Marius Baciu, the new coach of FCSB, carries a significant burden from his past: a fine from the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) due to a match-fixing scandal. The incident occurred during the 2019/2020 season of the Liga 2, when Baciu was the coach of Daco Getica, formerly known as Juventus București. Despite assisting the investigation, Baciu was still fined by FRF.

The scandal surfaced in the 9th round when Baciu’s team, previously coached by former player, faced UTA in a away game and lost 0-6. The goals were scored by C. Rus (12'), Buhăcianu (42', 68', 76', 85'), and Ursu (83').

It happened towards the end of September, and just a month later, Baciu left the team to sign with Turris Oltul Turnu Măgurele.

The story came to light halfway through November when Baciu was masked and removed from the field during a game against Snagov. He was detained but quickly released as a suspect after being informed of the charges.

“A few days after the UTA game, the players started whispering. There were suspicions among them. My colleagues and I began questioning them. We started acting like detectives. We discovered that some were betting on matches. I took statements from six players. We didn’t want to harm them, but they all ruined their careers. I had them write it down. I dismissed three, then another three. I decided to give the statements to the Integrity Commission along with a statement of my own,” Baciu explained in an exclusive interview with Daniel Nazare for ProSport.

Baciu was audited along with the players and staff, and they were charged with not reporting immediately, as per the regulations. The players were suspended and fined, and Baciu and his assistant, Sorin Bucuroaia, were fined 10,000 lei each, plus a warning. Baciu stated that he did not know he had to report to FRF immediately.

“No accusations. I brought evidence to FRF. I helped the investigation! I never bet on matches, I don’t know how! Friends ask me about certain games, but I don’t play. I know many people bet and promote betting houses, but it doesn’t interest me! A coach or player is not allowed to bet on matches,” Baciu added.

The team withdrew from the competition before the start of the 14th round due to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. All results from the first 13 rounds were nullified as the incident occurred before the end of the Liga 2 season.

Baciu, as a player, had played for Inter Sibiu, Gaz Metan Mediaș (twice), Steaua, Lille, Rot-Weiss Oberhausen, Panserraikos, Oțelul Galați, and U Cluj.