Veteran Lucescu leaves Romania job after failing to reach World Cup

The Romanian football federation (FRF) announced on Thursday 80-year-old coach Mircea Lucescu has left his position after missing out on qualification for this year's World Cup.

Romania were knocked out of World Cup qualifying a week ago after a 1-0 play-off semi-final loss to Turkey, ending their hopes of a first appearance in the tournament since 1998.

Lucescu's contract was set to expire this year having been appointed in August 2024 for a second stint in charge.

"The Romanian football federation announces that Mr. Mircea Lucescu has concluded his tenure as head coach of the Romanian national team," the FRF said in a press release.

"The Romanian football federation expresses its appreciation for the entire activity carried out and for the way in which Mircea Lucescu represented Romania in international football," it added.

During Lucescu's first spell in charge, he guided Romania to their first appearance at a European Championship in 1984.

He left two years later after Romania failed to make the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

According to local media, Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi is in line to replace Lucescu.

The 61-year-old, known as "the King" in his home country, would also lead the national team for a second time after a few months in charge in 2001.