Liga II Team Composition and Stadium Overview
The latest season of Liga II features a dynamic lineup of twenty-two teams, reflecting the fluid nature of the Romanian football pyramid. The league's composition is a mix of established sides and newcomers, with fifteen teams returning from the previous season, two descending from the top-flight Liga I, and five ascending from Liga III. To ensure professional standards, all participating clubs were admitted through either the FRF certification (Romanian Football Federation) or the official Liga I licensing procedures.
Key Facts
- Total Teams: 22 clubs competed in the league.
- Promotions: Five teams joined from Liga III, including debutants Ștefănești and Popești-Leordeni.
- Relegations: Metaloglobus București and Unirea Slobozia joined from Liga I.
- Withdrawals: Politehnica Iași and Hermannstadt withdrew due to financial difficulties.
- Largest Venue: Steaua București holds the highest capacity with 31,254 seats.
Team Transitions and League Changes
The movement of clubs between divisions highlights the competitive shifts within the league. Several teams have returned to the second tier after significant absences, while others have made their professional debuts.
Arrivals to Liga II
The league welcomed two teams relegated from Liga I: Metaloglobus București, following a one-year stay in the top flight, and Unirea Slobozia, after two years. Additionally, five clubs were promoted from Liga III:
- Cetatea Suceava: Returning after sixteen years.
- Râmnicu Vâlcea: Returning after ten years.
- Politehnica Timișoara: Returning after three years.
- Ștefănești: Making their league debut.
- Popești-Leordeni: Making their league debut.
Departures from Liga II
Conversely, three teams earned promotion to Liga I: Corvinul Hunedoara (ending a three-year stay), Sepsi OSK (ending a one-year stay), and Voluntari (ending a two-year stay). Three teams were relegated to Liga III: Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț, Câmpulung Muscel, and Tunari.
Financial Withdrawals and Reprieves
Financial instability led to the withdrawal of Politehnica Iași and Hermannstadt (the latter having been relegated from Liga I at the end of the 2025–26 season). Because of these vacancies, Dinamo București and Olimpia Satu Mare were spared from relegation.
Stadiums and Infrastructure
The league utilizes a variety of venues across Romania, ranging from small community grounds to large national stadiums. Due to renovations or licensing requirements, several clubs are currently playing at temporary locations.
| Club | City | Stadium | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steaua București | București | Steaua | 31,254 |
| Olimpia Satu Mare | Satu Mare | Daniel Prodan | 18,000 |
| CSM Reșița | Reșița | Mircea Chivu | 12,500 |
| FC Bihor Oradea | Oradea | Iuliu Bodola | 12,376 |
| CSM Slatina | Slatina | 1 Mai | 12,000 |
| SCM Râmnicu Vâlcea | Râmnicu Vâlcea | Municipal | 12,000 |
| Chindia Târgoviște | Târgoviște | Eugen Popescu | 8,400 |
| ASA Târgu Mureș | Târgu Mureș | Trans-Sil | 8,200 |
| Gloria Bistrița | Bistrița | Jean Pădureanu | 7,814 |
| Cetatea Suceava | Suceava | Areni | 7,000 |
| CS Dinamo București | București | Daco-Getica | 6,000 |
| Unirea Slobozia | Slobozia | 1 Mai | 6,000 |
| Concordia Chiajna | Chiajna | Concordia | 5,123 |
| Politehnica Timișoara | Timișoara | Electrica | 5,000 |
| Metaloglobus București | Bucharest | Clinceni | 4,500 |
| SC Popești-Leordeni | Popești-Leordeni | Clinceni | 4,500 |
| CSC 1599 Șelimbăr | Șelimbăr | Măgura | 2,450 |
| CS Afumați | Afumați | CNAF | 1,600 |
| Metalul Buzău | Buzău | Metalul | 1,573 |
| CSL Ștefănești | Ștefănești | Dumitru Mătărău | 1,150 |
| FC Bacău | Ruși-Ciutea | - | 700 |
| CSC Dumbrăvița | Dumbrăvița | Ștefan Dobay | 500 |
Venue Relocations
Several clubs are operating away from their primary homes. CS Afumați has moved to the CNAF Stadium in Buftea, and CSC 1599 Șelimbăr is using the Măgura Stadium in Cisnădie, both due to renovations of their respective communal stadiums. CS Dinamo București is utilizing the Daco-Getica Stadium while their new stadium is under construction.
Additionally, Metaloglobus București and SC Popești-Leordeni are both playing home matches at Clinceni Stadium, as their regular venues—Metaloglobus Stadium and Inter Gaz Stadium—do not meet the specific requirements for Liga II.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams competed in the league?
A total of twenty-two teams contested the league.
Which teams made their debut in Liga II?
Ștefănești and Popești-Leordeni both made their debuts in the league.
Why did Dinamo București and Olimpia Satu Mare avoid relegation?
They were spared from relegation following the withdrawal of Politehnica Iași and Hermannstadt due to financial problems.
Which stadium has the largest capacity in the league?
The Steaua stadium in București has the largest capacity, accommodating 31,254 spectators.
Why are Metaloglobus and Popești-Leordeni sharing a stadium?
Both clubs are playing at Clinceni Stadium because their own regular stadiums do not meet the necessary Liga II requirements.