February 26 – The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has terminated its relations with the Ares Football Academy and banned all of their teams from training at the Boyana National Football Base.
The measures were taken after the final of the Sofia Cup youth tournament between CSKA U14 and Ares U14 teams was abandoned at half-time after the referee of the match was attacked.
Some of the Ares coaching staff and the club owner Rosen Tanev confronted the referee, who subsequently decided to abandon the match. After the half-time altercations, referee Valentin Dimitrov suffered a minor injury.
The Bulgarian Football Union strongly condemned the assault on the referee of the game saying that they were terminating their relations with the Ares Football Academy, which uses the pitches of the Boyana National Football Base.
“In connection with the incident that occurred during the Sofia Cup match between the CSKA U14 and Ares U14 teams, the Bulgarian Football Union categorically condemns the assault on the official Valentin Dimitrov. The BFU will proceed to immediately terminate its relations with the Ares Football Academy, concerning the training process of their teams at the Boyana Football Academy, and will insist on the strictest measures against the perpetrators based on the evidence collected in the case,” a BFU statement said.
Hours later, Ares Football Academy owner Rosen Tanove, issued a statement saying: “I am writing to you today to express my concern about the unfair treatment that the Ares Football Academy and over 150 children and their families are suffering.
“I, Rosen Tanev, established this academy with my own funds on July 28, 2017 with the aim of developing children and young talents, following the examples of the world’s international schools. Over the years, I have sacrificed my personal life, time with my family and my own well-being to provide children with the opportunity to develop in sports. I have always tried to teach them discipline, love for football, team play and Fair-Play,” he said.
“For us, results are measured in the quality of the game and the behavior of our football players, both on and off the field. We do not chase victory at all costs, but strive to educate high sportsmanship.
Tanev denied the assault saying: “I love all my children at the academy and sometimes I find it difficult to control my passion for their development. However, I categorically state that I have never allowed myself to cross the line and physically assault a colleague from the football community.
“What is happening at the moment is an avalanche effect of unproven incidents that are suffering children and their families. I sincerely hope that we will find a solution that will allow the academy to continue to develop children and engage them in sport and active health.”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1740563317labto1740563317ofdlr1740563317owedi1740563317sni@o1740563317fni1740563317