Cristian Balaj

Cristian Balaj
Full name Pavel Cristian Balaj
Born (1971-08-17) 17 August 1971 (age 53)
Baia Mare, Romania
Other occupation Company manager
Domestic
Years League Role
1994–2016 Romania Referee
2000–2016 Liga I Referee
International
Years League Role
2003–2016 FIFA listed Referee

Pavel Cristian Balaj (born 17 August 1971 in Baia Mare, Maramureș County, Romania) is a Romanian former football player and retired referee, currently president of Liga I club CFR Cluj.

On 18 January 2019, Balaj was elected Romanian Anti-Doping Agency President.[1] Subsequently, on 4 November 2021, Balaj signed with Liga I 4 times champion club CFR Cluj as their new president, after the departure of Marian Copilu earlier in 2021.[2]

Career

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As a player, Balaj represented FC Baia Mare and Pécsi Mecsek FC. He became a referee in 1994, entered Romania's Liga I in 2000, and earned FIFA certification in 2003.[3]

At international level, Balaj has served as a referee in qualifying rounds for Euro 2008[4] and Euro 2012,[5] as well as 2010[6] and 2014 World Cup qualifiers.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Cristi Balaj e noul director al Agenției Naționale Antidoping » A înlocuit-o pe Graziela Vâjială" (in Romanian). Gazeta Sporturilor. 18 January 2019.
  2. ^ Redacția Digi Sport (4 November 2021). "Cristi Balaj "s-a lăsat greu" până a semnat cu CFR Cluj! De ce a ezitat și câte ore au durat negocierile". Digi Sport (in Romanian). Retrieved 4 November 2021.
  3. ^ FIFA. "Romania: Referees". Retrieved on May 2, 2013.
  4. ^ UEFA. "Germany 0–0 Wales". November 21, 2007. Retrieved on May 2, 2013.
  5. ^ UEFA. "Slovenia 0–1 Northern Ireland". September 3, 2010. Retrieved on May 2, 2013.
  6. ^ FIFA. "Match Report – Bosnia-Herzegovina – Estonia 7:0 (2:0)". September 10, 2008. Retrieved on May 2, 2013.
  7. ^ FIFA. "Match Report – Armenia – Czech Republic 0:3 (0:0)". March 26, 2013. Retrieved on May 2, 2013.
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