Absolute madness
The owner of one of Romania's most famous sides, Steaua Bucharest, has announced that he will no longer sign players who have been vaccinated against covid-19.
Gigi Becali - who is also a Romanian businessman and politician - has said he will not allow vaccinated players to play for Bucharest anymore as they are "powerless".
Becali also made the astonishing claim that people who have been vaccinated die in hospitals whereas those who haven't, do not. He also blamed domestic rivals CFR Cluj and Rapid Bucharesti's struggles on players taking the vaccine.
"You're going to laugh, but I might be right. Those vaccinated lose their strength. That's something scientific," he said, according to Romanian journalist Emanuel Roşu.
https://twitter.com/Emishor/status/1496447904617312259
"Haven't you seen it at CFR? With Rapid, the players seemed to be fainting. They slept on the ground. All vaccinated people lose their strength!!"
Becali also cited his own players and in particular singled out one of the more experienced members of the squad, Ciprian Deac.
"I also see mine, the vaccinated ones," he added.
"It doesn't affect those who are older. Haven't you seen [Ciprian] Deac? There is no more storm."
Becali's words have caused huge anger amongst the Romanian government, who released a statement to strongly deny the controversial owners' claims.
A post on the government's official Facebook page said: "Vaccinated footballers do NOT lose their strength after being vaccinated against COVID-19!
"From a medical and scientific point of view, there are no studies that would support a singularity like the one recently promoted on Facebook accounts in Romania.
"Vaccination against COVID-19 does not affect the performance of football players. In contrast, there are enough studies showing that going through SARS CoV-2 infection leaves long-term sequelae (Long COVID), and these can influence athletes' performance.
"The bottom line is simple: to stay healthy, to enjoy football, to look at those who trust science and medicine. Please inform yourself ONLY from credible, official sources!"
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