Bulgaria coach Balakov resigns following racism fallout
Boss says he resigned due to recent run of unsatisfactory performances
Sofia: Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov stepped down from his role on Friday, four days after home fans subjected England’s black players with racist abuse during a Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia.
The 53-year-old was in charge of the team in the 6-0 defeat by England on Monday when some of the supporters taunted the visitors with Nazi salutes and monkey chants, prompting match officials to halt the game twice.
The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU), however, said in a statement Balakov had resigned due to the team’s recent run of unsatisfactory performances and that the executive committee had accepted it.
“My decision to step down has nothing to do with Prime Minister (Boyko) Borissov asking for my resignation the day after the game against England. My patience is over,” Balakov was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“We did what we had to do regarding the security during the game against England. Bulgaria is not a racist country.”
Balakov had said after the game he had not heard any racist abuse from the stands but apologised to the England team for the fans’ behaviour in an email to reporters late on Tuesday.
BFU president Borislav Mihaylov has also resigned and police in the country have made 12 arrests so far.