CFR Cluj is facing a daunting challenge ahead of their crucial UEFA Conference League playoff return leg against Alashkert on Thursday. The Romanian champions are struggling to make ends meet, with several players having withheld their services due to unpaid salaries.

In a bid to qualify for the Conference League group stage and earn the associated prize money, CFR Cluj needs to secure a positive result against Alashkert. However, the financial situation at the club is precarious, with the owners having to foot a significant bill to keep the players on board.

Salaries in Arrears: A Growing Concern

According to sources close to the club, a number of players, including Andrei Cordea and Karlo Muhar, have submitted their resignation letters to protest the unpaid salaries. The situation has left the club’s management scrambling to find a solution, with the threat of losing key players looming large.

Patron Ioan Varga’s Assurance: “We Will Resolve the Financial Issues”

Ioan Varga, the club’s patron, has sought to reassure the players and the fans that the financial issues will be resolved soon. In an interview, Varga revealed that the club is working to raise €700,000 to settle some of the outstanding salaries. While this amount is expected to take the club two months ahead in terms of salary payments, the players are still owed three months’ worth of wages.

“We will resolve the financial issues in the coming days,” Varga asserted. “We will pay the players their due salaries, and we will continue to work towards our goal of qualifying for the Conference League group stage.”

Qualification: A Lifeline for CFR Cluj

Qualifying for the Conference League group stage would not only earn CFR Cluj a significant amount of money but also provide a much-needed boost to their financial situation. However, the club’s management is keen to avoid relying on UEFA’s financial assistance and is exploring alternative solutions, including selling players.

While Varga’s assurances have helped to calm the situation, the financial woes of CFR Cluj are a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many clubs in the Romanian top-flight. As the club prepares to face Alashkert, one thing is certain: the players will be looking for a positive result to ease the financial pressure.

The success of CFR Cluj will depend on their ability to overcome the financial hurdles and focus on the task at hand – securing a positive result against Alashkert.