Bulgarian Footballer-Mayor Lechkov Gets Suspended Sentence

Sliven mayor and famous former Bulgarian national football player Yordan Lechkov. BGNES

Sliven mayor, famous Bulgarian ex-star footballer Yordan Lechkov, got a 3-year suspended jail sentence for breach of official duties, in a protracted trial in Yambol.

Lechkov was sentenced for giving municipal properties for use to private companies without proper public procurement, during the period 2008-10.

"I did not expect this sentence and I will sure appeal, as there is no single piece of sound evidence against me," commented Lechkov.

The outgoing Sliven mayor has tabled his candidacy for another term for October 23 elections, and has been backed by ruling party in Bulgaria, PM Boyko Borisov's center right GERB.

Last week, the European Commission froze all EU funds for Sliven due to signals of corruption and misappropriation at the municipality.

The trial for power abuse against Lechkov has dragged for many months, after judges refused to preside over it and courts reversed prior decisions.

A little more than a year ago, Lechkov's service in office was suspended by the local district court over alleged abuse of power. He was however reinstated just a few months later.

Prosecutors have raised a total of 9 charges against Lechkov. They involve the sale of the flea market in the city which did not respect the decision of the municipal council. Lechkov is also alleged to have put pressure on the local National Revenue Agency office to cover up tax audits of certain local companies. Companies linked to the mayor, are also said to have benefited from dozens of public procurement deals.

Yordan Lechkov, currently also a Vice President of the Bulgarian Football Federation, was a key member of the historically best Bulgarian national football team, who went on to grab the fourth place at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA.

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