By Alexander Krassimirov
April 1 – Bulgaria’s two most successful clubs, CSKA Sofia and Levski Sofia, just managed to beat the deadline to file their paperwork to obtain a license for European club tournaments. CSKA and Levski are plagued by deep financial problems which have threatened their eligibility for a license.
All the clubs in Bulgaria’s top division A grupa had until 17.00 on 31 March to present the necessary documentation to the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU).
BFU spokesman Pavel Kolev confirmed that all teams have respected the deadline, but that does not mean that they will certainly obtain a license.
Kolev also said that the president of the Bulgarian Football Union Borislav Mihaylov will do whatever he can to help to CSKA and Levski. A week ago, Mihailov was re-elected as a member of UEFA’s Executive Committee.
A final decision whether the clubs will receive a license or not will be released on May 31.
“I have been informed that all the clubs form A grupa have submitted their documents in time in front of the licensing committee of the Bulgarian Football Union. In practice, the procedure is completed,” said Kolev in an interview with Bulgarian Darik radio.
“From now on, we have to carefully review all the documents until May 31, when it should be clear who will gain licenses. The final decision will be taken by UEFA, there is no doubt about it.
“Borislav Mihaylov has good positions in the UEFA and use them repeatedly. However, the rules are very strict and I’m not convinced that the help of a man, even a member of the Executive Committee of UEFA, would be sufficient. If it is a few inches in the final, yes, maybe, but if it is something very serious, it will be hard to get something,” added Kolev.
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