Botev Plovdiv President Iliyan Filipov Fatally Shot Outside Home

Iliyan Filipov, president of Botev Plovdiv, was fatally shot outside his home in Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city. The 53-year-old businessman and club leader was attacked in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting an immediate homicide investigation by local police.

Details of the Incident

The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. Authorities received an emergency call about a person injured by gunfire and found Filipov deceased upon arrival. Police have launched pretrial proceedings while examining the scene, but no motive or suspects have been revealed yet.

Club Honors Their Leader

Botev Plovdiv expressed deep sorrow at the loss of Filipov, who played a key role in saving the club during the summer of 2025 and managing the full renovation of the Hristo Botev Stadium. The club’s Instagram statement read:

PFC Botev Plovdiv expresses its profound sorrow over the tragic passing of club president Iliyan Filipov. The club’s management, players, and staff send their deepest condolences to his family and friends. Iliyan Filipov will forever be part of Botev Plovdiv’s history. His efforts in rescuing the club in 2025 and his dedication to the yellow-and-black cause will be remembered by all.His name will be written in golden letters for generations, having overseen the successful completion of the stadium's reconstruction, making it Bulgaria’s most modern sports venue. In this hard time, we stand with his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.

Suspension of Club Activities

The murder brings back memories of violent assassinations in Bulgaria during the 1990s amid political tensions before the upcoming presidential election. In response, the club suspended all activities and entered a mourning period:

• Cancelled friendly match: Botev Plovdiv vs Septemvri Sofia
• Men’s first team training: Cancelled on day of incident
• Youth academy matches: Postponed for the weekend
• Training sessions: First-team practices until October 10 will be behind closed doors
• Media appearances: Club will avoid public statements during mourning

The club added: "Iliyan Filipov dreamed and fought for a strong and united Botev—a club the entire city could be proud of. Botev is eternal!"

Team Prepares for Return to Competition

Botev Plovdiv must now regroup amid grief before returning to league action against Slavia Sofia on October 10. Currently sixth in the Bulgarian First League with 16 points from 10 games, they trail leaders Levski Sofia by nine points and have played one more match. The coaching staff aims to rebuild mental strength behind closed doors as they pursue European qualification hopes.

• Next match: Botev Plovdiv vs Slavia Sofia on October 10, 20:00
• League standing: Sixth place, 16 points from 10 matches
• Leader: Levski Sofia, 25 points (one game fewer)