He was admitted at the hospital in Galaţi, he had pulmonary edema following a respiratory disease untreated. He was 81 years old.
Nicolae Rainea represented Romania as referee in three World Cups and a European Championship.
He went into arbitration in 1959 and had a career of over three decades. He was central referee in seven European Cup finals and was decorated for his efforts by the presidents Ion Iliescu and Traian Băsescu
