Tensions Rise in Bulgarian Parliament Over Anton Zingarevich’s 10-Year Ban
The Bulgarian Parliament is set to witness a heated session as deputies prepare to question the heads of the State Agency “National Security” and the State Agency “Intelligence” regarding the controversial 10-year entry ban imposed on Russian businessman Anton Zingarevich, the owner of Professional Football Club “botev” – Plovdiv.
Plamen Tonchev, chairman of the State Agency “National Security,” and Antoine Gechev, chairman of the State Agency “Intelligence,” will face scrutiny from MPs seeking clarity on the reasons behind the restrictions. The session, scheduled for Friday, comes after a formal request from MPs representing “BSP-United Left,” “There is such a people” (ITN), “Vazrazhdane,” and “We continue the change-Democratic Bulgaria” (PP-DB).
Anton Zingarevich, a prominent figure in the football world and former owner of Reading Football Club, has been barred from entering Bulgaria for a decade. The ban, described as a “threat to national security,” has sparked widespread debate and concern, particularly among supporters of PFC “Botev” – Plovdiv.
In December, the club’s management held a working meeting with MPs from various political parties to discuss the situation. Representatives from PP-DB, “BSP-united Left,” ITN, and “Vazrazhdane” attended the meeting, pledging their support to uncover the reasons behind the ban. “During the meeting, the deputies made a commitment and declared their readiness to jointly assist in finding a solution that would clarify what is happening with the majority owner of the club,” the club stated in an official announcement.
The case has drawn significant attention, not only due to Zingarevich’s involvement in football but also because of the broader implications for foreign investors in Bulgaria. The parliamentary hearing aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the ban and its potential impact on the club’s future.
| Key Details |
|——————|
| Subject | Anton Zingarevich’s 10-year ban from Bulgaria |
| Reason | Alleged threat to national security |
| Affected Club| PFC “Botev” – plovdiv |
| MPs Involved | BSP-United Left, ITN, Vazrazhdane, PP-DB |
| Hearing Date | Friday, January 17, 2025 |
As the hearing approaches, all eyes are on Parliament, where the answers provided by Tonchev and Gechev could have far-reaching consequences for both Zingarevich and Bulgarian football. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
