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Botev Plovdiv President Iliyan Filipov Fatally Shot Outside Home in Bulgaria

Bulgaria Mourns After Botev Plovdiv President Is Killed

The football community in Bulgaria has been shaken after the death of Iliyan Filipov, president of Botev Plovdiv. The 53-year-old businessman was shot outside his home in Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city, in the early hours of Wednesday.

Details of the Incident

Police responded to an emergency call reporting a shooting around 1 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found Filipov fatally wounded. Authorities have started a homicide investigation but have not yet revealed any suspects or motives. Pretrial proceedings are underway as the crime scene is examined.

Club Pays Tribute to Their Leader

Botev Plovdiv expressed deep sorrow over Filipov's death. The club credited him with saving the team during the summer of 2025 and leading the full renovation 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 club’s management, players, and staff extend their deepest condolences to his family, relatives, and friends. Iliyan Filipov will forever remain part of Botev Plovdiv’s history. His contribution to saving the club in the summer of 2025 and his dedication to the yellow-and-black cause will be remembered by everyone in our family.His name will be written in golden letters for generations to come, having overseen the successful completion of the reconstruction of the Hristo Botev Stadium, turning it into Bulgaria’s most modern sports venue. In this difficult moment, we all stand by his family, loved ones, and friends. May he rest in peace.

Club Suspends Activities Amid Mourning

The tragedy has revived memories of violent times in Bulgaria’s past, especially during the 1990s when mafia-style killings were common. The incident also comes just before Bulgaria’s presidential election, a period marked by political tension.

In response, Botev Plovdiv suspended all sporting events. A scheduled friendly against Septemvri Sofia was canceled, and the men’s first-team training was called off. The club announced:

  • All youth academy matches for the weekend are postponed.
  • First-team training sessions will be closed to the public until the October 10 fixture against Slavia Sofia.
  • The club will avoid media appearances during this mourning period.

The statement added that Filipov dreamed of a strong, united club that the entire city could be proud of, ending with the words: "Botev is eternal!"

Looking Ahead

Botev Plovdiv faces the challenge of regaining focus ahead of their league match against Slavia Sofia on October 10. Currently, they stand sixth in the Bulgarian First League with 16 points from 10 games, trailing leaders Levski Sofia by nine points and having played one more game.

The coaching staff plans to work on the team's mental strength behind closed doors while aiming to preserve their hopes for European competition qualification.

Current Standings Snapshot

  • Team: Botev Plovdiv
  • Position: 6th
  • Points: 16
  • Matches Played: 10
  • Leader: Levski Sofia (25 points)
  • Next Match: vs. Slavia Sofia, October 10, 20:00

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