After the scandal surrounding the election of a new president of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee (BOC), bTV invited Lyubomir Ganev, president of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation (BVF), for commentary. In addition to leading Bulgarian volleyball, Ganev has a long-standing role in the Olympic Committee - two terms as vice-president, and after Vesela Lecheva's election, he was again nominated for this post. On bTV, he commented on the tension around the BOC, drawing a parallel with what is happening in the BVF, where legal disputes have blocked the new leadership for more than half a year.
Here are key moments from Lyubomir Ganev's statement:
1️⃣ Risk to the IOC
Lyubomir Ganev emphasizes that the chaos after the elections in the Bulgarian Olympic Committee (BOC) creates a serious risk for Bulgaria's reputation before the International Olympic Committee (IOC). According to him, such institutions do not look favorably on legal disputes and internal conflicts that call into question the stability and legitimacy of governing bodies.
2️⃣ Judicial appeals and suspension of Lecheva's registration
The Sofia City Court suspended the registration of Vesela Lecheva as president of the BOC after complaints were filed by:
Zhivko Vangelov
BOC Secretary General Belcho Goranov
Individual member Plamen Krastev
Ganev does not know the exact arguments of the appellants but emphasizes that the court will rule and resolve the case.
3️⃣ Legitimacy of the election - fair elections without violations
Ganev categorically states that the elections in the BOC proceeded perfectly, fairly, and without violations. He explains that all decisions were made unanimously, and the vote was secret. The procedure was as follows:
First, the federations votein alphabetical order
After them - public organizations
Finally, individual members vote
Everyone registered for the assembly exercised their right to vote. Ganev adds that he received congratulations on the election from the presidents of world volleyball and the new head of the IOC.
4️⃣ Sealing the BOC office - "completely unnecessary"
Ganev commented that he did not understand the logic behind sealing the BOC office, as employees continue to go to work and there are no documents to be hidden or erased. He reminded that at the general assembly it was decided to relieve the previous management of responsibility, and the BOC is a non-profit organization primarily funded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS).
Ganev also noted that the BOC's budget is under 2 million leva, while that of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation (BVF) exceeds 10 million leva.
5️⃣ Relationship with Belcho Goranov – surprised by the complaint
Lyubomir Ganev expressed bewilderment as to why the Secretary General of the BOC, Belcho Goranov, filed a complaint. He emphasized that the two know each other well and have always worked together.
According to him, there are two possible options:
Goranov appealedas Secretary Generalof the BOC
Goranov appealedas an individual member
Ganev assumes that the BOC's lawyers have found some legal argument that can be used in court.
6️⃣ Sport and politics – "no political interests"
Ganev categorically stated that there was no political interference in the elections for BOC chairman. He emphasized that the organization isnon-partisanand that he himself maintains contact with all political parties.
"I have over 80 mayors in my phone, but that doesn't mean the elections were politically influenced," Ganev stated.
7️⃣ Sports funding – need for additional funds
He noted that the budgets of the Olympic committee and sports federations, which receive state funding,are never enough. Therefore, additional funds are sought from:
The business
The municipalities
The executive power
Ganev commented that there is nothing wrong with Stefka Kostadinova's photo with Delyan Peevski, because every sports leader seeks support, be it moral or financial.
Similarities with the situation in BFV
Lyubomir Ganev admits that the situation in BOC resembles that in the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation (BFV).
🔹Elections in BFV 6 months ago- Ganev was re-elected president, and the new Management Board includedtwo new members, one of whom wasDean Ninov (president of VC "Lyulin") - a representative of the opposition.
🔹Legal challenge- Shortly after the election, VC "Slavia" challenged the election procedure in court. As a result, the courtsuspended the registration of the new Management Board and the re-elected Ganev in the Commercial Registeruntil a final decision.
🔹Delay of the court procedure- Already6 monthsthe court case has not started on its merits. According to informed legal experts, the court saga could lastat least 3 years. Until the end of the process, Ganev and the old management will continue to perform their duties.
🔹Potential lengthy process in the BOC as well- It is still not clear whether a statement of claim will be filed against Lecheva's election, but if that happens, the procedure could also drag on for years. Until the court process concludes,Stefka Kostadinova will continue to be president of the BOC.
Conclusion
Lyubomir Ganev defends the legitimacy of the elections in the BOC and rejects accusations of irregularities. He is surprised by the legal appeals and points out that if the case drags on, it could have serious consequences before the IOC. At the same time, he admits that the situation in the BOC resembles what happened in the BFV, where the elections were also attacked in court and the registration procedure has been blocked for alreadyhalf a year.
👉 If a statement of claim is filed in the BOC, the scenario could repeat itself and the legal battles could continue for years.
