site.btaLecheva and Kostadinova Discuss BOC Issues, Agree to Meet Again on April 23

Newly elected Bulgarian Olympic Committee (BOC) Chair Vesela Lecheva held a meeting with Stefka Kostadinova, who has led BOC for the past 20 years. Kostadinova remains the acting BOC Chair, as the newly elected leadership headed by Lecheva has not yet been entered into the Commercial Register due to ongoing court appeals.

On March 19, high jump legend Kostadinova, who had led the BOC since 2005 and was seeking re-election for a sixth consecutive term, lost the vote by 33:48 in favour of Lecheva. However, after receiving complaints, the Sofia City Court suspended the registration of the new BOC leadership in the Commercial Register, meaning Kostadinova remains acting BOC President until a final court ruling on the case.

On Thursday, the two sides discussed current BOC issues, pledged to continue their dialogue, and agreed to meet again on April 23.

Following the meeting, Lecheva said the two had a long and thorough discussion regarding the situation in the Bulgarian Olympic Committee. "The conversation was constructive and focused on how the transition of work between the new and former leadership can continue. It is clear that, at this stage, we do not have a joint solution for resolving the situation, but I believe we have made progress by scheduling another meeting for April 23. That meeting will continue the discussion aimed at clarifying the factual circumstances within the BOC," Lecheva explained.

For her part, Kostadinova said she expects an extraordinary BOC General Assembly to be held but voiced uncertainty about whether she will run for the position again.

"We will continue the dialogue. The [BOC] headquarters will operate normally, and Vesela Lecheva will be kept informed of everything. I expect an extraordinary General Assembly at the end of the year, where the [representatives of the Bulgarian] delegation for the Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Games will be confirmed. I might not even be a candidate. The International Olympic Committee is closely monitoring the situation, but there is no danger to Bulgarian sport," Kostadinova underscored.