Bulgarian Football in Chaos: Ultras Protests, Empty Stadiums, and the Fallout from Corruption Allegations

Lisbon, Portugal — Bulgarian football is at a breaking point. Over the past week, unprecedented protests by ultras fan groups—traditionally bitter rivals—have paralyzed the sport’s governing body, forced international matches to be played behind closed doors, and exposed deep-seated corruption within the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU). The climax came during a Euro 2028 qualifier against Hungary, where fans united in Sofia to demand the resignation of BFU officials, only to see their stadiums locked and their voices drowned out by police water cannons.

The protests, which saw ultras from Levski Sofia, CSKA Sofia, Lokomotiv Plovdiv, and Botev Vratsa converge in rare solidarity, reflect a crisis years in the making. Accusations of mismanagement, nepotism, and neglect of club infrastructure have reached a boiling point. The BFU’s decision to relocate the Hungary match to smaller towns—first Razgrad, then Kardzhali—before finally returning to Sofia under heavy police presence only fueled outrage. With over 1,600 officers deployed, the scene was one of tension, not football.

At the heart of the unrest is a demand for accountability: “18 years is enough.” That’s the slogan chanted by protesters, referencing nearly two decades of alleged corruption under the BFU’s leadership. Clubs report crumbling stadiums, unpaid wages, and a national team mired in historical lows. The unity among ultras—groups that have clashed violently in the past—underscores the severity of the crisis. “This isn’t just about one match,” said a Levski ultras leader in a statement to local media. “It’s about the future of Bulgarian football.”

Video: Ultras protests outside Vasil Levski National Stadium, May 14, 2026. Credit: ultras-tifo.net

How the Protests Forced Empty Stadiums and a Police Crackdown

The BFU’s response to the growing unrest has been seen as both reactive and heavy-handed. In the days leading up to the Hungary match, the union closed Vasil Levski National Stadium—Levski Sofia’s home—to fans, citing “security concerns.” However, ultras groups had already booked tickets, and a small contingent of Hungarian supporters, connected to Levski’s fanbase, traveled to Sofia despite the ban.

When the match was initially moved to Botev Plovdiv Stadium, local authorities and the club itself rejected the idea, forcing the BFU to scramble. The union then attempted to relocate the game to Razgrad and Kardzhali—towns with minimal fan presence—but neither stadium met UEFA’s requirements. The final decision? A return to Sofia, with the stadium cordoned off by 1,600 police officers.

The protests began outside the stadium, with ultras from Levski, CSKA, and smaller groups gathering in separate zones before uniting. Objects were thrown at police lines, and water cannons were deployed to disperse crowds. The violence spilled into nearby streets, where clashes continued long after the match’s conclusion. “The police were prepared for a riot, but not for a revolution,” said a witness to ultras-tifo.net, a fan-run news outlet documenting the events.

Corruption Allegations: Why Fans Are Fighting for the Future of Bulgarian Football

The protests are not isolated incidents. For years, Bulgarian football has been plagued by allegations of corruption within the BFU. Clubs report unpaid salaries, abandoned training facilities, and a national team that has failed to qualify for major tournaments in decades. The union’s president and senior officials have faced repeated accusations of nepotism and financial mismanagement.

Levski Sofia, Bulgaria’s most successful club with 33 league titles, has been particularly vocal. In recent months, the club’s fans have accused the BFU of targeting them with disproportionate fines—including a controversial penalty for “disrespectful behavior” during celebration of their 2025 league title. The fine, which some reports suggest exceeded €50,000, was later reduced after public backlash, but the damage was done. “The BFU is playing favorites,” said a Levski ultras spokesperson. “While CSKA gets warnings, we get hammered.”

Key Takeaways:

• United Front: Rival ultras groups—Levski, CSKA, Lokomotiv, and Botev—united in protests, a rarity in Bulgarian football.
• Empty Stadiums: The Hungary qualifier was played behind closed doors due to fan unrest, with matches later moved to smaller towns.
• Corruption Claims: Protesters demand the resignation of BFU officials, citing years of mismanagement and favoritism.
• Police Response: Over 1,600 officers were deployed in Sofia, with water cannons used to disperse protests.
• UEFA Scrutiny: The BFU’s handling of the situation could face further review by European football’s governing body.

What Happens Next? The Road Ahead for Bulgarian Football

The immediate aftermath of the protests remains uncertain. The BFU has not issued a public statement addressing the demands for resignations, but the union’s credibility has been severely damaged. UEFA, which oversees European competitions, may intervene if the BFU’s actions are seen as undermining the integrity of matches.

For now, the focus remains on the fans. Ultras groups have vowed to continue protests until structural changes are made within the BFU. “We’re not just fighting for one game,” said a CSKA ultras leader. “We’re fighting for the soul of Bulgarian football.”

The next critical checkpoint will be the BFU’s response to the protests and any potential disciplinary action from UEFA. Fans and clubs are watching closely, and the coming weeks will determine whether Bulgarian football can break free from its cycle of corruption—or if the crisis will deepen.

How to Follow the Story

For updates on the protests and Bulgarian football’s future, follow:

• ultras-tifo.net (fan-run news)
• UEFA’s official statements
• Local Bulgarian media outlets for BFU developments.

What do you think? Should UEFA intervene in Bulgarian football’s governance? Share your thoughts in the comments below.