By Alexander Krassimirov
May 21- Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia have failed to get licenses for European club competitions and for the domestic championship in Bulgaria. Alongside CSKA, three other clubs – Lokomotiv Sofia, Marek Dupnitsa and Haskovo – alson failed to get licenses, according to the Bulgarian Football Union.
The decisions for Marek and Haskovo are not fatal as both clubs have already been relegated from the top division in Bulgaria.
But the situation for CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia is considerably ore serious – both clubs have one week time to appeal the decision and make themselves compliant.
This is the second time when CSKA has not received a license to play in European competition. The first was in 2008, when the club received a reprieve and continued its participation in Bulgarian championship.
Debts in the region of BGN 10 million (€5 million) to the National Revenue Agency are the main problem for CSKA. The previous majority shareholder Alexander Tomov had assured that the club should not have a problem with the license.
Lokomotiv Sofia owe BGN 1.1 million (€550 000) to the National Revenue Agency and BGN 10,000 (€5000) to a former player.
“Following a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, the licensing committee considered in detail any additional documents and refused to issue a license for participation in European club tournaments and Bulgarian championship to the teams of CSKA Sofia, Lokomotiv Sofia, Marek Dupnitsa and Haskovo. A license to participate in European club tournaments has been granted to Cherno More Varna. The clubs who were not granted license are entitled to appeal within one week to the Appeals Committee. All interested clubs are aware of the decisions of the licensing commission,” said the official release of the Bulgarian Football Union.
Because of the huge debts at CSKA, insiders are saying that the prospect of bankruptcy should not be ruled out. If this happened the club would have to start again in Bulgarian football’s amateur divisions.
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