Gloria Bistrița dismisses Grigore and staff after junior player regulation breach

Gloria Bistrița announced the departure of head coach Nicolae Grigore and his technical staff on 22 October 2026. The club ended its collaboration with assistant Ionuț Mazilu, fitness coach Andrei Tămași, and delegate Ciprian Petre. This decision followed a regulatory breach during a recent Liga 2 fixture.

The incident occurred during a match against SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea on 10 October. Gloria Bistrița won the game 1-0 thanks to a goal by Marius Lupu in the 58th minute. However, the result was overshadowed by a procedural error late in the contest.

In the 86th minute, Grigore substituted juniors Antonio Suciu and Mihai Bara with Branimir Cavar and Costyn Gheorghe. This move left only one under-age player on the pitch. League regulations require two junior players to be on the field at all times.

The staff noticed the mistake four minutes later. They corrected the error by introducing Denis Zanc into the match. Despite the correction, the breach of FRF regulations prompted a response from the opposition.

SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea reportedly filed a complaint with the FRF. The opposing club seeks to have the match awarded to them by forfeit with a 3-0 scoreline due to the violation. Legal proceedings regarding the outcome are reportedly underway.

Grigore had been in charge since 31 August 2025. During his tenure, he recorded 18 wins, four draws, and 17 losses. In the current season, the team achieved five wins and five losses in the first 10 stages.

The dismissals came three days after a 0-3 defeat against FC Bacău. At the time of the announcement, Gloria Bistrița sat 12th in the Liga 2 table. The club had accumulated 15 points from 10 rounds, placing them three points behind the last play-off spot.

Sebastian Moga has been appointed as the new head coach. He will be assisted by Bebe Barbulescu and physical trainer George Neagu. Moga is a former player for Gloria Bistrița, having represented the club during several periods between 1989 and 2003.

The club faces FCSB in the Romanian Cup group stage next week. Reports suggest Viorel Moldovan is desired as the new club president. Names such as Gabi Balint, Lucian Sănmărtean, and Aurelian Băbuțan have also been linked to potential roles at the club.