Romania coach Lucescu hospitalised after falling sick before training

The FRF says he is currently stable

Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Semi Final - Turkey v Romania - Tupras Stadyumu, Istanbul, Turkey - Mar 26, 2026 Romania coach Mircea Lucescu reacts REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Romania coach Mircea Lucescu has been hospitalised after falling sick during a meeting before a training session, effectively ruling him out of their trip to Slovakia for a friendly, the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) said on Sunday.

The 80-year-old, a former Romania international who has previously managed Inter Milan and Turkey, was given first aid by the national team's medical staff before emergency service crews helped stabilise him, the FRF said in a statement.

"At this time, the state of the coach is stable. However, according to the medical protocols in force and to eliminate any risk, Mircea Lucescu was transported to a hospital... for thorough investigations and specialised monitoring," the FRF added.

Romania, who were eliminated from the World Cup qualifiers by Turkey on Thursday, will play Slovakia in a friendly on Tuesday.