Gazprom talks stall as Levski cut budgets for player living

todor batkov

By Alexander Krassimirov
September 10 – The management of Bulgaria’s Levski Sofia has been taken bizarre measures to reduce the club’s monthly budget. Bosses have decided to limit the money that is given to players for rent of their homes. 

Until now, players were able to choose their homes without restriction, with the club paying the rent. However, from now on, the Board had introduced a ceiling on the money that will be paid for accommodations. Anyone who wants to wallow in luxury will be forced to withdraw money from his own pocket, it became clear after the changes.

One of the club’s most controversial and high-priced players – Dustley Mulder – cost the club €2,000 per month to live in a villa owned by the Bulgarian great Hristo Stoichkov in the exclusive neighborhood of Dragalevtsi near Sofia.

Limiting the money for rental homes in Levski, once again highlights the fact that the financial oasis at the club is now over.

Meanwhile, the club’s owner Todor Batkov (pictured) admitted that talks with Russian energy giant Gazprom have stalled, but he says there is no room for concern.

“The negotiations with Gazprom have stalled. I have no information on this issue, but what can I do, maybe to weep?” said Todor Batkov.

Just a day later, a former striker released by the club, Joao Silva, revealed that Levski have had serious financial difficulties.

In August, he was one of the four high-priced foreigners who were kicked out by the new the management. The other three were Ramon Lopes, Cristovao Ramos and Dustley Mulder. Only the Dutchman Mulder remains, unwilling to terminate his contract with the club. He is currently training with the club’s youth team.

“Last year we lost the title in the last minutes of the last game and this led to unrest. The team had financial problems and so it was the best for me to go, ” Silva told the media in Italy where he is continuing his career.

The former Everton striker joined Levski for €400,000, but failed to match his reputation or expectations on a salary of €15,500 per month.

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