October 18: The heirs of the late Ilian Filipov will not be part of the management or financing of Bulgarian First League club Botev Plovdiv, according to a joint official statement issued by the club’s Board of Directors, the PFC Botev Association and the 1912 Fan Club.
Filipov was killed outside a restaurant in Plovdiv on September 30.
The joint release comes after a period of administrative and financial challenges at the club following the death of Filipov, who was chairman of the Board of Directors.
Although the late president’s family declined direct involvement in the administration and financing of the club, lawyers representing the heirs indicated they remain open to future corporate sponsorship deals between their business structures and the club.
After Filipov’s death, the two remaining board members assumed joint governance and management roles. Club officials have since met with financial institutions, local authorities and key partners to ensure continuity and ongoing operations.
To ensure financial stability, the club’s administration and shareholders are conducting a financial audit, assessing short-term liabilities, liquidity and long-term revenue projections.
The main measures under way include:
Sponsorships: Negotiations are active with current sponsors to maintain existing agreements, while board members maintain contacts with potential new financial partners.
Stadium infrastructure: Club officials met with Plovdiv Mayor Kostadin Dimitrov to reaffirm mutual commitments regarding the development of phase 2 construction at the Hristo Botev Stadium by contractor PIMK. Botev Plovdiv reaffirmed its intention to sign a long-term concession agreement once the construction of the stadium is completed.
Steps are being taken to restore full governance. An Extraordinary General Meeting of Botev Plovdiv JSC is scheduled for October 25, where shareholders are expected to elect a third member of the Board of Directors.
“Despite the recent administrative turmoil, the team has produced good results on the pitch, achieving three consecutive La Liga victories. The joint management has expressed gratitude to the squad, coaching staff and players for their professionalism during a difficult transition period, calling on supporters to maintain unity and fill the stands in the coming games,” the club said in a statement.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, a (email protected)
