Botev Plovdiv president Iliyan Filipov shot dead in Bulgaria

Iliyan Filipov, the 53-year-old president of the Bulgarian first-division football club Botev Plovdiv and an influential businessman, was shot and killed near his home in Plovdiv. The incident occurred around 1:00 AM, prompting an investigation by local authorities to determine the motives and identify the perpetrator. While no suspects have been officially named, the murder has caused significant public emotion during a period of heightened political tension ahead of next month’s presidential elections.

In response to the tragedy, Kostadin Filipov has announced he will step forward to manage the club and continue his father’s legacy. The club is preparing for an upcoming match against Slavia on October 10, which is expected to serve as a massive tribute to the late president. Over 12,000 supporters have already secured tickets for the fixture at Hristo Botev Stadium, with management pricing general admission at 1 euro to encourage a full house.