Bulgarian Olympic Committee investigates Stefka Kostadinova over travel expenses

The Bulgarian Olympic Committee (BOC) has released findings from an internal investigation into its former leadership, sparking a dispute with former president Stefka Kostadinova regarding travel expenses.

BOC Secretary General Danail Dimov stated that audit protocols show plane tickets worth 21,770.24 BGN were purchased for Kostadinova and former Secretary General Belcho Goranov for a trip to Denpasar, Bali, in August 2023. The timing coincided with the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly. Dimov noted that if Kostadinova did not travel, the expenditure would constitute a “fictitious expense,” which represents a major violation.

Kostadinova has categorically denied the allegations, stating in a media interview that she has never set foot in Bali. She also disputed claims that she received a salary while other employees did not. However, she did acknowledge using a BOC credit card for restaurant expenses on the Black Sea coast during a visit by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, noting the expenses occurred during official celebrations involving various dignitaries.