Csikzereda to install mobile stand after FRF grants one-year deadline for stadium compliance

Csikzereda president Zoltan Szondi announced that the club will modify its stadium by installing a mobile stand. This decision follows a ruling by the Romanian Football Federation that granted the team a one-year deadline to meet specific infrastructure requirements. The modification aims to ensure the venue remains eligible for top-flight competition.

The regulatory change stems from new standards set to take effect in the 2026/2027 season. Under these rules, arenas with fewer than 4,500 seats will no longer receive homologation from the FRF. Csikzereda’s current stadium was initially deemed non-compliant because it offers only 2,500 seats, falling significantly short of the new threshold.

Szondi stated that the mobile stand will add 2,000 seats to the existing capacity. This expansion would bring the total number of seats to 4,500, meeting the minimum requirement established by the national forum. The FRF Emergency Committee, which includes Gino Iorgulescu and Cristian Petrean, approved the regulation change that allows for this grace period.

The body responsible for the decision is led by Răzvan Burleanu. The committee’s approval of the regulation change allows Csikzereda to remain at their current location while they undertake the necessary construction work. The club received a formal derogation to play at their home stadium during the 2026/2027 SuperLiga season while the upgrades are planned.

On the pitch, Csikszereda recently secured their first victory of the season. The team defeated FC Voluntari 2-1 in round 13 of the SuperLiga Romania. It took the club 13 matches to achieve this result, marking a significant milestone in a difficult campaign.

Marton Eppel opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, followed by a goal from Szabolcs Nyitra in the 51st minute. Godfried Roemeratoe scored for FC Voluntari in the 49th minute, but it was not enough to prevent the defeat. Despite the win, the team remains at the bottom of the table.

After 13 rounds, Csikszereda occupies the last place in the Superliga with 5 points accumulated. The recent victory provided a brief respite from their struggles, but the club still faces significant challenges in the league standings. The focus now shifts to both on-field performance and off-field infrastructure improvements.

Szondi also commented on coaching matters, stating he considers Laszlo Balint a very valuable coach. He expressed confusion over why Balint is currently a free agent. Additionally, the president praised the methodology of Suciu, describing it as incomparable to that of coaches brought from Hungary.