The coffin with the body of former Romanian national football team manager Mircea Lucescu was laid in state on Wednesday at the National Arena, where fans and members of the football community can pay their respects until 9:00 p.m., and again on Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The funeral procession arrived at the stadium around 4:15 p.m., with the catafalque accompanied by his son, Razvan Lucescu, family members and close relatives.

The coffin, draped in the Romanian flag, was placed on a podium on the esplanade of the stadium's official grandstand. A photograph of the late coach and a white floral wreath were positioned at the head of the casket, while four members of the Romanian Gendarmerie Honor Guard stand vigil on each side.

Supporters, friends and admirers wishing to bid farewell to the man known as 'Il Luce' are expected at the official stand (Maior Coravu entrance). Public access is organized through a controlled route designed to ensure a steady flow of visitors.

According to the schedule announced by the Romanian Football Federation, the funeral ceremonies will take place over three days under strict security and protocol measures.

Friday, the final day of the ceremonies, will be marked by discretion and solemnity. The funeral procession will travel to the Church of Saint Eleftherios in Bucharest, where the service will begin at 10:00 a.m., with attendance limited to family and invited guests. The burial ceremony is scheduled for 12:20 p.m. at Bellu Cemetery, with interment at 1:10 p.m., preceded by military honors in recognition of Lucescu's exceptional career.

In accordance with the family's wishes, public access to the cemetery will be restricted, with the area reserved exclusively for close relatives.

Mircea Lucescu died on Tuesday evening at the age of 80 at the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, where he had been admitted on March 29 after collapsing during a technical meeting ahead of a national-team training session. He had been deeply affected by Romania's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, following the 0 - 1 defeat to Turkey on March 26.

Lucescu did not travel with the team to Slovakia; the national squad was led by assistant coach Ionel Gane in Tuesday's 0 - 2 friendly loss.

The Romanian Football Federation announced on April 2 that Lucescu had ended his term as national team manager. Under his leadership, Romania delivered a strong Nations League campaign, securing a place in the March play-offs for qualification to this summer's World Cup. His record during this period stands at 11 wins, 1 draw and 6 defeats. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Marius Tone; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)