Marian Iancu prepares to return to Romanian football with plans for Timișoara

Marian Iancu is set to make his comeback in Romanian football, focusing his efforts on the beloved club Politehnica Timișoara. Having previously funded the team from 2005 to 2013, Iancu is eager to contribute once again to the development of football in Banat.

With a vision inspired by the successful model of Universitatea Craiova, Iancu has announced that he does not seek to be the majority shareholder this time around. Instead, he aims to be part of a new structure, likely a joint-stock company, as he looks to help guide the team back to its former glory.

Poli Timișoara has a rich history, having finished as Romania's vice-champion twice and reached the finals of the Romanian Cup on two occasions. The team has also enjoyed success on the European stage, reaching the Europa League group stages in the past and even competing in the Champions League playoff.

Following a tumultuous period that included relegation and legal troubles, Iancu was released from prison in 2022 and is now ready to support the club's ambitions. Currently, Poli Timișoara stands third in Liga 2 with 14 points after six matches, showcasing a potential resurgence.

The city is preparing for a significant upgrade to its football infrastructure, with plans for a new stadium that will accommodate 32,000 spectators, making it the second-largest in Romania after the National Arena. The estimated cost for this ambitious project is around 140 million euros.

Additionally, a smaller stadium with a capacity of 10,000 seats is set to be built for the second or third team, ensuring that Timișoara continues to nurture local talent. Iancu's previous investments of millions into infrastructure for European competition will surely inform his approach as he looks to rally support and build a strong foundation for the future of football in Timișoara.