After Maria Yordanova left the national volleyball team's camp, Bulgarian Volleyball Federation (BVF) president Lyubomir Ganev gave an extensive interview to volleyweek.bg, as a right of reply, outlining his and the federation's position.

Mr. Ganev, the case of Maria Yordanova-Koleva has generated significant public attention. What exactly happened, and why do you think she acted improperly?

Maria sent an email to the Federation stating her desire to leave the national team's camp. The problem is not with her decision — everyone has the right to withdraw — but with the fact that she did not inform her coach. This is a violation of the established communication hierarchy: athletes should speak with the coach, not directly with the federation. She was sleeping in the same hotel as the coach, they saw each other every day — and despite this, she sent an email to me. It's like a student writing to the Minister of Education saying they won't go to school.

Is there an official procedure that describes this hierarchy and the departure procedures?

Yes, it is clear. The coach selects the staff, and the staff selects the players. The Federation only sends call-up letters. The athlete's communication takes place with the coach. If there is a health, personal, or organizational problem — the coach is informed. The team manager deals with logistics — travel, equipment, hotels, documents. He is also the link between the team and the federation.

Maria claims she needed a rest. Is this justified?

Her club season ended a month and a half before the camp. That is enough time for rest. I was also a national athlete — sometimes we only had one week. According to coach Toni Zetova, it was felt during the camp that Yordanova was not motivated. She didn't say it directly, but it was evident in her behavior during training. She left without personally informing the staff or her teammates — she simply returned the equipment and left.

What if someone simply doesn't want to be part of the national team?

We have no problem with that. Mira Paskova, Petya Barakova, Gergana Dimitrova – they all informed us in time that they would not participate. No one reproached them. But with Maria, there is a difference – she accepted the call-up, trained, and left in silence. This is demoralizing for the team. We are a team sport – motivation is contagious, but so is demotivation.

What happens to the contract if the athlete does not sign it?

Without a signed contract, the athlete cannot receive funds from the Ministry. The Federation has pre-declared names for funding – if an athlete does not sign, these funds become unusable. Yordanova was included in the list back in November. Based on this list, funds are allocated for equipment, logistics, and remuneration. The moment she refuses to sign the contract, these funds must be returned. And they cannot be redirected to another athlete for the respective month. This money is lost – and this is a blow to the budget.

Is it possible for the federation to impose penalties or sanctions for such behavior?

No. In the last 5 years, there hasn't been a single sanctioned athlete. We don't sanction — we simply follow the rules. If you don't want to be on the team — fine. But you can't show up, train, and then withdraw without explanation. This disrupts the coach's entire strategy.

And what if the athlete wants to join later, as Yordanova stated, who said she would return after her wedding?

Such an approach is completely unacceptable. The athlete cannot decide when to rest and which tournament to participate in! This violates discipline and undermines the coach's authority.

Tell us more about the 4-year contracts – why do you offer them?

We want stability – to know that an athlete will be available for the entire Olympic cycle. This provides security for both the coach and the athlete. If someone is concerned – no problem, they can sign for 1 year. But even that must be signed in November, as the application to the Ministry is prepared based on it. Without a contract, there is no insurance, no accountability, no administrative commitment. Even though Yordanova's contract was not signed, she received equipment and started the camp.

What would you say to the criticism that the federation should seek more motivation from the athletes?

We do everything necessary: we provide hotels, equipment, travel, medication, logistics, psychologists. But there's one thing we cannot give — heart. The desire to wear the national jersey comes from within. No one pressured Maria to come. But if she came — she should have acted responsibly.

Does Maria's case close the door to the national team?

I don't decide that. The coach decides that. If he deems that he needs her, he can call her again. But if someone comes demotivated, they cannot be useful. Team spirit is the most important thing in our sport.

Finally - what do you wish for the team and all the competitors?

To be healthy, to give their all, to support each other and to leave their heart on the field. This is the national team - a symbol of effort, honor, and responsibility.