Bulgarian

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.

Tbilisi Stadium sold Out as Georgia Prioritizes Football Clash with Bulgaria

TBILISI, GEORGIA – A capacity crowd of approximately 48,000 is expected at Boris paichadze Stadium tomorrow as teh Georgian national football team faces Bulgaria in a crucial World cup qualifying match. The anticipated turnout underscores football’s dominance as the nation’s premier sport, even as Georgia simultaneously hosts a EuroBasket playoff game.

Despite competing with their basketball team’s 1/8-finals matchup against france, Georgian fans have overwhelmingly prioritized the football fixture, a testament to the high stakes involved. Georgia’s team,led by Willie Sanol,suffered a defeat in their opening qualifier and views a victory against Bulgaria as essential to maintain their World cup hopes. “The stadium is always full when playing the national team, whether the meeting Spain, Gibraltar or Luxembourg,” confirmed a georgian journalist.

the 55,000-seat stadium – currently reduced to 48,000 due to advertising and paneling – will be brimming with support as the Bulgarian team arrives following their recent 0-3 loss to Spain at Vasil Levski national Stadium in front of 40,000 spectators just two days prior. The match,scheduled for 4:00 PM local time,represents a pivotal moment for both nations in their quest for World Cup qualification.