Botev Plovdiv President Iliyan Filipov Shot Dead

According to Nova, citing Bulgaria's interior ministry, he was killed while walking home after a football match. Preliminary information points to a single gunshot to the head.

Police and prosecutors confirmed the killing at a briefing but declined to give further details, citing the secrecy of the investigation. Forensic and investigative work was continuing at the scene, with the inquiry only just under way. Officers have set up checkpoints on the roads out of Plovdiv and are inspecting suspicious vehicles as they search for a suspect and for witnesses.

Filipov became Botev's president in June last year. He also owned construction and transport businesses. Botev sit ninth in Bulgaria's top division after 10 rounds.