More than 12,000 supporters have secured tickets for Botev Plovdiv’s upcoming match against Slavia, turning the October 10 fixture into an emotional tribute following the fatal shooting of club owner Iliyan Filipov in late September.
Over 12,000 Supporters Rally for the Slavia Match
Botev Plovdiv supporters have rallied in massive numbers ahead of the team’s first fixture since the killing of their owner and financial benefactor. Exactly 12,270 fans secured their places at Hristo Botev Stadium just one week before the scheduled encounter.
The match against Slavia, set for October 10 at 20:00, carries profound emotional weight for the club and its followers. In a gesture to encourage a packed stadium, management priced general admission tickets at 1 euro, opening side sectors after initial sales surged. By the approach of matchday, close to 12,500 total tickets had been sold, leaving remaining availability strictly restricted to North Stand and South Stand seating.
This match will be much more than football — the yellow-and-black family will gather to honor the memory of their president Iliyan Filipov, who was killed.
The club noted the deep significance of the event in an official statement, stating that filling the 18,777-capacity venue to its absolute limit was a primary ambition of their late leader. The team invited every yellow-and-black heart to gather at what they described as his second home to express their gratitude.
Kostadin Filipov Vows to Continue His Father’s Work
The club’s future leadership has become the central focus in Plovdiv following the tragedy. Kostadin Filipov announced that he will step forward to manage the club and honor his father’s legacy. In an emotional public statement, the businessman expressed deep gratitude to the Ministry of Interior—ranging from the interior minister down to the last employee involved in the case—for their lightning-fast reaction, professionalism, and effective work during an extremely difficult moment. He additionally expressed hope that the prosecution and court would demonstrate equal responsibility and determination so that the truth is established and justice triumphs.
For me, the battle continues. We continue to work for your name, for your honor, and for everything you have built. We will preserve what has been achieved and build upon it with all the strength, will, and responsibility that you yourself taught us.
Sofia Authorities Arrest Suspect Before Championship Fixture
Authorities in Sofia arrested a suspect in connection with the killing hours after the incident.
With season tickets and package bundles remaining valid for the fixture, the turnout nears the venue’s total capacity of 18,777 seats. As players and staff prepare to take the pitch in black kits against Slavia during this 11th-round championship fixture, the community remains united behind the younger Filipov in his mission to realize his father’s unfulfilled dream of a completely finished and packed stadium.