7 September – Tensions surrounding the potential renaming of the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium have eased after Levski Sofia issued a statement confirming they would not be selling the ground’s naming rights.
It came after Levski’s new main sponsor, gambling operator 8888, expressed a willingness to negotiate a deal that would have put his name on the site.
The prospect of the home of the Blues changing its historic name and having a trademark attached to it instantly sparked widespread backlash among fans. The stadium is currently named after club legend Georgi “Gundi” Asparuhov and holds deep sentimental and historical significance for fans. Among those to express their displeasure at a potential name change was the club legend’s own son, Andrei Asparuhov.
The opposition prompted PFC Levski to quickly issue an official statement to end the speculation, confirming that they intended to change the name of the stadium.
“The name of our house is protected in the club’s statute and cannot be replaced,” explained the club.
“The club remains firmly committed to preserving its history and symbols. Renaming the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium is not and has never been on the agenda.”
Levski is in first place in the Bulgarian efbet League, with eight wins in eight games. They have qualified for the Europa League proper and will begin their league stage campaign by hosting RB Salzburg at the Natsionalen Stadion Vasil Levski, where the club play their European matches.
Contact the writer of this story, Alexander Krassimirov, at (email protected)