Botev Plovdiv owner Iliyan Filipov assassinated in Plovdiv

Iliyan Filipov, the owner and president of the Bulgarian football club Botev Plovdiv, was assassinated in the early hours of Wednesday, September 30, 2026. He was found dead at a property he owned in the city of Plovdiv after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Filipov was a prominent Bulgarian business figure, known primarily as the owner of PIMK, one of the country's largest transport and logistics companies. Local reports suggest the attack occurred at approximately 01:00 local time. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Bulgarian sports community and business sector.

Following the discovery of the body, Bulgarian authorities initiated an urgent investigation. Police forces were deployed to secure the scene and closed off major entry and exit points of the city to pursue potential leads. As of now, no suspects have been identified, and law enforcement officials have stated that they are investigating all possible motives and scenarios regarding the targeted attack.