CNCD invites Marius Șumudică to discuss racist chants after CFR Cluj match protest

The National Council for Combating Discrimination (CNCD) has invited Marius Șumudică to discuss the events surrounding the recent match between CFR Cluj and U Cluj. Cătălin Raiu, the vice-president of the CNCD, stated that the chants described by the coach contain elements of racism. Raiu invited Șumudică to file a formal petition with the institution to trigger official procedures regarding the incident.

The invitation follows a Romanian Cup group stage match played on 28 October 2026, where CFR Cluj lost 1-3 to U Cluj. During the game, Șumudică, the 55-year-old coach of CFR Cluj, attempted to remove his team from the pitch in response to chants from opposing fans. The match was stopped for a few minutes in the 69th minute after the coach called his players to the sideline.

Șumudică claimed that racist chants occurred at the start, during, and at the end of the match. He stated that he had warned fourth official Flueran before the game that he would call his players off if the chants continued without action. According to the coach, he informed the fourth official about the potential issue, who then notified referee Andrei Chivulete. However, Șumudică observed that the referee did not stop the game when the chants took place.

After the match, Șumudică stated that several individuals supported his reaction. He claimed that Alexandru Chipciu agreed with him regarding the racism incident. The coach also said that players Macalou and Poulolo told him he was right. Șumudică noted that African players congratulated him, referencing his eight years of work abroad with many African players.

The potential consequences of the coach's actions are subject to debate. Adrian Porumboiu stated that he did not watch the match but claimed Șumudică risks no punishment because he only attempted to remove the team. Porumboiu listed the referee report, the fourth official statement, and the match observer report as key factors in any decision. Referee Andrei Chivulete was informed of potential protests but decided not to stop the match.

Other voices have predicted disciplinary action. Florin Prunea disagreed with Șumudică's decision and predicted a suspension and fines. Under FRF Disciplinary Regulation Article 50, temporary withdrawals from the field can mandate suspensions of one to three games and fines between 500 and 10,000 lei.