site.btaAssociation of Bulgarian Sports Federations Boasts 30% Increase in Funding for Sports

The Association of the Bulgarian Sports Federations (ABSF) held its regular annual general meeting here on Wednesday, at which it reported on its achievements and on its goals for 2026. ABSF Chair Ivan Tsenov reported that in its first few months, the association managed to secure an additional 30% in funding for Bulgarian sports, as this was the amount by which the budget of the Ministry of Youth and Sports was increased.

Tsenov said: "After a series of meetings with political parties and [Sports] Minister Ivan Peshev, we received this increase, which provided additional opportunities."

The ABSF is calling for no delays in signing the sports federations' contracts for 2026, even though the government has resigned, since the sporting calendar for Bulgarian athletes begins in early January. The ABSF will also insist on more substantial financial adjustments to the 2026 budget when it comes to preparing the new financial framework.

Georgi Avramchev, member of the ABSF Management Board, said: "Over the past two years, we have seen a significant increase in the prices of hotels and tickets, not only abroad but also in Bulgaria. It is becoming very difficult to follow the international calendar."

The association will fight for sports to be financed with 0.5% of GDP, as is the case in other European Member States.