Source: Telegraph
Gheorghe Popescu denies being Romanian spy
Popescu says he signed a document promising to "defend the national interests" during the regime of late dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. He says that was common practice for players in Romanian teams that entered international competitions.
Romanian newspaper the Daily Adevarul claimed Popescu had been an informant from 1986 to 1989, the year communism was toppled. It is said he provided information to the feared Securitate.
Popescu called the report "a big lie." He denied informing on teammates or anyone else at a news conference on Monday.
The footballer admits that he was approached to work for the secret police but refused added: "My conscience is clear."
A former Romanian captain, Popescu also played for Tottenham Hotspur and FC Barcelona during his 18-year career.
He claims he is being targeted by a hate campaign as he bids to head Romania's Football Association.
At international level, Popescu stands among Romania's all-time most capped players with 115, in which he scored 16 goals.
He played for his country in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 World Cups, Euro 96 and Euro 2000. He also entered the symbolic but exclusive circle of players with a century of caps.
He is the brother-in-law of fellow Romanian international Gheorghe Hagi.
Popescu was never outside the top 4 in the Romanian Footballer of the Year awards for 13 years from 1989 until 2001. He was recently voted into Romanian footballs all-time World Cup team.
