February 2 – The Russian owner of Botev Plovdiv, Anton Zingarevich, said he has still not received any official explanation from the Bulgarian authorities about why he has been issued with a 10-year ban from residing in Bulgaria.
The businessman gave an online press conference for Bulgarian media revealing that companies from the USA, Europe, and Asia have shown interest in acquiring Botev Plovdiv.
However, Zingarevich was categorical in his intention not to sell the club, which he said he has turned it into a profitable and sustainable business with an opportunity to grow further.
“There is still no official explanation for the restrictions imposed on me. There is no statement. If something is wrong, there should be accusations against me, and there are none at this point. I believe that there is no basis for imposing restrictions and I hope that the case will be resolved and my ban will be lifted. I do not believe that my absence from Bulgaria can hinder the financing of Botev Plovdiv,” said Zingarevich.
He emphasised the club has financial difficulties arising from his ban on Bulgarian residency.
“The club is not just a football club, it is a company. When I bought the shares in the club, it had revenues of €700 000 per year, and now we have revenues of around €10 million. Since the day I arrived in Bulgaria, I have seen good business and I still think that is the case.
“Botev has been performing successfully for the last 3-4 years. There is already interest from various people from the USA, Europe and Asia who want to buy the club. However, this is not my interest. My goal is for the club to develop even more and register higher revenues of €20 or €30 million per year,” he added.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1738570125labto1738570125ofdlr1738570125owedi1738570125sni@o1738570125fni1738570125
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