Friday, March 29, 2024
SportScottish PremiershipCeltic's European rivals Cluj hoping to be handed cup reprieve

Celtic’s European rivals Cluj hoping to be handed cup reprieve

CFR Cluj are hoping to be handed a reprieve in the Romanian Cup despite being knocked out by Botosani on penalties.

Celtic’s Europa League rivals fought out a 2-2 draw before being eliminated in a 4-2 spot kick loss on Wednesday evening.

But Dan Petrescu’s side, who are the early leaders in Group E ahead of next Thursday’ trip to Parkhead, could be reinstated in the competition after their opponents admitting breaking cup rules.

Cluj travel to Celtic Park next Thursday

Regulations state that each team must field six homegrown players, but Botosani only had five.

And now Cluj, who dumped Celtic out of the Champions League qualifiers, are waiting to find out if their conquers will face any punishment.

Cluj sporting director Bogdan Mara said: “We will check if this is the case, it is normal to appeal. 

“The people in the management will check and, if so, we have nothing to do. 

“If the rules have not been respected, it is normal to challenge.”

Botosani owner Valeriu Iftime said: “We only had five and it’s a mistake, nobody knew.

“It was unintentional.”

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