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Liga IV
Liga IV
Liga IV
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Liga IV
Founded1936 / 2006 (current format)
CountryRomania
Level on pyramid4
Promotion toLiga III
Relegation toLiga V
Domestic cup(s)Cupa României
Supercupa României
Websitehttps://www.frf-ajf.ro/
Current: 2025–26 Liga IV

Liga IV is the fourth level of the Romanian football league system and is run in all 41 counties and in the Municipality of Bucharest. It was known as the Regional Championship, County Championship, Divizia C – County Phase and Divizia D. Its name was changed into Liga IV before the start of the 2006–07 season.

History

[edit]

Football in Romania has its origins in 1909, when the country's first football competition was founded. In the beginning, matches were played in a cup-style system, with participating teams primarily coming from the Muntenia region, especially from Bucharest and Ploiești.

In the 1920–21 season, in addition to the Harwester Cup, the Jean Luca P. Niculescu Cup, and the Maior Zorileanu Cup in Bucharest, district championships were also held in Timișoara/Arad, Cluj, Oradea, Târgu Mureș, and Cernăuți. For unclear reasons, however, no national tournament was held between the district champions.

Starting with the 1921–22 season, the Football Association Commission decided to modify the competition's structure, introducing a new system: the winners of each district championship across the country would qualify for the national phase to determine the Romanian champion.

In 1930, the Football Association Commission officially became the Romanian Football Federation – Association, and football activities were reorganized. Thus, Romanian football was divided into five geographical leagues – North, West, South, East, and Center, each subdivided into districts. The district champions no longer advanced directly to the national phase, but instead participated in an elimination tournament to determine the champion of the regional league. The winning team would then earn the right to participate in the national phase's final tournament, where it would compete for the title of Romanian champion.

In 1932, with the establishment of Divizia A, regional leagues became the second football level, and the five regional champions participated, alongside the last-place teams from the two series of the top tier and the winner of the match between the 6th-place teams of the two series, in a promotion/relegation play-off for Divizia A.

In the 1934–35 season, with the establishment of Divizia B, the competition became the third football level. Later, in the 1936–37 season, with the establishment of Divizia C, the Regional Championship became the fourth level of Romanian football. After the 1937–38 season, Divizia C was disbanded, and the Regional Championship returned to its status as the third tier until the reintroduction of Divizia C in the post-war period.

In 1950, the Romanian People's Republic was reorganized administratively and territorially into regions and districts,[1] with each region having its own football championship. Between 1950–1956 and 1960–1963, the Regional Championship served as the third tier of Romanian football, as Divizia C was disbanded during these two periods.

Current format

[edit]

The Liga IV comprises 42 divisions, one for each county and the municipality of Bucharest, organized regionally by their respective county or municipal football associations. Each association determines the number of participants and the competition format. The most common structure features a single division with home-and-away matches, though some associations opt for parallel divisions, culminating in a play-off to crown the champion.[2]

Promotion

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The champions of each county association play one another in a play-off to determine 21 teams that will promote to Liga III. Geographical criteria are taken into consideration when the play-offs are drawn. In total there are 41 county champions plus the Bucharest municipal champion.

At this level, teams are not regarded as fully-fledged clubs but are instead classified as "sporting associations." However, teams aspiring to promotion must obtain a Certificate of Sports Identity (C.I.S.) from the Ministry of Youth and Sport, officially recognizing them as football clubs affiliated with the national federation.

Series

[edit]

Liga IV is divided in 42 series, one for each county. All county leagues are organized individually by every County Football Association (AJF), but under the supervision of the Romanian Football Federation.

Notable teams (2024–25)

[edit]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Liga IV

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Liga IV is the fourth tier of the , comprising a network of regional championships organized by the 41 football associations (Asociațiile Județene de Fotbal, or AJF) and the Municipal Football Association (Asociația Municipală de Fotbal București, or AMFB). It represents the pinnacle of senior men's football in the country, where local clubs compete for titles and the chance to advance to the semi-professional Liga III. Established as part of the decentralized lower divisions, Liga IV emphasizes community-based competition and player development outside the professional ranks. Each county's Liga IV season typically features between 12 and 16 teams, depending on local participation and strength, playing a home-and-away double round-robin format that concludes by dates set by the (FRF). The champions from each of the 42 leagues (41 counties plus ) qualify for a national promotion playoff phase, known as the baraj, where winners secure promotion to one of the ten series in , subject to meeting FRF criteria such as infrastructure and financial requirements. Relegation from Liga IV to the fifth tier (Liga V) is determined annually by each AJF or AMFB, ensuring competitive balance at the regional level. Governed by the FRF's Regulamentul de Organizare a Activităților Fotbalistice (ROAF), Liga IV aligns with national standards for match organization, refereeing, and player eligibility, including requirements that participants in promotion playoffs be registered at least six rounds before the season ends. The league plays a crucial role in Romania's football pyramid by funneling talent upward, with recent seasons like 2024–25 showcasing diverse county winners vying for national spots amid ongoing FRF efforts to modernize lower-tier competitions.

Background

Position in Romanian Football Pyramid

Liga IV occupies the fourth position in the Romanian football league pyramid, functioning as the bridge between the national professional tiers and the regional amateur levels below it. It sits directly beneath , the third national division, and above Liga V, which operates at the county level. As part of a hierarchical system that culminates in —the top professional league qualifying teams for European competitions—Liga IV plays a crucial role in providing a pathway for regional talent to ascend the pyramid. The Romanian football structure encompasses six tiers in total, blending and competitions to form a comprehensive pyramid. The upper levels ( and ) feature fully clubs administered nationally, while is semi-professional and also nationally administered; Liga IV marks the transition to semi-professional and status, emphasizing grassroots and local development. This setup ensures a broad base for football participation across the , with lower tiers fostering community involvement and talent identification. Clubs in Liga IV are predominantly amateur or semi-professional, often comprising local teams with limited resources compared to higher divisions. The league accommodates approximately 500–600 teams distributed across its 42 county-based series (one for each of Romania's 41 counties and the Municipality of ), with each series typically featuring 12–16 teams, reflecting the decentralized nature of regional football . This regionalization allows for tailored competitions that align with local demographics and .

Governing Bodies and Administration

The Liga IV is overseen by the Romanian Football Federation (FRF), the national governing body for football in Romania, which establishes the overall regulatory framework, approves competition structures, and ensures compliance with UEFA and FIFA standards across all tiers of the league system. At the regional level, the league is administered by the 41 County Football Associations (Asociații Județene de Fotbal, or AJFs), one for each county, along with the Asociația Municipală de Fotbal București (AMFB) for the capital, resulting in 42 independent series organized locally. Each AJF and the AMFB handles day-to-day operations, including team registrations, fixture scheduling, referee assignments, and disciplinary matters within their jurisdiction, while reporting to the FRF for national coordination. Participating teams must meet specific administrative requirements set by the FRF and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, notably obtaining a Certificate of Sports Identity (Certificat de Identitate Sportivă), which verifies the club's legal status, affiliation, and eligibility for competition. This certificate is essential for affiliation to an AJF or AMFB and participation in Liga IV matches.

Historical Development

Origins and Early Years

The origins of Liga IV trace back to the 1920s, when Romanian football's lower divisions emerged through district-level championships organized by the Federația Sporturilor din România (FSSR). These early competitions divided teams into seven regions, such as West and , providing a foundational structure for amateur and semi-professional clubs outside the elite national leagues. By the early , these district setups evolved into more formalized regional leagues, reflecting the sport's growing popularity and the need for broader organizational coordination across the country. The formal establishment of the league occurred in , when it was introduced as the Regional Championship, positioned as the fourth tier of the Romanian football . This development followed the creation of Divizia C as the third level in the 1936–37 season, relegating the Regional Championship to its subordinate role with five series accommodating varying numbers of teams per region. The structure emphasized regional rivalries while feeding talent upward, marking a significant step in standardizing lower-tier competitions nationwide. During certain periods of instability, the Regional Championship temporarily elevated to the third tier. Specifically, from 1950 to 1956 and again from 1960 to 1963, it served this function when Divizia C was disbanded amid administrative and political upheavals in Romanian sports governance. Early organizational changes in , including the consolidation into five regional leagues—North, South, East, West, and Central—further solidified its framework, though the system retained a county-based orientation for local participation.

Reforms and Modernization

The reorganization of the in the 1960s represented a pivotal step toward greater stability and structure in the lower divisions. Following the abolition of Divizia C in 1949 amid post-war disruptions and administrative shifts under communist governance, the third tier had operated sporadically, with only seven editions contested between 1936 and 1963. The revival of Divizia C for the 1963–64 season, organized into multiple regional series, established it as a permanent national third level comprising 6–8 series of 14–16 teams each. This reform, overseen by the (FRF), not only restored a consistent buffer between the national divisions and local play but also solidified the county-level championships—previously informal regional tournaments—as the definitive fourth tier, laying the foundation for what would become Liga IV. The changes enhanced talent pathways, increased participation, and aligned the pyramid with centralized planning priorities of the era. In 1997, the fourth tier was formalized as Divizia D amid post-communist administrative decentralization, standardizing county-based competitions nationwide. A major wave of modernization occurred in 2006, when the FRF rebranded all professional and semi-professional leagues to adopt a unified "Liga" nomenclature, reflecting international trends and addressing legal hurdles. The fourth tier was renamed Liga IV ahead of the 2006–07 season, paralleling the transitions of Divizia A to Liga I, Divizia B to Liga II, and Divizia C to Liga III. The catalyst was a trademark dispute: a private firm in Babadag had registered "Divizia A" at the State Office for Inventions and Trademarks (OSIM) in 2005, forcing the FRF to seek a new identity despite offers to transfer the rights. Approved on May 15, 2006, by the FRF Executive Committee, the overhaul aimed to modernize branding, improve marketability, and harmonize with UEFA standards without altering the core structure of county-based series. This renaming boosted visibility for lower-tier competitions, though it initially faced logistical challenges in updating affiliations and documentation. In the , the FRF focused on enhancing competitiveness and professionalism through targeted reforms to promotion mechanisms and regulatory frameworks. Promotion from Liga IV shifted toward a playoff system in the early part of the decade, with county champions contesting regional double-legged ties against winners from adjacent counties to determine the 16–20 slots in , replacing sporadic direct promotions. This introduction, formalized in FRF's competition regulations, aimed to elevate match quality, reduce disparities between regions, and limit promotions to the most deserving teams based on head-to-head performance rather than league position alone. The format has since evolved, incorporating geographical pairings to minimize travel costs for clubs. Parallel to these changes, FRF regulations in the imposed licensing requirements on Liga IV clubs to foster sustainability and infrastructure development. These measures, drawn from UEFA's club licensing model, sought to curb financial mismanagement common in amateur football and promote gradual . Regional adjustments accompanied this, with FRF recalibrating series boundaries in response to administrative reforms—like the mergers and splits of districts—to ensure equitable representation and logistical efficiency across Romania's 41 counties and . By 2016, these updates had stabilized participation, with approximately 600 teams competing annually under stricter oversight.

League Structure

Division Organization

Liga IV is structured as a regionalized competition comprising 42 divisions, known as series, aligned with Romania's 41 counties and the municipality. This geographical organization ensures that clubs compete primarily against local opponents, reflecting the decentralized nature of Romania's lower-tier football. Each series operates under the independent administration of the local Asociația Județeană de Fotbal (AJF), the county-level affiliate of the Federația Română de Fotbal (FRF). For instance, the AJF Bihor oversees the Liga IV series in , handling registration, scheduling, and disciplinary matters specific to that region. This setup allows for tailored management that accounts for local demographics, infrastructure, and participation levels across Romania's diverse counties. The number of teams in each series generally ranges from 12 to 16, though it varies by county depending on factors such as population density and club registrations; for example, fields 16 teams in its series. In larger counties with elevated team numbers, such as Bihor or Dolj, the series may be subdivided into parallel divisions (typically 2 or 3) to manage logistics and competition balance, with top performers advancing to inter-series to crown the county champion. This approach, adopted in several counties, promotes wider participation while maintaining competitive integrity at the regional level.

Competition Format and Rules

The Liga IV competitions are structured as home-and-away round-robin tournaments within each of the or municipal associations, typically involving 12 to 16 teams per series depending on local participation. This format ensures each team plays every other team twice—once at home and once away—over the course of the regular season phase. Some associations divide the season into additional phases, such as a final playoff among the top teams (e.g., top 4 in and certain counties for 2025-26), but the core round-robin remains the standard operational mechanic across all series. Seasons generally commence in late August and conclude by late May or early June, spanning approximately nine months to align with the broader Romanian football calendar set by the FRF. Matches are scheduled weekly, often on weekends, with flexibility for associations to adjust for weather or logistical needs under FRF guidelines. The points system follows the conventional model: three points for a victory, one point for a draw, and zero points for a defeat. In cases of tied points at the end of the season, rankings are determined first by results from head-to-head (points, then and goals scored in those games), followed by overall and total goals scored across the season; if still unresolved, a playoff may be held. Player eligibility is governed by FRF affiliation rules, requiring all participants to hold valid player licenses (legitimații) issued through their clubs and approved by . As an competition, players must maintain non-professional status, meaning they cannot receive salaries exceeding expense reimbursements as defined by FRF statutes, though some may hold professional licenses from higher tiers if not actively contracted there. To promote youth development, many county associations mandate the inclusion of at least one under-21 (born after January 1, 2005) and one under-19 (born after January 1, 2007) player in each match squad, with specific starting lineup requirements in select series. Non-EU players are limited to a maximum of two on the field simultaneously per game.

Promotion and Relegation

Promotion to Liga III

The promotion from Liga IV to is determined through a national playoff system organized by the (FRF), involving the champions of the 42 county series (41 counties plus ). These champions qualify automatically for the playoffs, provided they meet eligibility criteria, ensuring representation from each regional association. The playoff structure consists of 21 two-legged knockout ties ( legs), geographically divided into 7 regions to maintain balance and minimize travel: Nord-Est, Nord-Vest, Centru, Vest, Sud-Vest, Sud, and Sud-Est. Each region features 3 matches, pairing champions from neighboring counties via a draw conducted in February. The first legs are typically scheduled for 22 June at 18:00, with second legs on 29 June at 17:30, though slight variations occur by region (e.g., Sud-Vest on 21 and 28 June). Ties are decided by aggregate score; if level, extra time (2 × 15 minutes) followed by penalties determines the winner. This format directly advances the 21 victorious teams to , aligning with the FRF's Executive Committee decision from 29 May 2014 to promote 21 clubs annually for regional equity. Participating teams must fulfill strict administrative and operational requirements to enter the . Each club requires a valid Certificate of Sports Identity (CIS) issued by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, confirming legal personality and affiliation, submitted to the FRF by 15 . Additionally, clubs must achieve at least Category III – Bronze status in the Junior Football Amateur Center evaluation, and their county association must have at least 5 affiliated clubs at that level or higher. Financial compliance is enforced through the FRF's National Licensing Regulations, mandating no outstanding debts to employees, tax authorities, or other clubs, along with audited annual compliant with national accounting standards (e.g., Order no. 1802/2014 of the Ministry of Public Finance). Teams must also pay a 4,800 RON fee for referees and observers by 18 , submit a maximum 22-player list via the Football Connect platform, and ensure their stadium is homologated for Liga IV standards. Failure to meet these criteria results in disqualification, with the county runner-up potentially substituting. Upon promotion, clubs undergo further licensing scrutiny to participate in , emphasizing sporting, infrastructural, and personnel standards.

Relegation from Liga IV

Relegation from Liga IV to the fifth tier, known as Liga V, is managed at the county level by each Asociație Județeană de Fotbal (AJF), ensuring the league maintains a balanced number of teams, typically between 12 and 16 per series. The exact number of teams relegated varies depending on the number of teams descending from and those successfully promoting from Liga IV to higher divisions, with adjustments made to accommodate incoming teams from Liga V. For instance, in , if no teams are relegated from and none promote from Liga IV, the bottom two teams (positions 15 and 16) are relegated; however, if two teams descend from without any Liga IV promotions, up to four teams (positions 13 through 16) face relegation. Teams are relegated based on their final standings in the county series after the and any play-out phases, with the bottom-placed clubs automatically descending to Liga V unless administrative exemptions apply. Tiebreakers for determining the relegation zone follow the criteria outlined in the Regulamentul de Organizare a Activității Fotbalistice (ROAF) of the Federația Română de Fotbal (FRF), prioritizing points earned in direct head-to-head matches, followed by in those encounters, goals scored therein, overall , total goals scored across the season, and a fair play ranking that deducts points for disciplinary infractions such as yellow cards (1 point each) or red cards (3-4 points depending on type). The reverse pathway involves promotion from Liga V, where county associations organize qualifiers, typically promoting the top one or two teams from each Liga V series—often divided into two or more groups based on —provided they meet and licensing requirements set by the AJF. In , for example, the champions of each of the two Liga V series are directly promoted to Liga IV, filling vacancies created by relegations and other movements. Non-compliant clubs face severe administrative repercussions, including potential dissolution or exclusion from future competitions under ROAF provisions. Teams that withdraw their junior squads mid-season forfeit their senior team's Liga IV participation, while broader violations—such as failure to pay affiliation fees, maintain required facilities, or adhere to player eligibility rules—can result in immediate relegation, point deductions, or outright disbandment by the AJF or FRF disciplinary bodies.

Current Season

2025–26 Season Overview

The 2025–26 Liga IV season commenced in August 2025, following the standard calendar for Romania's county-level football competitions. Organized across 42 regional series—one for each of Romania's 41 counties and the Municipality of —the season features numerous clubs competing in a decentralized format managed by local football associations under FRF oversight. As of November 2025, matches have progressed through the regular season phase in various counties, with teams positioning for county championships. For instance, in , the league consists of up to 12 teams playing a 22-round regular season before transitioning to a playoff group and a lower-table round, with points halved for the second phase. Recent FRF regulations emphasize compliance with club certification standards, such as the Category III – Bronze level required for promotion eligibility, influencing team participation and playoff access without major structural changes to the overall format for this season.

Notable Teams and Performances

In the 2025–26 Liga IV season, several teams have emerged as frontrunners in their respective county series, showcasing strong form through unbeaten streaks and impressive goal tallies. For instance, Athletico Vinga in leads with 33 points from 12 matches, maintaining an unbeaten record and a +36 as of November 2025, positioning them as strong promotion contenders. Similarly, Transilvania Sport Academy in tops their series with 36 points from 12 matches and a +68 as of November 2025, highlighting their offensive prowess. ACS VCG Vintu de Jos in Alba County has accumulated 22 points from 9 matches with a +37 goal difference, including 52 goals scored, placing them second in the standings as of November 2025. In Cluj County, A.C.S. Victoria Viisoara holds the top spot, building on multiple county championships and near-promotions in prior years, with an unbeaten start; A.C.S. Ariesul Mihai Viteazu follows closely, known for their robust defense and fan support, having secured runner-up finishes in the last two seasons. Teams transitioning from Liga III add historical depth to the competition. Flacăra Moreni, relegated from the third tier at the end of the 2024–25 season, brings a legacy as a former European participant in the 1989–90 campaign and aims to leverage their experience for a swift return, currently competing in Dâmbovița County. Dacia Unirea Brăila, another high-profile relegation from , joins Brăila County's series with a storied past, including a 1992–93 Cupa României final appearance, and has shown early promise with solid results. Olimpia MCMXXI Satu Mare, a supporter-founded club carrying the palmares of the historic Olimpia Satu Mare, enters County's competition post-relegation, focusing on rebuilding with community backing. Other standout performers include Bârsănești in , leading their series as of November 2025. Minerul Rodna in remains competitive in the top positions with multiple past county titles and promotion aspirations. In , teams challenging for the top spots continue to draw large crowds, reflecting the region's strong football tradition. These clubs exemplify the competitive spirit of Liga IV, blending emerging talents with established names vying for county honors and potential advancement.

References

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  2. https://bsportsfan.com/l/7492/Romania-Liga-4
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  25. https://www.frf.ro/recomandate/luni-3-februarie-a-avut-loc-tragerea-la-sorti-a-barajelor-de-promovare-in-liga-3/
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  27. http://www.ajfalba.ro/regulamente/10-regulament-liga-a-iv-a-
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  32. https://turdanews.net/fotbal-liga-4-final-de-tur-2025-2026-cu-victoria-viisoara-lidera-a-clasamentului-urmata-de-ariesul-mihai-viteazu/
  33. https://www.sport.ro/fotbal-intern/soc-in-fotbalul-romanesc-trei-foste-echipe-din-prima-liga-au-retrogradat-acum-din-liga-3-la-judet.html
  34. https://www.frf-ajf.ro/bacau/competitii-fotbal/liga-a-4-a-15021/clasament
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  36. https://www.frf-ajf.ro/timis/competitii-fotbal/liga-a-iv-a-14975
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