July 15 – Bulgaria’s Lokomotiv Sofia has changed its ownership following the withdrawal of Ivan Vasilev who has handed his shares, free of charge, to another local businessman, Veselin Stoyanov (pictured).
A year ago Vasilev threatened to leave the club following threats and confrontation with Lokomotiv Sofia fans. In the end, however, he continued to fund the team for a few more months.
It is not yet clear where the money will come from to support the club, though Stoyanov, said that the club’s budget is secure and that he will work with Vasilev and use his experience in the local football market.
Vasilev’s departure comes just weeks after Lokomotiv lost their main sponsor Betano. The new main sponsor is expected to be another bookmaker with the details expected to be released in the coming days.
“We have always partnered with Mr. Vassilev, we have helped each other. I took that risk and responsibility by offering to support the club. You know the main sponsor also pulled out. Lokomotiv Sofia does not deserve to be locked, closed. It was never an end in itself for me to be the owner of this club, but my love is boundless, we have to build,” said Stoyanov.
“Lokomotiv must prosper. For the 2024/2025 season, the budget is secured, there will be no financial shocks. The budget is as much as Lokomotiv to function normally. My joint work with Mr. Vasilev will continue, he has more experience in football than I do.”
Stoyanov’s core business is in armaments and he went to great lengths to explain that it was a legitimate business.
“My business is not shady. The company I deal with is for ammunition. It was founded 20 years ago. Another direction is for explosive materials, we work on quarries, we carry out transport of dangerous materials, we also have security activities. The license was issued to us by the ministry,” added Stoyanov.
Contact the writer of this story, Alexander Krassimirov, at moc.l1732329495labto1732329495ofdlr1732329495owedi1732329495sni@o1732329495fni1732329495