Voința Limpeziș, a small football club in Romania’s third division (L3), has found itself at the center of a growing controversy after allegedly using foreign players in questionable circumstances. The club, which has turned to an influx of foreign talent to strengthen its squad, is now being accused of falsely representing one of its South American players as an under-19 Romanian.
According to gsp.ro, Voința Limpeziș fielded a player, purportedly registered as a Romanian U19 player, who not only appeared much older but also could barely communicate, raising serious doubts about his identity and eligibility. Shockingly, the individual, who comes from South America, was reportedly unable to speak Romanian at all, further fueling suspicions that the club deliberately misrepresented his background.
The incident is part of a broader issue at the club, which has imported nearly 10 foreign players, mostly from Africa and South America, in a bid to compete in the lower tiers of Romanian football. While foreign recruits are not uncommon in professional football, Voința Limpeziș’s handling of these players has drawn significant criticism.
One of the club’s owners, who along with his brother personally funds the team through their businesses, expressed frustration with both local and foreign players, calling them “mercenaries.” He explained that they initially sought to work with Romanian footballers but grew disillusioned due to issues of unprofessionalism. “We gave up on most Romanian players because they turned out to be unreliable. Mercenaries!” the owner stated bluntly. However, he also acknowledged that their experiment with foreign players hasn’t resolved the problems they faced: “It seems we’re dealing with the same issues with the foreigners too.”
The club’s actions have raised concerns about the integrity of its recruitment process and the standards being upheld in Romania’s lower football divisions. Falsifying player information not only damages the reputation of the club but also undermines the competitive balance of the league.
The Actual U19 Romanian Player
This case has now put a spotlight on the management practices at Voința Limpeziș, and whether other clubs in the league may be engaging in similar behavior. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen whether authorities will take any disciplinary action or investigate further.
For now, Voința Limpeziș is left to answer tough questions about their commitment to fair play and ethical management, as football fans and officials alike express their outrage over these allegations.
