Going May Get Tough for Bulgaria's Stoichkov

Hristo Stoichkov is pictured here during better times of his life, when he printed his foot in cement at 'The Champions Promenade' in Monaco after being awarded Golden Foot 2007 for his football career. Photo by EPA/BGNES

South African team Mamelodi Sundowns plans to impose a fine on its former coach, legendary Bulgarian footballer Hristo Stoichkov, if he fails to prove allegations of corruption in the country's football federation.

"Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club is committed to good relations and to cooperate with SAFA, the PSL and other Stakeholders of football in South Africa. Depending on the outcome of the Premier Soccer League disciplinary proceedings against Hristo Stoichkov, Sundowns may take further appropriate action,” reads an official statement on the site of the club.

It points out that Mamelodi Sundowns disapproves of any statements which may have been made by its employees or people associated with the Club which may have a negative or derogatory impact on SAFA, the PSL, and other Stakeholders on football in South Africa.

At the end of February this year Hristo Stoichkov accused the management the local Premier Soccer League (PSL) of corruption.

Stoichkov was upset by the decision to resume the match against Moroka Swallows from the 36th minute and a 0:2 score, instead of starting from the beginning.

The game was abandoned in midweek due to flood light failure at the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville. The teams ended even with a score of 3:3 which put the Swallows 4 points away from the top place two rounds before the end of the championship.

“These people are corrupt. This was a dumb decision; this is bad for the people. These people never played football and have no idea what is going on. The managers just spoil football in this country. The sport is developing but they are stuck in one place,” Stoichkov said in a bout of anger after the game.

Stoichkov resigned as the coach of South African team Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, leaving reportedly offended because the team did not offer him an extension of his contract.

The 44-year-old Bulgarian coach took over Mamelodi Sundowns in July 2009, and led the team to the second position in the South African championship.

He has declared several times his readiness to continue coaching the club but to no avail.

It is unclear if Stoichkov is going to leave the team immediately or if he is going to stay until June 2010 when his contract expires.

The legendary Bulgarian striker is going to be in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup in his capacity of a commentator for a Mexican TV station.

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