December 1 – In the midst of the strongest season for Gabrovo football in three decades, OFC Yantra has been left without financial support by the Bulgarian city’s Municipal Council.
Ahead of OFC Yantra’s final two matches for 2025 – fixtures that could prove decisive in the battle for the promotional spot from Bulgaria’s second tier – the club’s staff, including players and the coaching team, will be unpaid.
The Gabrovo Municipal Council voted by majority against the request for the additional financial aid that was promised when the budget was approved at the beginning of the year.
The club had fulfilled all legal reporting requirements and provided the documentation requested by the municipal administration. Within the city it was viewed as an attempt to divide and antagonise the city’s sports community.
“We, however, showed that sport in Gabrovo is united. That the clubs and their athletes support, respect, and defend each other mutually,” said a club statement.
“For this, we wholeheartedly thank everyone who stood by us with solidarity and understanding in this difficult moment. We also thank those councillors who did support us.”
Despite the local government’s indifference towards OFC Yantra’s most successful season in the last 30 years, the club vows not to deviate from its path.
The statement concludes: “The club will find the strength and the way to continue the fight for the top positions. Yantra is a cause. Yantra will not surrender. We sincerely thank the supporters who are always with us – in joy and difficulties, in victories and trials!”
Currently Yantra Gabrovo sits in third place in the Mr Bit Second League with a real chance for promotion to the top tier in Bulgaria.
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1764551092labto1764551092ofdlr1764551092owedi1764551092sni@o1764551092fni1764551092