Pavel Cristian Balaj (born 17 August 1971 in Baia Mare, Maramureș County, Romania) is a Romanian former football player and retired referee.
On 18 January 2019, Balaj was elected Romanian Anti-Doping Agency President. Subsequently, on 4 November 2021, Balaj signed with Liga I 7 times champion club CFR Cluj as their new president, after the departure of Marian Copilu earlier in 2021.
Career As a player, Balaj represented FC Baia Mare and Pécsi Mecsek FC. He became a referee in 1994, entered Romania's Liga I in 2000, and earned FIFA certification in 2003.FIFA. "Romania: Referees". Retrieved on May 2, 2013.
At international level, Balaj has served as a referee in qualifying rounds for Euro 2008UEFA. "Germany 0–0 Wales". November 21, 2007. Retrieved on May 2, 2013. and Euro 2012,UEFA. "Slovenia 0–1 Northern Ireland". September 3, 2010. Retrieved on May 2, 2013. as well as 2010FIFA. "Match Report – Bosnia-Herzegovina – Estonia 7:0 (2:0)". September 10, 2008. Retrieved on May 2, 2013. and 2014 World Cup qualifiers.FIFA. "Match Report – Armenia – Czech Republic 0:3 (0:0)". March 26, 2013. Retrieved on May 2, 2013.
References
External links Cristian Balaj referee profile at Football-Lineups.com (archive)