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Bulgaria FA Chief quits over racist abuse of English footballers

The President of the FA in Bulgaria, Borislav Mihaylov, has quit after the racism which overshado...
John Duggan
John Duggan

15.15 15 Oct 2019


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Bulgaria FA Chief quits over r...

Bulgaria FA Chief quits over racist abuse of English footballers

John Duggan
John Duggan

15.15 15 Oct 2019


Share this article


The President of the FA in Bulgaria, Borislav Mihaylov, has quit after the racism which overshadowed last night's Euro 2020 qualifier against England. 

The game in Sofia, which England won 6-0, was disrupted by monkey chants and Nazi salutes by a section of Bulgarian supporters, which saw the referee halt proceedings twice.

Bulgarian Prime Minster Boyko Borissov had called on Mihaylov to resign, calling the incidents 'shameful'.

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UEFA have come in for criticism for a lack of harsh penalties imposed on associations for these type of offences.

8 years ago, Bulgaria received a fine of €40,000 for racial abuse of England players.

UEFA President Alexander Ceferin has blamed a 'rise in nationalism' on the incidents, stating:  

"Believe me, UEFA is committed to doing everything it can to eliminate this disease from football. We cannot afford to be content with this; we must always strive to strengthen our resolve."

"More broadly, the football family -- everyone from administrators to players, coaches and fans -- needs to work with governments and NGOs to wage war on the racists and to marginalise their abhorrent views to the fringes of society.

"Football associations themselves cannot solve this problem. Governments too need to do more in this area. Only by working together in the name of decency and honour will we make progress."


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