The Bulgarian Football Union categorically condemns the circulated intentions for future changes in the law affecting the advertising of gambling and betting companies in our country.

This was stated in a statement from the headquarters of the Federal Security Service.

We regard this successive attempt to earn political dividends as a potentially catastrophic blow to Bulgarian football and Bulgarian sports in general. 

Both in our country and in the rest of the civilized world, licensed bookmakers support clubs, federations and competitions - even the biggest championships and teams on the planet advertise such brands and invest their income in the development of the game.

In Bulgaria, more than two-thirds of the clubs, both professional and amateur, exist precisely thanks to funding from the industry, and the possible interruption of this source of funds would mean almost certain bankruptcy of most of them.

Companies from the online gambling sector have signed a memorandum for socially responsible advertising of their activities

Dear politicians, the level of Bulgarian football and Bulgarian sports is not due to gambling companies, it is not the result of the work of federations or a lack of talent, but it is a direct consequence of the passivity of the state in relation to sports and football in particular.

The examples of the successes of neighboring countries are a direct merit of the attitude of the relevant authorities - both strategic and financial.

The social return from sports is not difficult to measure, on the contrary - but unfortunately in Bulgaria the term "social return" is apparently unknown. 

Bulgarian football suffers because of the unwillingness of the state to engage with it, Bulgaria does not have a normal stadium for the same reason, and while the Bulgarian voter is waiting for a stable cabinet, you are about to hit the main, if not the only, source of funds for the existence of our sport .

We have long been aware that football is the last concern of the Bulgarian state - except in cases where it is used for populist purposes.

We know we can't expect help, but we urge you to at least not get in his way.

Because your current intentions and ambitions will surely turn out to be much more than just another obstacle.

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