The Bulgarian Olympic Committee (BOC) is navigating a period of transition as long-serving Secretary General Belcho Goranov has departed his position and taken on a new role with the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation. The move comes amid ongoing legal challenges to the election of Vesela Lecheva as BOC President, replacing Stefka Kostadinova, and signals potential further shifts within the organization’s leadership structure.
Goranov’s departure, confirmed by sources within Lecheva’s team, marks the end of a 21-year tenure as the BOC’s Secretary General, beginning with Kostadinova’s election in 2005. He was a key figure during Kostadinova’s leadership, but also one of the individuals who filed appeals against the decisions made at the BOC General Assembly on March 19, 2025, where Lecheva secured the presidency. The situation highlights the deep divisions within Bulgarian sport administration.
The 63-year-classic Goranov, a former wrestler, has a long history in sports administration, including roles with the Central Sports Club of the Bulgarian Sports Federation (BSFS), the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation, and as chief of staff to the President of the Bulgarian Football Union, Ivan Slavkov, from 2002 to 2004. He also currently chairs the Legal and Ethics Commission of United World Wrestling, the international governing body for the sport. Segabg.com reports that Goranov’s new position is as Secretary General of the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation.
Initially, Goranov accepted a proposal to remain as Secretary General under Lecheva’s leadership at the March 19, 2025 assembly, and was elected by the delegates. But, he quickly reversed his decision, becoming the first to file a legal challenge with the Sofia City Court against the election of Lecheva, as well as the election of the Executive and Control Boards. This swift about-face underscored the contentious nature of the leadership transition.
Legal Battles and Leadership Changes
In response to Goranov’s departure, Vesela Lecheva nominated Danail Dimov as the new Secretary General. Meanwhile, Goranov remained within the team of Stefka Kostadinova, who is still officially registered as the BOC Chairman in the Trade Register, as the Sofia City Court has not yet reviewed all seven appeals filed against the election results. As of March 13, 2026, the court had heard five of the lawsuits, ruling in favor of Lecheva in four of them, and in favor of Kostadinova in the one filed by Goranov. Publika.bg detailed these legal proceedings.
The resignation of Goranov from Kostadinova’s team is seen as a sign of internal problems within the former leadership’s circle. Sources suggest that further resignations are likely, particularly given concerns about potential funding shortages. The BOC receives subsidies from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), but the IOC has officially recognized Vesela Lecheva and ceased contact with Kostadinova’s supporters.
Implications for Bulgarian Sport
The ongoing legal disputes and leadership changes within the BOC have created a period of uncertainty for Bulgarian sport. The resolution of the court cases will be crucial in determining the future direction of the organization. The financial stability of the BOC, dependent on both national and international funding, is also a key concern. The shift in leadership and the IOC’s recognition of Lecheva suggest a potential realignment of priorities and strategies for Bulgarian Olympic efforts.
What comes next will depend heavily on the outcome of the remaining legal challenges and the BOC’s ability to secure stable funding. The organization faces the task of unifying its stakeholders and preparing for future Olympic competitions under new leadership. The situation warrants close observation as it unfolds, with potential implications for the development of sport in Bulgaria.
Share your thoughts on these developments in the comments below.
