Plovdiv woke under tightened security after PFK Botev Plovdiv owner Iliyan Filipov was shot dead at his property in the early hours between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Filipov, 53, was a prominent Bulgarian businessman as well as the club’s owner. He also served as director of PIMK, one of Bulgaria’s leading transport and logistics companies.
Quick facts
- Iliyan Filipov, owner of PFK Botev Plovdiv, was 53.
- He was killed at around 1am between Tuesday and Wednesday.
- The shooting took place at his property in Plovdiv.
- Investigators are examining all possible leads.
- Main approaches to the city were sealed by police.
The businessman was reportedly struck by a gunshot to the head. Police moved to cordon off key access routes into Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city, situated roughly 150 kilometres from Sofia.
A murder investigation is under way to establish the circumstances of the killing and identify those responsible. Plovdiv district prosecutor Vanya Hristeva said authorities were pursuing every potential line of inquiry.
The death sends shock through Botev Plovdiv, one of the country’s historic clubs, at a time when the city’s football community is facing a grave event beyond the stadium.
