Ianis Hagi in Rangers loan nightmare as exile row catches fire with Romanian FA unloading on 'unfair' Alaves

Ianis Hagi's continued exile from the Alaves starting XI has raised more questions in Romania - this time from a prominent FA figure.

This weekend the Rangers loanee was benched for the ELEVENTH league game running, a frustrating run for the Romanian that has seen him unused more often than not. He did get four minutes off the bench against Osasuna but boss Luis Garcia's refusal to pick Hagi from the start comes amid a poor run that has seen them tumble down the La Liga table. And it's sparked serious concern in Hagi's homeland.

Pundits in Romania have asked the question over whether Hagi should be involved in the squad for Euro 2024 unless his situation changes, something branded a 'big problem' given his superstar status back home. Now, Romanian FA technical director, Mihai Stoichita has weighed in on the situation - opening fire on Alaves for their refusal to use him.

He said: "Why did Alaves take him on loan from Rangers? I just don't understand why they don't play him.

"It's not as if Alaves are brilliant or anything. I keep watching their games and it doesn't even register that Ianis isn't playing - I just presume he is not. And when I do watch their matches, I look at their players and there is no doubt that Ianis could do as well if not better than them.

"I ask myself why is the manager being unfair to him? Ianis is someone who can get you a goal at any time, he can unlock defences with a pass. They keep losing or drawing with the same group of players. Why sign him in the first place?"