# Lokomotiv Plovdiv financial crisis and fan fundraising

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lokomotiv-plovdiv-financial-crisis-and-fan-fundraising
> Updated: 2026-10-21T04:46:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

Following an announcement by owner Hristo Krusharski that he would cease funding, the Bulgarian football club Lokomotiv Plovdiv launched a donation campaign to address a critical financial crisis. The club established two separate bank accounts to ensure transparency: one for the senior men’s first team to cover operational costs and salaries, and another for the youth academy to support player development.

By mid-October, the fan association ‘The Magic of Plovdiv’ reported that supporters had raised 35,000 euros in less than 48 hours. These funds were utilized to clear outstanding debts to the police, the electricity provider (EVN), and the water utility (ViK), as well as to cover youth academy coaches' salaries for August.

As of late October, the crisis has intensified, with players and staff reportedly going two months without salaries. While the team is scheduled to face Cherno More in the Bethub Pro Cup quarter-finals in Varna, they are traveling under significant financial constraints. Reports indicate that majority shareholder Hristo Krusharski has redirected funds toward Rilski Sportist, and no new foreign investors have emerged to resolve the club's debts. In response, fans continue their fundraising efforts by selling virtual tickets and donation vouchers to support the team.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Lokomotiv Plovdiv faces Cherno More amid financial crisis

Lokomotiv Plovdiv faces Cherno More in the Bethub Pro Cup quarter-finals while struggling with two months of unpaid wages and a lack of new investment.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lokomotiv-plovdiv-faces-cherno-more-amid-financial-crisis

### 2026-10-14: Lokomotiv Plovdiv fans raise 35,000 euros to clear club debts

Lokomotiv Plovdiv fans raised 35,000 euros in under 48 hours, using the funds to clear club debts to utilities and police, and to pay youth academy coaches' salaries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lokomotiv-plovdiv-fans-raise-35000-euros-to-clear-club-debts

### 2026-10-12: Lokomotiv Plovdiv launches donation campaign amid financial crisis

Lokomotiv Plovdiv has opened two donation accounts for its senior team and youth academy following the owner's decision to stop funding the club.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lokomotiv-plovdiv-launches-donation-campaign-amid-financial-crisis

---
Cite as: Lokomotiv Plovdiv financial crisis and fan fundraising. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lokomotiv-plovdiv-financial-crisis-and-fan-fundraising