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Botev Plovdiv President Iliyan Filipov Fatally Shot Outside Home, Shocking Bulgarian Football
Amir Azimi
Daily News

Botev Plovdiv President Iliyan Filipov Fatally Shot Outside Home, Shocking Bulgarian Football

Tragic Death of Botev Plovdiv President Iliyan Filipov

Bulgarian football is in deep shock after Iliyan Filipov, president of Botev Plovdiv, was shot dead outside his home in Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, around 1 a.m., prompting an immediate homicide investigation by local police.

Details of the Incident

Authorities responded to an emergency call reporting a person shot. Upon arrival, they found Filipov, a 53-year-old businessman and head of the club, deceased at the scene. Police have begun pretrial proceedings but have not revealed any suspects or motives yet.

Club Honors Its Leader

The club expressed profound sorrow following the loss of Filipov, who had been credited with saving Botev Plovdiv during the summer of 2025 and overseeing the full reconstruction of the Hristo Botev Stadium. In an Instagram statement, the club said:

PFC Botev Plovdiv expresses its profound sorrow over the tragic passing of club president Iliyan Filipov. The management, players, and staff extend deepest condolences to his family, relatives, and friends. Filipov will forever be part of our history. His dedication to the yellow-and-black cause and his role in saving the club will never be forgotten.His name will be written in golden letters for generations, having led the transformation of Hristo Botev Stadium into Bulgaria’s most modern sports venue. We stand with his family and loved ones in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Operations Halted Amid Mourning

In response to this tragedy, the club suspended all sporting activities and declared a mourning period. The friendly match between Botev Plovdiv and Septemvri Sofia was cancelled, and the men’s first-team training session was called off as players and coaches grieved their president’s death.

The club also announced:

  • All youth academy matches scheduled for the weekend have been postponed.
  • First-team training sessions until October 10 will be held behind closed doors.
  • The club will avoid media appearances during this period.

Filipov dreamed of a united and strong Botev Plovdiv, a club the whole city could be proud of. The club’s statement ended with: "Botev is eternal!"

Looking Ahead: Team Faces Tough Restart

Botev Plovdiv faces a challenging path forward as they prepare to resume their league campaign against Slavia Sofia on October 10. Currently sixth in the Bulgarian First League standings, the Canaries hold 16 points from 10 matches, trailing league leaders Levski Sofia by nine points despite having played one more game.

The coaching staff will focus on restoring the team’s mental strength away from public view while keeping hopes alive for European qualification.

Bulgarian Football Context

This killing brings back dark memories of mafia-style assassinations common in Bulgaria during the 1990s, a tense time leading up to next month’s presidential election.

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