Crisis in the Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation: Botev Against Internal Opposition

04.08.2025 | Sport

The President of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation Stefan Botev reveals internal conflicts, financial challenges, and his plans to save the federation from potential bankruptcy through convening a General Assembly.

Снимка от Marcus Cyron, Wikimedia Commons, под CC BY-SA 3.0

The President of the Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation Stefan Botev takes decisive actions in the midst of an internal organizational crisis. In an official statement to the media, he announced his intention to convene a General Assembly that would guarantee him support and the opportunity for further leadership.

The main reason for the tension is the attempts of five Board members to sabotage the current management. Botev categorically stated that these opponents aim to undermine his position and prevent the influx of new financial resources into the federation.

A key moment in his statement was the direct connection with Deputy Delyan Peevski. Botev emphasized that his potential removal would lead to an immediate cessation of funding, which could push Bulgarian weightlifting towards a new bankruptcy.

In a detailed presentation of his achievements, the president highlighted significant international successes. In a short period of four months, he was elected to three prestigious positions in European sports structures - a fact that has not happened in the last 17 years.

Botev did not hide his sharp criticism of the opposition, calling it destructive and unconstructive. "It's very difficult to prove that you don't have a sister," he commented metaphorically, hinting at the need to defend his reputation.

Financial transparency was another key focus of his statement. He assured that all expenses are documented, with available bank statements for every expense. Botev pointed out that the federation regularly receives salaries, bonuses, and funds for camps and recovery.

Especially dramatic was the moment when he revealed a potential new sponsorship contract for around 400,000 leva. Paradoxically, according to him, Board members are blocking the signing of the protocol that would secure these funds.

Stefan Botev announced his plans to convene a General Assembly where clubs will have to decide the fate of the federation. His message was clear: without him, the organization risks bankruptcy.

An additional emphasis was his claim of personal support from Delyan Peevski, who, according to Botev, stands behind the development of weightlifting. He categorically rejected accusations of corruption, stating that he could have stolen money, but does not do so because of moral principles.

The president also rejected plans to remove senior coach Yanko Georgiev, describing them as "nonsense". In conclusion, Botev emphasized that the federation has financial potential, but internal organization needs serious changes.

The statement outlined a deep internal conflict that could have significant consequences for the future of Bulgarian weightlifting.