Oradea until 30 June 2027)
DF  ROU Nicholas Pop (at Dumbrăvița until 30 June 2027)
MF  ROU Alex Orban (at Bihor Oradea until 30 June 2027)
MF  ROU Vlad Tudorache (at Blejoi until 30 June 2027)
MF  ROU Răzvan Vaida (at Unirea Alba Iulia until 30 June 2027)
MF  ROU Ovidiu Buia (at 1599 Șelimbăr until 30 June 2027)
No. Pos. Nation Player
MF  ROU Vlad Lambru (at CSM Olimpia Satu Mare until 30 June 2027)
MF  ROU Tudor Zoicaș (at Metalul Buzău until 30 June 2027)
MF  ROU Antonio Suciu (at Gloria Bistrița until 30 June 2027)
MF  ROU Alexandru Bota (at Bihor Oradea until 30 June 2027)
FW  ROU Eneas Horvat (at 1599 Șelimbăr until 30 June 2027)
FW  NGA Quadri Taiwo (at Popești-Leordeni until 30 June 2027)

Club officials

[edit]

Shirt sponsors and manufacturers

[edit]
Period Kit manufacturer Period Shirt partner
1994–1995 Germany Adidas 1994–1995
1997–2000 Romania Ancada 1997–2000 Romania BCR
2000–2001 Spain Luanvi 2000–2001 Romania Artimex Sport
2001–2002 Germany Erima 2001–2003 Romania S.C.C. Napoca
2002–2003 Italy Erreà
2005–2007 Germany Uhlsport 2005–2008 Romania Banca Transilvania
2007–2008 Italy Diadora
2008–2009 Italy Lotto 2008–2009
2009–2014 United States Nike 2010–2015 Romania Romprest
2014–2019 Germany Erima 2017– Romania IRUM
2019– Germany Adidas 2020–2026 Romania Superbet
2026– Romania MrBit[62]

Records and statistics

[edit]

European cups all-time statistics

[edit]
Competition S P W D L GF GA GD
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup / European Cup Winners' Cup 1420236–3
UEFA Europa League / UEFA Cup 2311156–1
UEFA Intertoto Cup 1401338–5
UEFA Conference League 1201112–1
Total5133371222–10
1965–66 European Cup Winners' Cup
Round 1
Wiener Neustädter Austria0–1logo Știința Cluj
Știința Cluj logo2–0Austria Wiener Neustädter
Round 2
Știința Cluj logo0–2Spain Atlético Madrid
Atlético Madrid Spain4–0logo Știința Cluj
1972–73 UEFA Cup
Round 1
Știința Cluj logo4–1Bulgaria Levski Sofia
Levski Sofia Bulgaria5–1logo Știința Cluj
1995 UEFA Intertoto Cup
Group stage
HB Tórshavn Faroe Islands0–0Universitatea Cluj logo
Universitatea Cluj logo0–1Norway Tromsø
Germinal Ekeren Belgium4–1Universitatea Cluj logo
Universitatea Cluj logo2–3Switzerland Aarau
2025–26 UEFA Conference League
Second qualifying round
Ararat-Armenia Armenia0–0logo FC Universitatea Cluj
FC Universitatea Cluj logo1–2Armenia Ararat-Armenia
2026–27 UEFA Europa League
First qualifying round
Dynamo Kyiv Ukraine0–0logo FC Universitatea Cluj
FC Universitatea Cluj logo0−0 (2−4 p)Ukraine Dynamo Kyiv

European record

[edit]
Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate / position
1965–66 European Cup Winners' Cup R1 Austria Wiener Neustädter 2–0 1–0 3–0
R2 Spain Atlético Madrid 0–2 0–4 0–6
1972–73 UEFA Cup R1 Bulgaria Levski Sofia 4–1 1–5 (a.e.t.) 5–6
1995 UEFA Intertoto Cup Group 3 Faroe Islands HB Tórshavn N/a 0–0 5th
Norway Tromsø IL 0–1 N/a
Belgium Germinal Ekeren N/a 1–4
Switzerland FC Aarau 2–3 N/a
2025–26 UEFA Conference League Q2 Armenia Ararat-Armenia 1–2 (a.e.t.) 0–0 1–2
2026–27 UEFA Europa League Q1 Ukraine Dynamo Kyiv 0–0 (a.e.t.) 0–0 0–0 (2–4 pen.)
UEFA Conference League Q2 Norway Brann 2–2 In progress

History by season

[edit]

Key

[edit]
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)[63] Notes Name[64]
Division[65][66][67]PosPWDLGFGAPtsNameGoals
1921District5th51226114 Universitatea Cluj
1921–224th14617162113 Romania Nicolae Bonciocat4
1922–235th1243513811 Romania Nicolae Bonciocat/Aurel Guga4
1923–241st12822201018 FinalsQFRomania Nicolae Bonciocat6
1924–251st14104027624 FinalsQFRomania Nicolae Bonciocat5
1925–262nd181143432626 Romania Nicolae Bonciocat14
1926–271st1072121816 FinalsSFRomania Aurel Blaj8
1927–282nd10442371412 Romania Vasile Giurgiu14
1928–292nd13814341817 Romania Vasile Giurgiu8
1929–301st11821321616 FinalsSFRomania Vasile Giurgiu12
1930–311st971131915 Grațian Sepi7
1931–321st95402809 Grațian Sepi9
1932–33Div A1st12822241518 FinalsFRomania Grațian Sepi10Foundation of the Romanian Football
League system
1933–343rd14815331717FRomania Grațian Sepi14
1934–354th221219363425R16Romania Silviu Ploeșteanu/Cornel Orza8
1935–3612th[68]227213295316SFRomania Ion Păunescu8
1936–379th228212386218QFRomania Janos Szaniszlo13
1937–386th18729335016R32Romania Petre Truță/Petru Draga8
1938–39Div B3rd18936302121pRomania Emil Țiereanu13
1939–402nd181413632229pRomania Paul Wieser25
1940–41Div A11th248115425817pRomania Hariton Dascălu14Moved to Sibiu due to
Second Vienna Award
Universitatea Cluj-Sibiu
1941–42Bessarabia CupSF[69]3201136F
1942–43War Championship8th[69]22769485120QFRomania Hariton Dascălu22
1943–444th[69]13715322715 Romania Hariton Dascălu11
1944–45No championship          Universitatea Cluj
1945–46District1st54101959 
1946–47Div A9th2611312544725 Romania Hariton Dascălu17
1947–484th3014610544834R16Romania Hariton Dascălu18
1948–4912th267514315019FRomania Sever Coracu10C.S.U. Cluj
1949Autumn Cup5th[69]10343131310 Romania Iosif Lutz4
1950Div B1st221462471634R16Romania Silviu Avram12Știința Cluj
1951Div A6th22859323621R32Romania Silviu Avram10
19525th22778242321R16Romania Alexandru Moldovan/Miron Dragoman6
19538th217410243118SFRomania Silviu Avram12
19545th261169323228R32Romania Miron Dragoman9
19557th24879273523R32Romania Miron Dragoman9
195612th246513224817R16Romania Miron Dragoman6
1957Spring Cup3rd[69]12624252314 Romania Horațiu Moldovan8
1957–58Div B1st261736582337pRomania Horațiu Moldovan14
1958–59Div A11th222119233615R16Romania Horațiu Moldovan6
1959–605th227105343224QFRomania Viorel Mateianu7
1960–614th261259474429R32Romania Viorel Mateianu/Paul Marcu11
1961–627th2610610464426R32Romania Paul Marcu13
1962–634th271179424429R32Romania Mihai Adam15
1963–649th2611213393824R32Romania Ion Mureșan11
1964–657th269611403824WRomania Mihai Adam18
1965–667th268108343526R16CWC2RRomania Mihai Adam8
1966–676th26989313026R32Romania Zoltán Ivansuc9Universitatea Cluj
1967–6810th2610511363725R16Romania Mihai Adam15
1968–698th3013413473930QFRomania Vasile Oprea18
1969–7011th3091011403728R16Romania Mihai Adam11
1970–7112th3010911363529SFRomania Mihai Adam12
1971–723rd301659392737R16Romania Mihai Adam10
1972–7316th307914255023QFUEFA1RRomania Viorel Mureșan6
1973–7410th3412913353733QFRomania Viorel Mureșan8
1974–7512th3412913293833QFRomania Alexa Uifăleanu7
1975–7618th348323304519R16Romania Ion Batacliu8
1976–77Div B12th3414416374032pRomania Septimiu Câmpeanu7
1977–783rd342158712747pRomania Vasile Vidican16
1978–791st342149732346R32Romania Septimiu Câmpeanu19
1979–80Div A12th3414416444332R16Romania Septimiu Câmpeanu24
1980–8114th3414416475732R16Romania Septimiu Câmpeanu19
1981–8216th3411815344930R16Romania Septimiu Câmpeanu11
1982–83Div B3rd3419312612641R32Romania Nicolae Bucur14
1983–842nd342518782551pRomania Cornel Fâșic21
1984–851st3420104682350pRomania Septimiu Câmpeanu11
1985–86Div A7th3414515515233R16Romania Septimiu Câmpeanu12
1986–8710th3414416544732R32Romania Septimiu Câmpeanu12
1987–8810th3411716395429R32Romania Septimiu Câmpeanu11
1988–8914th3411815435530R32Romania Zoltán Kádár9
1989–9013th3410915406029R32Romania Imre Bíró9
1990–9118th345623266716R16Romania Marian Alexandru6
1991–92Div B1st342671821057[70]pRomania Nicolae Ilea16
1992–93Div A11th3414218435130QFRomania Marius Predatu14
1993–9412th3411914394231SFRomania Marius Predatu13
1994–9512th3413417394243SFRomania Marius Predatu9
1995–969th3414614414048R32ITGSRomania Radu Sabo12
1996–9715th3411617526739QFRomania Ovidiu Maier8
1997–9813th3411716424040R32League CupFRomania Marius Popescu9
1998–9917th344426199216R16Romania Marius Predatu5
1999–00Div B17th3466223076244RRomania Daniel Dăscălescu/Adrian Trușcă5
2000–01Div C1st282053651965pRomania Alexandru Păcurar11
2001–02Div B10th3011712514040pRomania Ciprian Prodan12
2002–039th2881010484434pRomania Dan Codreanu14
2003–046th301578492852pRomania Răzvan Cociş12
2004–057th2812412413340R16Romania Emil Jula11
2005–063rd2815944416544RRomania Dorin Goga9
2006–07L21st342194492172R32Romania Radu Sabo10
2007–08L118th3441119325823R16Romania Dorin Goga8
2008–09L214th34111211373343[70]R32Romania Flavius Băd9
2009–102nd3220756024674RRomania Valentin Lemnaru13
2010–11L18th3413813485447R16Romania Claudiu Niculescu13
2011–127th3411149463747R32Romania Adrian Cristea8
2012–1312th3410816395538R32Romania Viorel Dinu9
2013–1411th3411716294640R32Romania Valentin Lemnaru13
2014–1515th3481115294135FLeague CupQFCameroon Justin Mengolo5
2015–16L210th261358301544R32Romania Octavian Ursu8
10334111328[71]
2016–17L41st2827101679822RCluj County PhaseWRomania Brian Lemac48
2017–18L31st282422881674R16Romania Dorin Goga16
2018–19L23rd[72]3825768526 82 R16Romania Cristian Gavra22
2019–2014th2351262926 27 R16Romania Dorin Goga5
2020–2111th2010282420 29 QFIsrael Idan Golan5
2021–223rd[73]2918384723 574RMoldova Alexandru Boiciuc6
2022–23L110th30810122537 34 FSenegal Mamadou Thiam9
951312933[74]
2023–2410th30101283538 42 SFRomania Dan Nistor11
9333121033[74]
2024–25 4th 30 14 10 6 43 27 52 PO Romania Vladislav Blănuță 12
10 4 1 5 12 15 39
2025–262nd3016684827 54 FUECL2QRBosnia and Herzegovina Jovo Lukić18
10613131146[74]

Notable former players

[edit]

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 on through the time's passing. 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.

Former managers

[edit]

Source:[75][76]

References

[edit]
  1. "Universitatea Cluj – Site-ul oficial al echipei de fotbal FC Universitatea Cluj". Archived from the original on 4 May 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  2. "102 ani de "U" Cluj, în alb și negru. "Studenții" sunt o pată marcantă în fotbalul românesc, iar 23 noiembrie e o dată gravată în sufletul suporterilor: "Din lupta perseverentă și dârză a părinților Simbolului, se scria prima filă din povestea Universității"" [102 years of "U" Cluj, in black and white. "Students" are a significant stain in Romanian football, and November 23 is once engraved in the souls of the fans: "From the persevering and daring fight of the Symbol's parents, the first page of the University's story was written"] (in Romanian). Liga2.prosport.ro. 23 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  3. "Șampanie în Ardeal! CFR și U Cluj sunt înființate în aceeași zi" [Champagne in Transylvania! CFR and U Cluj are established on the same day] (in Romanian). Digisport.ro. 23 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Istorie" [History]. Fcucluj.ro. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  5. "Iuliu Hațieganu (1885-1959)". VisitCluj. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  6. Anca-Maria Bica. "Medicul și profesorul Iuliu Hațieganu (14 aprilie 1885 – 4 septembrie 1959)" (in Romanian). Radio Renașterea. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Viața și moartea doctorului Luca. Citește emoționanta și incredibila poveste a ultimului simbol al lui "U"" [The life and death of Dr. Luca. Read the exciting and incredible story of the last symbol of "U"] (in Romanian). Clujeanul.gandul.ro. 29 July 2008. Archived from the original on 1 January 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Mircea Luca profile" (in Romanian). 4everucluj.ro.
  9. 1 2 ""U" Cluj. Dr Mircea Luca revine acasă" ["U" Cluj. Dr Mircea Luca is coming home] (in Romanian). Transilvaniareporter.ro. 28 November 2013. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  10. 1 2 3 "Mircea Luca, o viață dedicată Universității" [Mircea Luca, a life dedicated to Universitatea] (in Romanian). Fcucluj.ro. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  11. "Romanian Cup – 1941–1942". RomanianSoccer. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  12. "Romanian Cup – 1948–1949". RomanianSoccer. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  13. "U Cluj, o istorie legată de Cupa României" [U Cluj, a history tied to the Romanian Cup] (in Romanian). Federația Română de Fotbal. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  14. ""U" Cluj ne reamintește astăzi de Traian Georgescu căpitanul studenților la finala câștigată în 1965" ["U" Cluj reminds us today of Traian Georgescu, the captain of the students at the final won in 1965.] (in Romanian). Clujcapitala.ro. 20 March 2018. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  15. "Romanian Cup – Season 1964–1965". RomanianSoccer. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  16. "Wiener Neustädter SC (old) vs Știința Cluj 0 – 1". WorldFootball. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  17. "Știința Cluj vs 1. Wiener Neustädter SC (old) 2 – 0". WorldFootball. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  18. "Universitatea Cluj. Fixtures & Results 1965/1966". WorldFootball. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  19. "1965–1966" (in Romanian). 4everUcluj. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  20. "Scapa cine poate". 5 May 2008.
  21. "ACU-i ACU' – Sorin Cigan şi preşedintele ACU Arad, săltaţi de DNA".
  22. http://ziuadecj.realitatea.net/sport/walter-noul-presedinte-executiv-al-u-cluj--20023.html [dead link]
  23. http://sptfm.ro/2012/06/03/florian-walter-a-plecat-la-petrolul-dar-inca-mai-ia-jucatori-pentru-clubul-pe-care-nu-l-a-vandut/ [dead link]
  24. "Oficial! U Cluj a intrat în procedura de insolvenţă!".
  25. "Florian Walter lasă Petrolul și se întoarce la "U" Cluj!".
  26. "Rapid București şi "U" Cluj nu au primit licenţă pentru Liga 1".
  27. "Fotbal: U Cluj a câştigat apelul la TAS şi va evolua în Liga I".
  28. ""U" Cluj, ultima echipă din Liga 2 care a dat start pregătirii.** Marius Popescu și Zsolt Szilagyi sunt noii antrenori. Cel mai în vârstă jucător din lot are 22 de ani". 28 July 2015.
  29. "UPDATE. Comunicat oficial Poliţia Română: Florian Walter este arestat în Emiratele Arabe Unite. Florian Walter a primit rezidenţă în Dubai şi nu mai poate fi extrădat". 15 July 2015.
  30. "Court issues international arrest warrant for Romanian businessman". Romania Insider. 21 May 2015. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  31. "Fugitive Romanian businessman Florian Walter held in Colombia". Romania Insider. 9 June 2015. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  32. "Adio, "U". Universitatea Cluj a retrogradat in liga a treia, dar are sanse mici sa joace acolo in sezonul urmator: Tarlungeni 3–1 "U" Cluj".
  33. "OFICIAL | "U" Cluj a ieșit de sub aripa Walter, după 7 ani.** Astăzi se va naște noul club, susținut de primărie și universități". 11 August 2016.
  34. http://sptfm.ro/2016/09/07/goga-abrudan-pacurar-si-giurgiu-s-au-intors-la-cluj-pentru-juca-liga-4-la-noul-u/ [dead link]
  35. ""U" Cluj s-a impus clar la Viile Dejului și e sigură de calificarea la barajul pentru liga a treia". Archived from the original on 29 May 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
  36. "Record inimaginabil. "U" Cluj, aproape de cifra 1000 la numărul de "socios"". Archived from the original on 30 April 2017.
  37. "Hagi îi inspiră. U Cluj își contruiește Academie pe modelul "Regelui". Cel care va coordona proiectul a stat o săptămână la Viitorul: "S-a interesat de organizare, de metodele de pregătire, de tot"".
  38. "Oficial! Universitatea Cluj a intrat în faliment".
  39. "FC Universitatea Cluj 1919: O singură iubire pentru clujeni!". 11 May 2017.
  40. "FC Universitatea Cluj 1919, același nume pentru fotbal și baschet". 11 May 2017.
  41. "Universitatea Cluj – Muresul Deva 0–0". 22 November 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  42. "Fanii lui "U" vor să îi organizeze un meci de retragere lui Cristi Pojar "Sînt onorat și emoţionat"" ["U" fans want to organize a retirement game for Cristi Pojar "I am honored and excited"] (in Romanian). Gsp.ro. 11 September 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  43. "Povestea impresionantă a lui Cristi Pojar! A jucat numai la "U", suferind 7 operații la genunchi" [Cristi Pojar's impressive story! He played only at "U", undergoing 7 knee operations] (in Romanian). Prosport.ro. 7 October 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  44. ""Generaţia de Aur" vine la inaugurarea Cluj Arena. Meci de retragere pentru Cristi Pojar" [The "Golden Generation" comes to the inauguration of Cluj Arena. Retirement match for Cristi Pojar] (in Romanian). Gsp.ro. 5 October 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  45. "Universitatea Cluj, umilită la meciul de inaugurare a noului stadion" [Universitatea Cluj, humiliated at the inauguration match of the new stadium] (in Romanian). Adevarul.ro. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  46. "Rusii si-au batut joc de inaugurarea Cluj Arena! Cristi Pojar nici nu a atins mingea" [The Russians made fun of the inauguration of Cluj Arena! Cristi Pojar didn't even touch the ball] (in Romanian). Stiridecluj.ro. 11 October 2011. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  47. "Universitatea Cluj vs. Braşov - 16 October 2011 - Soccerway". int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  48. "Cluj Arena și-a schimbat administratorul. Ce datorii a acumulat stadionul din momentul inaugurării" (in Romanian). ProSport. 23 September 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  49. "First 10 romanian universities". Gândul. 25 June 2007. Retrieved 27 March 2009.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  50. 1 2 3 "Poveștile fanilor lui "U" Cluj în anii '70: Fotbalul, formă de rezistență anticomunistă". 22 January 2018.
  51. "Names of Ultras". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  52. "U Cluj – CFR 1907, povestea celei mai lungi rivalităţi din fotbalul românesc – Ştiri de ultimă oră". Vocea.biz. 31 August 2014. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  53. "Fanii lui "U" Cluj i-au batut mar pe fotbalistii de la CFR Ecomax Cluj". Adevărul.
  54. "TOP 10 rivalități din fotbalul românesc". ProSport. 10 June 2010.
  55. 1 2 "„Fură la noi!" Războiul CFR - U redeschide „cazul Valiza"" (in Romanian). Golazo.ro. 12 February 2026. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  56. "Romania's hotly anticipated football rivalry: U Cluj to face CFR Cluj in a heated derby of Cupa României". Romania Insider. 17 October 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  57. "Frăţia Cu Dinamo, Povestea Care Uneşte Şi Dezbină Deopotrivă!". 27 April 2014.
  58. "Echipa" [Squad] (in Romanian). fcuniversitateacluj.ro. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  59. "FC UNIVERSITATEA CLUJ" (in Romanian). Liga Profesionistă de Fotbal. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  60. Board of directors
  61. Technical staff
  62. "MrBit devine sponsorul principal al FC Universitatea Cluj începând cu sezonul 2026-2027" (in Romanian). FC Universitatea Cluj. 9 June 2026. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  63. "Universitatea Cluj all-time goalscorers" (in Romanian). 4everucluj.ro. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  64. "Evolutia denumirilor echipelor de-a lungul anilor". RomanianSoccer. Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  65. "Universitatea Cluj – statistics". Retrieved 13 February 2017.
  66. "All Universitatea Cluj seasons" (in Romanian). 4everucluj.ro. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
  67. "Romania 1921". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1921/22". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1921/22". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1922/23". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1923/24". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1924/25". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1925/26". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1926/27". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1927/28". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1928/29". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1929/30". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
    "Romania 1931/32". Rsssf.org. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  68. Won the Relegation play-off against ILSA Timișoara (5–1 agg)
  69. 1 2 3 4 5 Unofficial championship.
  70. 1 2 Deducted two points.
  71. Points halved after the regular season, after the results with the last two teams are canceled. Entered the play-out with 16 points.
  72. Lost the Promotion play-off against FC Hermannstadt (1–2 agg)
  73. Win the Promotion play-off against Dinamo București (3–1 agg)
  74. 1 2 3 Points halved after the regular season.
  75. "Labtof seasons". Labtof. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  76. "4everucluj seasons". 4everucluj. Retrieved 30 May 2021.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Dan Ioan Mihălcean (2009). "U" Cluj – mai mult decât o legendă (in Romanian). Editura Dacia. OCLC 895374974.
  • Ioan Chirilă (2013). Șepcile Roșii: 1919-1969 (in Romanian) (2nd ed.). Editura Grinta. OCLC 895385370.
[edit]