site.btaBulgarian and International Football Veterans Gather in Burgas for "Match of Hope" Charity Event
A Bulgaria football team lost to an international All Stars side 3-4 during a Match of Hope in Burgas on Saturday in support of various charitable causes. The initiative came from Stiliyan Petrov, former captain of the Bulgarian national squad, an inductee at England's Aston Villa Hall of Fame and winner of four Scottish Premier League titles and six other trophies with Celtic.
Part of the funds raised from the event will be directed towards supporting the medical treatment of ex-football stars Lyuboslav Penev and Petar Hubchev.
Before the game at Lazur Stadium in the coastal city, the President of Bulgaria, Iliana Iotova, said: "I am here to personally support this cause. I am seeing Stiliyan Petrov in person for the first time. Until now I have only watched him in football matches and followed his career throughout the years. This initiative is not only charitable; it shows that we can unite around a cause and be in solidarity – not only with those in need, but also with everyone else."
President Iotova sees "something very symbolic" about the fact that the match was taking place just a few days before the FIFA World Cup. She said she adores football.
A number of well-known names from Bulgarian and world football and public figures from other spheres of life took part in the fundraising match. The evening at Lazur Stadium began with a live show by Bulgarian singer Papi Hans.
The event was attended by the Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov, Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov and Deputy Mayor for Tourism and Sports Manol Todorov, and members of the Bulgarian parliament.
In March 2012, Stiliyan Petrov was diagnosed with acute leukaemia, suspending his football career to undergo treatment which was ultimately successful. In August 2012, it was announced that the midfielder's leukaemia was in remission. He announced his retirement from football in May 2013, and led his family out on the Villa Park pitch for a lap of honour, to applaud the Aston Villa fans who supported him during his illness, on the final day of the 2012–13 season. Later, he worked as a coach. Petrov has initiated several charity football matches.
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