He should be released from the hospital
The day after resignation: Ex-national coach suffers heart attack
April 3, 2026 – 1:33 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Romania’s national football coach collapses during training and resigns. Now the health of 80-year-old Mircea Lucescu has deteriorated.
Romania’s long-time national soccer coach Mircea Lucescu suffered a heart attack in Bucharest University Hospital. The 80-year-old had been in hospital since Sunday after collapsing during training. According to the clinic, his condition is stable.
The newspaper “Libertatea” quoted a statement from the hospital: “In the morning, the patient suffered an acute myocardial infarction. He was taken to the emergency room and immediately received the necessary medical and therapeutic measures in accordance with the protocols in force. His condition is currently stable and he is being carefully monitored by specialists.” Clinic director Catalin Cirstoiu told the newspaper “Adevarul”: “His condition is stable, he is conscious and cooperating with the medical staff.”
After the collapse, doctors diagnosed Lucescu with severe cardiac arrhythmias. On Tuesday, according to Libertatea, they inserted a pacemaker into his heart. His release was scheduled for Friday.
On Thursday, the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) announced Lucescu’s resignation – his contract expired on March 31st. Former world-class player Gheorghe Hagi and ex-selection coach Edward Iordanescu are being discussed as possible successors. The association announced that corresponding proposals will be presented to the FRF Executive Committee next Wednesday.
