Cristian Balaj Explained

Cristian Balaj
Fullname:Pavel Cristian Balaj
Birth Date:17 August 1971
Birth Place:Baia Mare, Romania
Otheroccupation:Company manager
Years1:1994–2016
Years2:2000–2016
League1:Romania
League2:Liga I
Role1:Referee
Role2:Referee
Internationalyears1:2003–2016
Confederation1:FIFA listed
Internationalrole1: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

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]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cristi Balaj e noul director al Agenției Naționale Antidoping » A înlocuit-o pe Graziela Vâjială. Gazeta Sporturilor. 18 January 2019. Romanian.
  2. Web site: ro. Cristi Balaj "s-a lăsat greu" până a semnat cu CFR Cluj! De ce a ezitat și câte ore au durat negocierile. Redacția Digi Sport. Digi Sport. 4 November 2021. 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.