FC Universitatea Cluj (U Cluj) has launched a serious accusation against FC Universitatea Craiova (U Craiova) regarding a goalkeeper who was allegedly courted by U Craiova right before the two crucial direct matches of the season. The two teams were competing for the Romanian Cup and the Superliga title. U Craiova emerged victorious in both competitions, but Cluj has now dropped what they call a "bombshell" about how Craiova tried to "steal" their goalkeeper right before the direct encounters.

Edvinas Gertmonas (29 years old) was in the final weeks of his contract with U Cluj. The Lithuanian goalkeeper failed to reach an agreement with Cluj on contract renewal. One of the most in-form goalkeepers this season, Gertmonas caught the eye of the team coached by Filipe Coelho (45 years old). One of the minority shareholders of U Craiova allegedly attempted to secure Gertmonas' signature just before the decisive matches for the two trophies, which greatly upset the officials at U Cluj.

Alleged Poaching and Fair Play Concerns

"I asked Gertmonas and he told me that yes, Craiova had offered him a deal before these matches. I found out after the games, but I have absolutely no reason to suspect him of anything specific; he is 110% professional," Radu Constantea told golazo.ro.

"Why didn't they inform us? I can't answer that, but what I can say is that Universitatea Craiova did not behave in a fair-play manner."

According to the source, Cosmin Moldovan allegedly contacted the goalkeeper through an intermediary to propose a deal with the Bănie-based club. The mystery behind Gertmonas' absence from the league match has now been revealed. The Lithuanian was a notable absentee from Cristiano Bergodi's starting lineup in the match that decided the new champion.

Past Incidents and Their Impact

Gertmonas had defended in the Romanian Cup final, which U Cluj lost on penalties. In the league, he was preferred to Stefan Lefter. However, this move was not particularly inspired, as Cluj conceded no fewer than five goals. A similar case was that of Cristian Balgrădean, a former FCSB goalkeeper who was contacted by CFR Cluj at the end of his contract and signed without informing his team. Gigi Becali immediately removed him from the squad after he made a mistake in the match against FC Botoșani. It was a season in which CFR Cluj emerged as champions.