Botev Plovdiv’s Ivelin Popov Departs Over Starting Role Concerns
Plovdiv, Bulgaria - Veteran footballer Ivelin Popov has left Botev Plovdiv after expressing his desire to consistently play in the starting lineup, a guarantee the club could not provide, according to owner Ilian Filipov. The departure comes amid a period of financial strain for Botev and slight tension within the dressing room following the return of Todor Nedelev.
Filipov revealed the decision was entirely Popov’s, stemming from a meeting held last Thursday with Popov, Nedelev, Ilko Koparanski, and Nikolay Kirov. The meeting was initiated to foster harmony within the team’s leadership.
“I strongly state that this is entirely his decision. it also hurt me a lot,” Filipov stated. “Ivelin said the problem is he wanted me to be the holder. We talked to him and told him that no one could guarantee anyone that he would be the holder. We are 16th in the ranking and we have no right to mistake.I told him that Nikolay Kirov was voted on and no one can promise that every match will be the holder.”
Popov, reportedly nearing the end of his career, explained he needed to play regularly to feel fulfilled and didn’t wont to create issues for the club.”Better for Botev, if I don’t play – to break up,” Popov reportedly told Filipov.
Filipov emphasized the amicable nature of the discussion, stating he embraced Popov and assured him of his continued support. He added that Popov may continue his career at Lokomotiv Sofia.
Beyond the player departure, Filipov addressed botev’s challenging financial situation, noting the club currently employs 73 people and is burdened with meaningful debts. He stated they are current on salary payments, even making them earlier each month, and are actively managing obligations to agents, former players, and other clubs. ”Ther is no way to pay 8 million debts within 2 months. If we hadn’t taken the club, Botev would not start in the regional group,” Filipov said.
He also confirmed the club is current with the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and is working to avoid FIFA bans by addressing outstanding contractual issues, including cases before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) involving Nadi and Traore, for which they intend to seek funds from the previous management.
Filipov disclosed that CSKA Sofia had made an offer for left-back Konstantinos Baloyanis, but it was rejected due to its insufficient value.
