Lisbon, Portugal – April 30, 2026 – In a landmark moment for Bulgarian football, Levski Sofia has secured its 26th domestic trophy, effectively claiming the Bulgarian Supercup title following a decision by the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU). The announcement, confirmed by multiple Bulgarian news outlets, marks Levski’s first Supercup victory in 17 years and signals a potential turning point for the historic club. The achievement is particularly significant for Levski’s owner, Nasko Sirakov, who has overseen a period of rebuilding and renewed ambition at the club.
The decision to award Levski the Supercup stems from the cancellation of the match against Ludogorets, the regular season champions, due to ongoing organizational issues and disputes surrounding referee appointments. This outcome has sparked considerable debate within Bulgarian football circles, with Sirakov himself voicing strong criticisms of the BFU’s handling of officiating and the integrity of the competition. The situation underscores the challenges facing Bulgarian football as it strives for greater transparency and fairness.
Sirakov’s Criticism of Referee Appointments
Nasko Sirakov, the majority owner of Levski, has been vocal in his concerns regarding the appointment of referees for key matches, particularly the Supercup final. On February 1, 2026, Sirakov publicly criticized the BFU’s decision to appoint Ventsislav Mitrev as the VAR official for the match against Ludogorets, describing the selection as a “provocation” towards Levski. Sportal.bg reported that Sirakov believed the appointment was not coincidental and suggested it was a test of the club’s vigilance regarding officiating decisions.
Sirakov’s concerns stem from a meeting held with the BFU’s Refereeing Committee on September 29, 2025, where assurances were reportedly given regarding transparency and improved communication. He expressed his disappointment that these promises appeared to have been unfulfilled, fueling his skepticism about the fairness of the Supercup final’s officiating. “The choice of the VAR team is a provocation towards the ‘blue’ club,” Sirakov stated, according to Paragraf.bg. He emphasized the importance of meticulous attention to detail in ensuring fair play.
Seventeen Years Without a Title
Levski’s Supercup victory ends a 17-year drought for the club, marking their first major trophy since 2009. This prolonged period without silverware has been a source of frustration for Levski’s passionate fanbase, who have eagerly awaited a return to domestic dominance. The win is seen as a validation of Sirakov’s efforts to revitalize the club and build a competitive squad. BGdnes.bg highlighted the significance of this achievement, noting Levski’s long wait for a title.
Sirakov acknowledged the immense support from the fans, recognizing the “incredible atmosphere” surrounding the team. However, he cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that “we have not yet won anything and serious battles await us.” He also highlighted the challenges faced during the recent transfer window, stating that the club responded effectively to external pressures and secured key victories despite the difficulties. Sirakov credited the team’s success to a dedicated and professional staff working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Focus on Youth Development and Bulgarian Talent
Beyond the immediate triumph of the Supercup, Sirakov has also expressed his views on the broader development of Bulgarian football, particularly regarding youth talent. Speaking at celebrations marking 110 years of FC Beroe and 40 years since their league title, Sirakov voiced his concerns about the current state of youth development in the country. He suggested that a long-term, 10-year program, ideally led by experts from countries with established football academies, is necessary to improve the quality of young Bulgarian players.
Sirakov questioned the effectiveness of the BFU’s new rule mandating that clubs field a player under the age of 23 for at least 45 minutes in each match. He argued that this rule could artificially inflate the value of young players without necessarily improving their quality. “If I had 20 children to play in the first team, they would all play,” he stated, adding that he would seek talent from abroad if necessary. He emphasized his commitment to identifying and developing Bulgarian players but acknowledged the difficulty of finding individuals who can compete at Levski’s desired level.
The Road Ahead for Levski Sofia
With the Supercup secured, Levski Sofia now turns its attention to maintaining its momentum and challenging for further honors. The club’s success will likely depend on its ability to continue attracting and developing talented players, both Bulgarian and international, and to navigate the complexities of the Bulgarian football landscape. Sirakov’s leadership and his commitment to transparency and fair play will be crucial in achieving these goals.
The awarding of the Supercup to Levski, while controversial, represents a significant moment for the club and its supporters. It provides a platform for renewed optimism and a chance to build a sustainable future based on sporting success and ethical principles. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Levski can capitalize on this opportunity and re-establish itself as a dominant force in Bulgarian football.
Key Takeaways
- Levski Sofia has been awarded the 2026 Bulgarian Supercup following the cancellation of the match against Ludogorets.
- Nasko Sirakov, Levski’s owner, has been critical of the BFU’s referee appointments and lack of transparency.
- The Supercup victory ends a 17-year trophy drought for Levski, marking a significant milestone for the club.
- Sirakov has emphasized the importance of youth development and expressed concerns about the BFU’s new rule regarding young players.
- Levski will now focus on building on this success and challenging for further honors in the future.
The BFU is expected to release a full statement detailing the rationale behind its decision regarding the Supercup in the coming days. Fans and stakeholders will be closely watching for further developments as Levski Sofia embarks on a new chapter in its storied history. Share your thoughts on Levski’s Supercup win and the future of Bulgarian football in the comments below.