Lokomotiv Plovdiv faces Cherno More amid financial crisis

Lokomotiv Plovdiv is scheduled to face Cherno More in the Bethub Pro Cup quarter-finals in Varna. Despite the competitive stakes, the Plovdiv-based club is currently facing a severe financial crisis, with players and staff reportedly going two months without salaries.

While the team has not boycotted the match, they are traveling to Varna with significant financial constraints. The club's majority shareholder, Hristo Krusharski, has reportedly redirected funds toward Rilski Sportist, and no new foreign investors have emerged to address the club's debts. In response, fans have launched a fundraising campaign, selling virtual tickets and donation vouchers to support the team.

For the match itself, Lokomotiv Plovdiv will be missing five players due to injuries: Efe Ali, Sevi Idris, Aleksandar Aleksandrov, Enzo Espinosa, and Martin Ruskov. Cherno More will host the match at Ticha Stadium, looking to leverage their home advantage to secure a spot in the semi-finals.