site.btaFIFA, UEFA Presidents Express Confidence in Bulgaria's Football Rejuvenation

The Presidents of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Gianni Infantino and Aleksander Ceferin delivered their greetings from the podium in the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia at the beginning of the gala evening dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU).

Infantino recounted the Bulgarian national team's journey in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers, as well as at the World Cup itself. He recalled how the Bulgarian tale began shortly before the November 17, 1993, France-Bulgaria match with Israel's victory over France, which made Bulgaria's qualification for the tournament later that year.

He then reflected on Yordan Letchkov's header that eliminated Germany in the quarter-finals and sent Bulgaria to its best achievement so far - a World Cup semi-final.

Infantino also said that Bulgaria is full of talent and expects new successes. He also underlined several times his friendship with the most successful Bulgarian football player Hristo Stoichkov.

"I аm happy to be here. We are celebrating 100 years of Bulgarian football - 101 years to be precise. That is fantastic. Yes, the calling card of Bulgarian football is the World Cup in 1994. Yes, it is part of the past, but it shows that it can be the future, it shows what is possible in this beautiful country," The FIFA President added.

Ceferin said he was confident in the revival of Bulgarian success, but warned that the road to it would not be easy.

"You have rich traditions. Bulgaria is an important football country that has its ups and downs, which is normal. I think the glory days of Bulgarian football will return. I see that under Georgi Ivanov's leadership things are going in the right direction. The infrastructure is improving," the UEFA President argued.

A speech was also given by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, who recalled both the glorious successes of Bulgarian football and the great names Bulgaria has given to the game at European level. The Head of State awarded the BFU organization with the President's Badge of Honour.

Afterwards, the gala evening continued with a video about the pioneering years of Bulgarian football, the two Balkan Cups won in 1932 and 1935, as well as the first steps of the national team.