CSKA and Sofia Municipality in dispute over naming of metro station: "SC CSKA" or forgotten history?
Following the loss to Lokomotiv in the semi-final series of efbet Super Volley, CSKA head coach Aleksandar Popov expressed strong dissatisfaction with the decision of the Sofia Municipal Council (SMC) to reject the proposal to name the future metro station next to the "Cherveno Zname" sports complex as "SC CSKA". According to Popov, this act is not only an insult to the club's fans, but also a step towards erasing an important element of Bulgaria's sports history.
"It's offensive to our community"
"It's hard to talk after a loss, but there's another topic," Popov began his statement to MAX Sport 2. "The scandal hasn't erupted yet, but I hope it doesn't. The decision of the Sofia Municipality to name the metro station next to CSKA not after our sports complex, but after something else, offends our community. This is not just a dispute between fans, but a matter of values and respect for history," the coach stated.
Popov emphasized that the metro station, which will be built next to "Georgi Asparuhov" stadium and will bear the name of the great footballer, is fully justified. However, he insists that the CSKA stop should be named "SC CSKA" to pay tribute to the thousands of children who have passed through the sports complex and to preserve the memory of the Olympic champions who grew up there.
Where are the values?
Popov did not fail to mention that such decisions are part of a larger picture of attitudes towards sports and history. He recalled that the "Cherveno Zname" sports complex was destroyed when way was made for "Arena Armeets". The same happened with "Cherveno Zname" stadium, and now the municipality's decision seems like another step towards erasing an important part of Bulgarian sports.
"We don't just want to have a stop. We want to be remembered and respected for what we have achieved in sports," Popov said, expressing hope that the authorities will consider this issue.
The Challenge Before CSKA
The SMC's decision poses an important question: How can we preserve and respect the historical heritage of Bulgarian sports? CSKA fans, who are not only part of the club's identity but also representatives of a numerous community, must unite in defense of sports values that should not be forgotten.
Now it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether there will be a public movement in support of Popov's request. Time will tell whether this is another moment in which sports history will be forgotten, or whether measures will be taken to preserve it.
