October 17 – Levski Sofia’s goalkeeper, Svetoslav Vutsov, has withdrawn from the Bulgarian national team citing tension within the squad’s staff during the World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Turkey. Bulgaria were winless in the international window.
Vutsov indicated said is stepping away to “preserve my athletic form and mental stability,” as well as to remain true to principles of “respect, honest dialogue, and equal rules for everyone.” He said his feeling was that “my presence in the national team causes tension in the staff, and some actions and ill-considered remarks make me feel unwelcome, even though I have been officially called up.
“There is no point in naming names, as I am not looking for conflict. I am looking for an environment where a young footballer can work calmly, with trust, and without having to constantly watch his back. I have found such an environment in my club team, for which I am grateful,” continued Vutsov.
“I publicly state my wish to temporarily withdraw from the national team. My decision is not against Bulgaria, but is rather to preserve my athletic form and mental stability and to remain true to the principles without which football makes no sense – respect, honest dialogue, and equal rules for all. I will be the first one to answer the call again when I feel that I am truly wanted and protected in an environment where there is clear communication, mutual respect, and a focus on football.
“Until then, I will continue to work every day in the place I feel is home – Levski, to get better and be ready for the moment when I can once again help the national team with a clear conscience and my head held high. I apologise to the fans on my behalf and on behalf of the team for our recent poor results, and I ask for respect for this personal decision,” he concluded.
Preceding Vutsov’s statement, Levski’s goalkeeping coach, Bozhidar Mitrev, released information claiming that Vutsov had been “threatened” by members of the Bulgarian coaching staff due to being late for training.
In response to the goalkeeper’s decision, Bulgaria’s head coach Aleksandar Dimitrov also published his position. Dimitrov accepted Vutsov’s withdrawal but categorically stated that “the Bulgarian national team is above everything and everyone,” and “only players who have a sincere desire to defend the colours of their homeland should play in it.”
Dimitrov confirmed that Vutsov had twice violated the team’s internal regulations during the training camp, which resulted in sanctions. Despite these infractions, the coaching staff picked him for the match against the European champion Spain (which ended in a 4-0 loss). The head coach denied any disrespectful attitude towards Vutsov from the staff, adding that the goalkeeper himself had demonstrated such behaviour towards members of the coaching team.
Despite the tension, Dimitrov emphasised that the doors of the national team remain open for Vutsov, and he expressed readiness for a constructive dialogue with the goalkeeper and Levski’s management.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at [email protected]