Prosecutors investigate Bulgarian soccer federation president in the wake of violent protests

By VESELIN TOSHKOV
Associated Press

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgaria’s chief prosecutor has launched an investigation into the country’s soccer management. The focus is on the actions of federation president Borislav Mihaylov. Bulgaria’s prime minister also wrote to FIFA President Gianni Infantino urging him to take “decisive action” by removing Mihaylov as federation leader and installing an interim management. The move follows mass protests that gripped Sofia on Thursday. Several thousand soccer fans demand the resignation of Mihaylov. Their fury was fueled by deciding to play a European Championship qualifying match against Hungary in an empty stadium. The protests eventually turned violent and dozens of fans and policemen were injured. Police detained nearly 40 people.