[ad_1]
Levski’s financial benefactor Vasil Bozhkov presented a majority stake to Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.
This was made clear from a press release issued by NOVE Holding. He says Bozhkov chose Borisov because he is “responsible for the destruction of Levski, who has repeatedly declared his willingness to” take care “of the team and save it in the event of a change of ownership.”
“Once the Prime Minister is fully aware of the current situation and has repeatedly publicly disposed of ownership of the shares, we leave the club’s future in his hands,” the statement said.
The actual owner of the securities (86.6% of “Levski”) is Georgi Popov, who is close to Bozhkov.
At 9:00 am the development and transfer of the shares is expected to the new owner in the building of the Council of Ministers.
Here’s the entire “NOVE Holding” ad:
After discussing the situation and considering PFC Levski’s chances of survival, the current owner of the majority stake, Mr. Georgi Popov and Mr. Vasil Bozhkov, stated the following:
“The club is again in an extremely difficult financial situation, caused by the deliberate and illegal destruction of the companies that provide its maintenance.
That is why we are transferring the shares to the person in charge of the destruction of Levski, who has repeatedly stated his willingness to “take care” of the equipment and keep it in case of change of ownership: Mr. Boyko Borisov.
Once the Prime Minister is fully aware of the current situation and has repeatedly publicly disposed of ownership of the shares, we leave the club’s future in his hands.
Mr. Borissov, your commitments to raise funds and your actions that led to the current situation, as well as constant pressure from the state apparatus led by you in the club, leave Levski with no other real options.
As former majority shareholders, we have repeatedly stated that all we are interested in is the revival and stabilization of Levski. Although the responsibility for this was ours and after investing more than BGN 24 million in a year, the club stabilized and stood up again. Debts of over BGN 32 million were gradually paid off and a long-term strategy was prepared and implemented for its transformation into a successful business model.
We thank PFC “Levski” management for their efforts and exceptional professionalism over the past year.
We also thank the club’s supporters, who set a precedent in the history of world football with their actions to support the team in recent months. “
The endorsed shares will be officially delivered to their new owner, Mr. Borisov, at 9:00 a.m. at the Cabinet.
86.6% of Levski’s shares passed to Georgi Popov in early 2019. Prior to that, the club’s majority owner was Spas Rusev.
Bozhkov and his associates joined the club when the Blues were in very poor financial condition. Bozhkov told bTV that he had invested BGN 25 million in the team for a year.
Financially supported Levski until January 2020 through sponsorship deals. Earlier this year, changes to the Gambling Law were passed that affected his lottery company.
The prosecution filed 11 charges against Bozhkov and Popov. The two said they are currently in Dubai and cannot help the club.
In recent months, Levski has made a living by donating and selling tickets, season tickets, and fan items. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the club’s income fell dramatically, making it impossible to meet liabilities.
Fans organized an open letter to Prime Minister Boyko Borissov demanding that the attachments to Bozhkov’s accounts be lifted or that the state grant an interest-free loan to the club. The prime minister said the Blues would receive help if the club’s ownership were changed.
Bozhkov himself expressed to bTV his willingness to part with the shares, offering three options: give them to fans, a new investor who can support the club, or return them “from where he took them.”
Days later, basketball coach Konstantin Papazov said on the 120-minute show that he was keeping in touch with Bozhkov and that he would be the new owner of the shares. It was announced that the securities would arrive in Bulgaria with a courier company.
