# Bulgarian football season and Levski Sofia developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-league-and-cup-action-in-late-aprilmay-2026-drives-title-races-and-european-qualification > Updated: 2026-09-17T13:01:04.000Z. Sources: 57. Developments: 54. Following their loss in the Bulgarian Super Cup, Levski Sofia played to a 0-0 draw against Botev Vratsa in their ninth-round match. Coach Julio Velazquez attributed the result to poor pitch conditions and a lack of luck, noting the need to maintain focus on the domestic league alongside upcoming Europa League commitments. In club development news, majority owner Atanas Bostandzhiev announced plans to construct the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium, a modern multi-purpose venue intended to be among the most advanced in Southeast Europe. The proposed stadium is expected to have an initial capacity of approximately 28,000 seats, with potential for future expansion. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2027. To meet international standards, the club has engaged a German consultancy firm with experience on major venues such as those in Munich, Tottenham, and the Santiago Bernabéu. The project is being coordinated with UEFA. Bostandzhiev noted that the club's budget has increased from 15 million euros last year to between 25 and 28 million euros this year to support goals of domestic championship and European competitiveness. The facility is designed to operate year-round, featuring museums, restaurants, fan shops, bars, and an event hall exceeding 1,250 square meters. Separately, the Bulgarian Football Union (BFS) Appellate Commission has reduced a disciplinary sanction against the club. Rather than a full closure of Sector A, Levski Sofia will face a partial closure during its upcoming derby against CSKA Sofia at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. Spectators will be prohibited from entering blocks 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Sector A. The penalty follows an incident during the Bulgarian Super Cup where a glass bottle was thrown at CSKA press officer Viktor Ignatov. ## Claims - CSKA Sofia defeated Botev Plovdiv 3-2 in a Bulgarian league match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Yoannis Pitas scored one goal for CSKA Sofia. (corroborated by 3 sources) - CSKA is expected to make several changes to its starting lineup for the match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - CSKA recently eliminated Maccabi Tel Aviv from European competition. (corroborated by 3 sources) - CSKA will face OFI Crete in a Europa League playoff match on Thursday. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Levski aims to win the upcoming Super Cup against CSKA. (corroborated by 3 sources) - CSKA 1948 finished in second place last season. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Appellate Commission modified the Disciplinary Committee's decision regarding Levski Sofia. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The punishment will be a partial closure of Sector A at Vasil Levski National Stadium. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Spectators are prohibited in blocks 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Sector A. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The sanction was triggered by a glass bottle thrown at CSKA press officer Viktor Ignatov. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The penalty applies to the next home match, a derby against CSKA. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: Levski Sofia stadium ban reduced for upcoming derby The Bulgarian Football Union has reduced Levski Sofia's stadium ban to a partial closure of Sector A for their upcoming derby against CSKA Sofia following a fan incident. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sofia-stadium-ban-reduced-for-upcoming-derby ### 2026-09-14: Levski Sofia announces plans for modern 28,000-seat stadium Levski Sofia owner Atanas Bostandzhiev announced plans for a new 28,000-capacity stadium in Bulgaria, with construction slated to begin in June 2027. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sofia-announces-plans-for-modern-28000-seat-stadium ### 2026-09-10: Botev Plovdiv wins 125th Plovdiv derby against Lokomotiv Botev Plovdiv defeated Lokomotiv Plovdiv 2-0 in the 125th city derby, while Levski Sofia drew 0-0 against Botev Vratsa amid discussions regarding pitch quality. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sofia-prepares-for-botev-vratsa-following-recent-setback ### 2026-09-09: Levski Sofia faces Super Cup loss and new UEFA mandates Levski Sofia sports director noted unprecedented performance swings after a Super Cup loss to CSKA, while the club announced strict UEFA ticketing mandates for upcoming Europa League matches. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sofia-faces-super-cup-loss-and-new-uefa-mandates ### 2026-09-08: Levski and CSKA Sofia conclude summer transfer window activity Levski Sofia and CSKA Sofia have completed their summer transfer activities, with Levski spending 3.52 million euros on new talent while CSKA Sofia focused on achieving financial stability. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-and-cska-sofia-conclude-summer-transfer-window-activity ### 2026-09-05: Levski coach Julio Velasco targets Super Cup after win over CSKA 1948 Levski coach Julio Velasco praised his team's 1-0 win over CSKA 1948 and confirmed the club's focus is now on winning the upcoming Bulgarian Super Cup against CSKA. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-coach-julio-velasco-targets-super-cup-after-win-over-cska-1948 ### 2026-09-05: Spartak Varna and CSKA draw 1-1 in Bulgarian First League Spartak Varna held CSKA to a 1-1 draw in the Bulgarian First League, with goals from Ioannis Pitas and Bubakar Hane. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spartak-varna-and-cska-draw-1-1-in-bulgarian-first-league ### 2026-09-03: Levski Sofia fans drive high ticket demand for Super Cup derby Levski Sofia fans have rapidly purchased over 12,000 tickets for the upcoming Bulgarian Super Cup against CSKA Sofia, significantly outpacing their rivals in ticket demand. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sofia-fans-drive-high-ticket-demand-for-super-cup-derby ### 2026-09-01: Slavia Sofia hosts Levski Sofia in postponed capital derby Slavia Sofia hosts Levski Sofia in a postponed efbet Liga derby at Alexander Shalamanov Stadium, with Levski seeking a seventh consecutive victory. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slavia-sofia-hosts-levski-sofia-in-postponed-capital-derby ### 2026-08-31: Levski Sofia and CSKA Sofia to face off in Bulgarian Super Cup The Bulgarian Super Cup between Levski Sofia and CSKA Sofia is set for September 9 at 18:30 at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. Tickets go on sale September 2. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-and-cska-to-compete-for-bulgarian-super-cup ### 2026-08-28: CSKA Sofia to host Cherno More in First Professional League match CSKA Sofia hosts Cherno More at the Vasil Levski National Stadium on August 30 for a First Professional League match. Tickets are on sale, with CSKA seeking to break a winless streak against the visitors. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-to-host-cherno-more-in-first-professional-league-match ### 2026-08-20: CSKA Sofia maintains undefeated streak after 5-0 win CSKA Sofia remains undefeated in the Bulgarian league following a 5-0 win over Botev Vratsa and prepares for a Europa League playoff against OFI. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-maintains-undefeated-streak-after-5-0-win ### 2026-08-17: Septemvri Sofia defeats Spartak Varna 1-0 in efbet Liga Septemvri Sofia earned their first win of the season by defeating Spartak Varna 1-0 in the efbet Liga, moving up to ninth place in the standings. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/septemvri-sofia-defeats-spartak-varna-1-0-in-efbet-liga ### 2026-08-15: CSKA Sofia defeats Botev Vratsa 5-0 in efbet Liga CSKA Sofia defeated Botev Vratsa 5-0 in the efbet Liga. Joel Swartz scored twice, while debutant Catalin Itu provided two assists before receiving a red card. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-hosts-botev-vratsa-in-efbet-liga-match ### 2026-08-14: CSKA 1948 defeats Cherno More 4-1 in Bulgarian First League CSKA 1948 defeated Cherno More 4-1 in a Bulgarian First League match in Bistritsa, overcoming an early deficit to secure the win with goals from Massiel, Iliev, and Franco. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-1948-defeats-cherno-more-4-1-in-bulgarian-first-league ### 2026-08-09: Botev Plovdiv defeats Spartak Varna 3-2 amid stadium power outages Botev Plovdiv defeated Spartak Varna 3-2 in a dramatic efbet Liga match interrupted twice by stadium power outages. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-leads-septemvri-sofia-in-efbet-liga-match ### 2026-07-27: CSKA Sofia clinches first league win 3‑2 over Botev Plovdiv CSKA Sofia beat Botev Plovdiv 3‑2 to claim its first league win; Joël Zvarc scored twice, Yohanis Pitas added the late winner, and coach Hristo Yanev expressed dissatisfaction despite the result. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-secures-3-2-comeback-win-over-botev-plovdiv ### 2026-07-20: CSKA Sofia coach Hristo Yanev calls for overhaul after draw with Slavia CSKA Sofia coach Hristo Yanev said the team’s 0‑0 draw with Slavia showed poor play, flanks failing and a lack of fight for the title. He accepted responsibility, hinted at possible resignation and called for a 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-coach-hristo-yanev-calls-for-overhaul-after-draw-with-slavia ### 2026-07-19: Botev Vratsa and Cherno More finish 1-1 in efbet Liga opening match Botev Vratsa and Cherno More tied 1-1 in the opening round of Bulgaria's efbet Liga after a 0-0 halftime. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/botev-vratsa-and-cherno-more-finish-1-1-in-efbet-liga-opening-match ### 2026-07-18: Bulgarian league: Slavia‑CSKA draw 0‑0, Ludogorets beat Lokomotiv Plovdiv 1‑0 Slavia and CSKA drew 0‑0, while Ludogorets edged Lokomotiv Plovdiv 1‑0 thanks to Ivo Chochev’s header. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-football-slavia-draw-00-with-cska-ludogorets-beat-lokomotiv-plovdiv-10 ### 2026-07-18: Bulgarian football season opens with draws and previews across leagues Bulgarian football kicks off: Spartak Varna and CSKA 1948 draw 2‑2, Slavia Sofia hosts CSKA Sofia derby, Botev Vratsa meets Cherno More, and Montana beats Spartak Pleven 3‑1. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-football-season-opens-with-a-22-draw-in-the-top-league-and-a-31-win-in-the-second-division ### 2026-07-17: CSKA 1948 draws 2-2 with Spartak Varna after sluggish first half CSKA 1948 and Spartak Varna shared a 2‑2 draw; CSKA blamed a weak first half, while Spartak called the point fair and emphasized upcoming improvements. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-1948-draws-2-2-with-spartak-varna-after-sluggish-first-half ### 2026-07-17: Georg Stojanovski nets opening goal for Spartak Varna in Bulgarian league debut Georg Stojanovski scored Spartak Varna’s opening goal of the Bulgarian season, a half‑field strike that secured a 2‑2 draw with CSKA 1948. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georg-stojanovski-nets-opening-goal-for-spartak-varna-in-bulgarian-league-debut ### 2026-07-17: Bulgarian football 2026‑27 season opens with anthem before Spartak Varna‑CSKA 1948 match The 2026‑27 Bulgarian football season began with the national anthem before the Spartak Varna‑CSKA 1948 opener at 19:00. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-football-202627-season-opens-with-anthem-before-spartak-varnacska-1948-match ### 2026-07-05: CSKA Sofia reaches 20,000 fan cards in record campaign CSKA Sofia's fan card campaign hits 20,000 sign‑ups, with the 20,000th fan receiving a signed ball; the club continues touring Bulgarian towns to distribute cards. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-reaches-20000-fan-cards-in-record-campaign ### 2026-06-28: CSKA Sofia criticised for 4‑0 friendly defeat as club eyes league title Ex‑player Georgi Iliev condemned CSKA Sofia’s 4‑0 friendly loss, backed coach Hristo Yanev and warned about a costly Sensi signing as the club still aims for the league title. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-criticised-for-40-friendly-defeat-as-club-eyes-league-title ### 2026-06-24: CSKA Sofia coach Hristo Yanev urges tactical overhaul after 0‑4 defeat CSKA Sofia coach Hristo Yanev says the team must quickly change its approach after a 0‑4 loss to Polissya, praising youngsters and new signing Stefano Sensi. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-coach-hristo-yanev-urges-tactical-overhaul-after-04-defeat ### 2026-06-22: Levski sells over 14,000 champion shirts as fans gear up for raffle Levski sold 14,000+ champion shirts, resolved shipping delays, and will host a fan raffle on 30 June with 27 prizes, plus a trophy showcase until 13 July. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sells-over-14000-champion-shirts-as-fans-gear-up-for-raffle ### 2026-06-21: Levski Approaches 10,000 Season Ticket Goal Ahead of New Campaign Levski has sold over 9,200 season tickets, nearing its 10,000 goal; fans must renew by June 22 or tickets go on open sale, with the club guiding on order status. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-approaches-10000-season-ticket-goal-ahead-of-new-campaign ### 2026-06-14: CSKA Sofia hits 10,000 registered fan cards CSKA Sofia reached 10,000 fan cards; the 10,000th card went to Alisia Kyrakova of Varna, who got a signed ball and a visit to the club’s Pancharevo base. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-hits-10000-registered-fan-cards ### 2026-06-12: Slavia President Says Balov Transfer Funds Will Finance New Club Facilities Slavia Sofia’s president announced that the Kristiyan Balov transfer fee will fund a new training pitch and be paid in three tranches, urging fans to back the club rather than cause trouble. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slavia-president-says-balov-transfer-funds-will-finance-new-club-facilities ### 2026-06-07: CSKA 1948 sponsor demands referee recordings after Ludogorets clash CSKA 1948 sponsor Цветомир Найденов demanded VAR recordings and sanctions for four referees after a Ludogorets‑CSKA match, alleging bias and procedural errors. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-1948-sponsor-demands-referee-recordings-after-ludogorets-clash ### 2026-06-05: CSKA Sofia clinches Bulgarian Cup and owner vows hefty bonuses for league title CSKA Sofia won the Bulgarian Cup, earning Europa League qualification, while owner Walter Papazki promises large bonuses for a league title and the club eyes transfers, including a possible sale of Matias Feton 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-clinches-bulgarian-cup-and-owner-vows-hefty-bonuses-for-league-title ### 2026-06-01: CSKA starts mandatory fan registration for new Bulgarian Army stadium CSKA has begun a mandatory fan registration, issuing a fan card valid for five years and required for entry to its new ‘Bulgarian Army’ stadium, with detailed conduct rules. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-starts-mandatory-fan-registration-for-new-bulgarian-army-stadium ### 2026-05-30: CSKA Sofia coach Hristo Yanev apologises to fans and urges unity after loss CSKA Sofia coach Hristo Yanev apologised to Sector G fans after the Levski loss, urged ego‑free unity, highlighted a new contract, summer sign‑ins and the upcoming “Bulgarian Army” stadium. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-coach-hristo-yanev-apologises-to-fans-after-levski-loss ### 2026-05-30: Ludogorets secures seeded spot in all stages of 2026‑27 UEFA Conference League Ludogorets beat Lokomotiv Plovdiv on penalties to qualify for the 2026‑27 UEFA Conference League, secured a high club coefficient and will be seeded in every qualifying round. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ludogorets-secures-seeded-spot-in-all-stages-of-202627-uefa-conference-league ### 2026-05-29: Mayor Zhivko Todorov pledges support for Beroe amid talks with owner Mayor Zhivko Todorov praised Beroe’s veteran champions and announced a meeting with owner Ernan Banato to discuss financial support and the club’s future after relegation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayor-zhivko-todorov-pledges-support-for-beroe-amid-talks-with-owner ### 2026-05-28: Ludogorets secures European berth after penalty win over Lokomotiv Plovdiv Ludogorets beat Lokomotiv Plovdiv on penalties in the Conference League playoff, securing a European spot after a 3‑2 shootout; coach Høgmo departs, assistant Staré steps in. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ludogorets-set-for-europa-conference-league-playoff-against-lokomotiv-plovdiv ### 2026-05-27: Septemvri Sofia secures top‑flight spot after playoff win over Yantra Gabrovo Septemvri Sofia won 2‑1 in the relegation playoff, keeping its spot in the efbet Liga as Yantra Gabrovo stays in the second tier. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/septemvri-sofia-secures-topflight-spot-after-playoff-win-over-yantra-gabrovo ### 2026-05-25: Ludogorets and CSKA Sofia finish 0-0, guests claim penalty Ludogorets and CSKA Sofia drew 0‑0 at Huvepharma Arena; CSKA's penalty claim was denied and VAR took no action. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ludogorets-and-cska-sofia-finish-0-0-guests-claim-penalty ### 2026-05-25: Arda beats Cherno More 3‑2, ending Cherno More’s Conference League play‑off chances Arda defeats Cherno More 3‑2 in the 36th round, costing Cherno More a Conference League play‑off spot; Arda finishes sixth, Lokomotiv Plovdiv claims fifth. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arda-beats-cherno-more-32-ending-cherno-mores-conference-league-playoff-chances ### 2026-05-19: Lokomotiv Plovdiv and CSKA Sofia to clash in Bulgarian Cup final Lokomotiv Plovdiv faces CSKA Sofia in the Bulgarian Cup final on 20 May, with a Europa League spot at stake. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lokomotiv-plovdiv-and-cska-sofia-to-clash-in-bulgarian-cup-final ### 2026-05-18: Botev Plovdiv president Iliyan Filippov says he spent €3.8 million on stadium Botev Plovdiv chief Iliyan Filippov says he invested €3.8 million in the Hristo Botev stadium and explained coach departures after recent losses. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iliyan-filippov-defends-4-million-personal-funding-of-botev-plovdiv-stadium ### 2026-05-16: Levski Sofia defeats CSKA Sofia 2-0 in league derby Levski beat CSKA 2-0, widening its league lead as CSKA's cup final and European hopes hang in the balance. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sofia-defeats-cska-sofia-2-0-in-league-derby ### 2026-05-15: Levski coach Julio Velasquez hails team spirit after derby win over CSKA Levski coach Julio Velasquez praised his squad’s attitude and collective play after a derby win over CSKA, noting striker Mustafa Sangare’s limited fitness. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-coach-julio-velasquez-hails-team-spirit-after-derby-win-over-cska ### 2026-05-14: Bulgarian First League clubs unite to demand new TV‑rights deal 15 Bulgarian First League clubs demand new TV‑rights terms, hinting at boycott after broadcaster’s refusal to meet. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-first-league-clubs-unite-to-demand-new-tvrights-deal ### 2026-05-13: CSKA ticket boost and player block clash with Levski fine in Bulgarian football Bulgarian football sees CSKA get extra Cup final tickets, attempt to block a loan player, and Levski fined after 1‑1 draw with Ludogorets. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ludogorets-and-levski-finish-11-in-bulgarian-first-league-clash ### 2026-05-13: Beroe Stara Zagora Appeals License Denial as Mayor Calls for New Owner Beroe Stara Zagora contests a licence ban, filing an appeal as the mayor urges fans to find a new owner. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/beroe-stara-zagora-appeals-license-denial-as-mayor-calls-for-new-owner ### 2026-05-12: Arda Kardzhali defeats Botev Plovdiv 2-1, keeping European hopes alive Arda Kardzhali beat Botev Plovdiv 2-1, restoring confidence and keeping European qualification hopes alive, while Botev coach cites errors and fatigue. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arda-kardzhali-defeats-botev-plovdiv-2-1-restores-confidence-in-first-league-race ### 2026-05-08: Botev Plovdiv condemns racist abuse as club secures UEFA licence Botev Plovdiv denounced racist chants at a match and celebrated earning a UEFA licence for the upcoming season. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/botev-plovdiv-condemns-racist-abuse-as-club-secures-uefa-licence ### 2026-05-05: Levski Sofia clinches Bulgarian league title and eyes Champions League prep in Pravets Levski Sofia wins first league title in 17 years under Julio Velazquez and will train in Pravets for Champions League qualifiers. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sofia-clinches-bulgarian-league-title-and-eyes-champions-league-prep-in-pravets ### 2026-05-04: Levski Sofia crowned Bulgarian champions after victory over Ludogorets Levski Sofia clinched the Bulgarian league title, with a ceremony on 9 May and a €6,288 BFU fine after the final match. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sofia-crowned-bulgarian-champions-after-victory-over-ludogorets ### 2026-05-03: CSKA Sofia beats Ludogorets 1-0, Yanev hails progress CSKA Sofia beat Ludogorets 1‑0; coach Yanev called it a good result and a step toward a top‑two finish. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cska-sofia-beats-ludogorets-1-0-yanev-hails-progress ### 2026-05-03: Lokomotiv Plovdiv Beats Botev 2‑0 in Plovdiv Derby Lokomotiv Plovdiv wins 2‑0 over Botev in derby, boosting European playoff hopes. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lokomotiv-plovdiv-beats-botev-20-in-plovdiv-derby --- Cite as: Bulgarian football season and Levski Sofia developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-league-and-cup-action-in-late-aprilmay-2026-drives-title-races-and-european-qualification