Due to the club's growing financial problems, Astra's goal shifted from European competitions towards the club's stay in top flight in the wake of the new season. The pandemic left a stain on Astra's already poor financial state, falling behind with the player wages. Furthermore, the club was risking relegation on doping charges, noting that three of Astra's key players, Ioniță, Seto and Fatai, were under investigation for using illegal methods of vitaminization; the three players were suspended. Also, in February 2021, owner Ioan Niculae was sentenced to 5 years in prison for money laundering.