Share

Bulgaria coach quits after racism row at England match

Sofia - Bulgaria's coach quit on Friday over the 6-0 loss to England in a Euro 2020 qualifier which was overshadowed by racist abuse that sparked a storm of protest.

Monkey chants and apparent Nazi salutes during Monday's match in Sofia caused indignation in the football world and led to the resignation of Bulgaria's football federation chief.

Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov, who took over the team in May, said he handed in his resignation during a meeting of the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) executive committee.

"I said that if I am the problem of Bulgarian football, I am handing in my resignation. There is no way back," the former midfielder told reporters after the meeting.

"I will keep my fingers crossed for the next manager as the situation is not rosy at all... The racist incidents during the game with England were the final straw."

Bulgaria are winless in seven Euro 2020 qualifiers - losing four and drawing three - and occupy last place in their group.

They conclude their qualifying campaign at home to Czech Republic on November 17.

Monday's game was halted twice during the first half due to the abuse but England players decided to complete the match instead of walking off the pitch.

The 53-year-old Balakov, a former national team star, apologised on Tuesday to the England players over the incidents.

On the eve of the match, Balakov had claimed that there was a bigger problem with racism in English football than in his country.

Five more Bulgarian football fans were detained Friday for taking part in the racist abuse, while police continued to look for five others, the interior ministry said.

Police have now identified 16 people suspected of being involved in the "abusive actions", it said.

A Bulgarian teenager was indicted Wednesday for "grave hooliganism", risking a jail sentence of up to five years, while five others, including one who is underage, were handed fines and bans from sports events.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov alike condemned the incident.

Under pressure from Borisov, BFU chief Borislav Mihaylov tendered his resignation on Tuesday.

Bulgaria have failed to qualify for any major tournament since Mihaylov took charge of the BFU in 2005.

UEFA has opened disciplinary procedures against both Bulgaria and England for their fans' behaviour during the game.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino also pressed on Thursday for a worldwide ban on spectators who abuse black footballers.

A total of 48 football fans have been subjected to one or two year bans from attending sports events in Bulgaria and abroad, fines and community work since the beginning of this year, the EU member's police statistics show.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE