Tehran Times, Iran
Nov. 2, 2004

Mutu left out of Romania squad for Armenia qualifier

BUCHAREST (Reuters) – Disgraced striker Adrian Mutu was left out of
Romania’s squad on Tuesday to face Armenia in a European World Cup
qualifier later this month.

Mutu faces an English FA hearing on Thursday after being sacked by
Chelsea last month following a positive test for cocaine. He could be
banned for up to two years from soccer.

The player said through a lawyer’s statement on Monday that he would
accept whatever punishment the FA gave him. Coach Anghel Iordanescu did
not comment on Mutu.

Romania skipper Cristian Chivu, meanwhile, has been recalled by
Iordanescu for the Group One match in Yerevan on November 17 after
recovering from toe surgery.

The Roma player missed his country’s last four qualifying matches after
he broke a bone in his left foot while playing beach soccer.

The coach only named eight overseas-based players on Tuesday and he
will complete the squad with players from Romania’s first division
later this month.

Iordanescu’s selection process has also been hit with the absences of
defender Adrian Iencsi and midfielder Daniel Pancu through suspension,
while keeper Bogdan Lobont, defender Razvan Rat and striker Ionel Ganea
are out injured.

Midfielder Florin Soava of Spartak Moskow quit the national team
following sharp criticism from media, fans and officials after Romania
were beaten 1-0 by the Czech Republic in their previous match.

Romania lead their group with nine points from four matches.

Finland, who have played one more match, are second on goal difference,
while Armenia are rooted to the bottom without a point. Overseas-based
players in squad: Defenders: Flavius Stoican, Cosmin Barcauan (both
Shakhtar Donetsk), Cristian Chivu (AS Roma), Cristian Dancia (Torpedo
Moscow) Midfielders: Paul Codrea (Torino), Mihai Tararache (FC Zurich),
Florin Cernat (Dynamo Kiev)