Bulgaria’s Botev Plovdiv has a new owner! The former benefactor of Bulgaria’s oldest club, Anton Zingarevich, has officially stepped down from power after transferring all his shares to minority owner, the Botev Plovdiv Association.
The club’s debts, which amount to nearly BGN 7 million (€3.5 million), will be taken over by businessman Ilian Filipov, who built the Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv.
Botev was caught in a serious financial crisis after Zingarevich received a 10-year ban on residing in Bulgaria. The Russian businessman announced earlier in the year that he would part with his shares if someone assumed the debts accumulated in recent years. At the end of the season, the club coach Dushan Kerkez left, along with a number of players, who terminated their contracts due to unpaid salaries.
“From today, our club embarks on a new path of its development. After yesterday’s dynamic day, the shares of PFC Botev Plovdiv were transferred 100% to the PFC Botev Association. Only together we can return our beloved club to the place it deserves. All the efforts that were made in the last week are only because of you, because Botev can do without everyone, but not without its supporters. We will not make loud promises, because the most important thing for all of us was that Botev be saved and play in the First League,” wrote Botev Plovdiv in an open letter to fans.
The club’s new financial benefactor Ilian Filipov (pictured) also gave a short statement saying: “Today I want to state something clear and categorical to all of you: the shares of Botev Plovdiv have already been transferred! From this moment on, I, Ilian Filipov, take full responsibility for the development and future of our club.
“Without fear. Without retreat. With only one goal – to return Botev to where it belongs – among the best! I take on the burden of BGN 6,871,000 in debts accumulated by the previous management. I will fight with all my might to rebuild a club worthy of our name, emblem and colors.”
Insideworldfootball.com
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