May 12 – Bulgaria’s Spartak Varna has lost its license to participate Bulgaria’s top tier next season. The decision was taken by the Bulgarian Football Union’s Licensing Commission following Spartak’s failure to meet financial rules over payment of government taxes.
The Varna club has been experiencing serious financial problems since the club’s owner, PavlinNikolov, stopped financing the team at the end of last year. Nikolov resigned following a dispute with Spartak fans.
In addition to Spartak Varna, second division Etar Veliko Tarnovo was also refused a license for the new season. Krumovgrad also has problems but did manage to provide the necessary documents to be granted a license.
All other clubs in Bulgaria’s top tier were granted licenses for next season.
Currently, Spartak Varna is in sixth place in efbet League and is fighting for participation in the UEFA Conference League next season.
“The applications for a license to participate in the First Professional League tournaments of FC Spartak 1918 Varna and FC Etar Veliko Tarnovo have been rejected due to failure to meet the financial licensing criteria set out in the Regulation on National Club Licensing. The clubs may appeal the decisions within the period specified in the Regulation. The application of FC Krumovgrad for the PPL has been postponed for consideration due to the need to submit additional documents,” said a Licensing Commission statement.
“Clubs that have deferred obligations from the National Revenue Agency will be issued a conditional license, the purpose of which is to exercise control over the correct payment of the commitments undertaken (according to the approved repayment plans) to the Agency.”
Spartak Varna management said that they will do everything possible to clear their debts in time to receive a license for next season.
The club’s executive director Ivan Kirilov said talks will take place with former Spartak owner Pavlin Nikolov in the coming days. He expressed hope that the businessman will give the club some financial assistance.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Kraassimirov, at moc.l1747085360labto1747085360ofdlr1747085360owedi1747085360sni@o1747085360fni1747085360