Adrian Mititelu, 57, revealed he has lost €40 million (approximately $43.2 million USD) in football-related ventures. The disclosure comes after FCU Craiova was excluded from all competitions, though Mititelu recently received positive news from the Timisoara Court of Appeal.
On February 5, the Timisoara Court of Appeal ruled that FCU Craiova is the rightful owner of the historical team’s logo and sporting record, a claim contested for years by both Mititelu’s club and that of Mihai Rotaru. The decision is currently subject to further legal proceedings.
Adrian Mititelu Reports €40 Million Loss in Football
Mititelu, who built his wealth in real estate, stated that his two attempts to win the championship with the team cost him €40 million. The team was initially deaffiliated in 2011. While an initial court decision awarded €220 million (approximately $237.6 million USD) in damages and suspended sentences to Mircea Sandu and Dumitru Dragomir, Mititelu ultimately lost the case on appeal. He later successfully returned his team to the top league, but they were subsequently relegated. Most recently, FCU Craiova was excluded from all competitions, a decision Mititelu is challenging in court.
“ (Regarding the total amount of money invested in football?) 20 million in the period 2005-2011, substantial amounts, not like now and another 18-20 million euros after that.”
“I didn’t receive any of the damages; Mr. Rotaru received them from the damages. Mr. Rotaru and Mr. Becali took them all. I grasp it seems crazy to you,” Mititelu revealed last month to gsp.ro.
