Bulgarian club owner shot dead

Bulgarian businessman Elian Filipov, the largest shareholder in Botev Plovdiv football club, was shot dead in Plovdiv early Wednesday morning, according to BNR Radio and local media. Reports indicate that Filipov, owner of the transport and logistics company BIMK, was shot around 1:00 AM local time inside one of his properties in the city. Bulgarian authorities immediately launched an investigation to determine the circumstances, identify the perpetrators, and ascertain the motive. Police implemented heightened security measures, including closing several main roads and access points to and from Plovdiv. Plovdiv Prosecutor Vanya Hristeva stated at a press conference that authorities are examining all possible leads, adding, "We are pursuing all leads and potential hypotheses, and we are working to rule out or confirm any possibility as quickly as possible." Filipov is one of Bulgaria's most prominent businessmen and is closely associated with Botev Plovdiv, one of the country's well-known football clubs, through his majority shareholding. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities have yet to announce any arrests or determine a motive.