The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has reported a financial loss of approximately €376,000 for 2025 and expects to remain in deficit in 2026, according to figures presented at its latest congress.
The federation generated revenues of €15.67 million in 2025, but expenditures slightly exceeded that total. The largest costs were staff salaries, amounting to €3.66 million, followed by national team-related expenses of nearly €3.5 million. Investment in football development stood at just over €1 million, while maintaining domestic leagues and amateur competitions cost around €826,000.
On the revenue side, the biggest contributor was UEFA, providing €6.35 million, while FIFA added €1.3 million. Income from club fines and administrative fees reached €2.82 million, whereas television rights generated a relatively modest €386,000.
Looking ahead to 2026, the BFU forecasts revenues of €15.3 million, with planned spending expected to exceed that by €353,000. Salary costs are projected to rise slightly to €3.7 million, while UEFA is again set to be the primary revenue source, contributing more than €7.2 million.
BFU President Georgi Ivanov highlighted significant infrastructure issues, particularly in the capital Sofia, where thousands of players reportedly share limited training facilities. He stressed that without stronger support from the state and local municipalities, meaningful progress in football development will be difficult.
Executive Director Andrey Petrov emphasized the need for a strategic shift toward developing domestic talent, arguing that Bulgarian football should not function primarily as a transfer marketplace for foreign players.
The federation now faces the dual challenge of stabilizing its finances while addressing long-standing structural and infrastructure limitations, with officials calling for increased public investment to support the future of football in the country.