FC Botev Plovdiv owner Iliyan Filipov shot dead
Iliyan Filipov, owner of FC Botev Plovdiv, was shot dead in the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, reports BritPanorama.
According to reports, Filipov was killed at around 1am local time, with officers blocking the main exit and entry points of the city. Plovdiv District Prosecutor Vanya Hristeva stated that authorities “are actively pursuing all possible leads” in the investigation.
He became Botev Plovdiv’s owner in June 2025 after being involved in the club’s structures since 2023. Filipov was also the founder and manager of PIMK, Bulgaria’s largest transport company.
Botev Plovdiv issued a statement expressing their grief over his death, stating: “Botev Plovdiv FC expresses its profound grief over the tragic death of the club’s president, Iliyan Filipov.” The club extended its condolences to his family, friends, and relatives.
The statement continued, “Iliyan Filipov will forever remain a part of Botev Plovdiv’s history. His contribution to saving the club in the summer of 2025 and his dedication to the team’s cause will be remembered by everyone in our family.”
Filipov played a significant role in the reconstruction of Hristo Botev Stadium, which transformed it into one of Bulgaria’s most modern sports facilities, with PIMK serving as the main contractor. The club noted, “His name will remain written in golden letters for generations to come following the successful completion of the reconstruction.”
The stadium now boasts a capacity of 18,777 and has previously hosted Botev Plovdiv’s matches in European competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League.
This incident underscores the volatility surrounding football ownership in Eastern Europe, where local clubs often become intertwined with broader socio-economic challenges. Such events are a reminder that the world of football intersects dangerously with local realities — and how quickly fortunes can change in the beautiful game.
