Fresh turmoil for Ireland's Nations League playoff opponents Bulgaria as boss quits

“I keep my word,” Ilian Iliev told BGNES about acting out his threat of quitting.

RESIGNED: Bulgaria manager Ilian Iliev has tabled his resignation. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Bulgaria have been thrown into chaos ahead of their upcoming Nations League playoff against Ireland after manager Ilian Iliev tabled his resignation.

He became the team’s fourth manager in four years when appointed in November 2023 but double-jobbing with Varna-based domestic club Cherno More has landed him in controversy.

Accusations of the arrangement causing a conflict of interest have arisen, leading to clashes with the President of the Bulgarian FA.

“I keep my word,” Iliev told BGNES about acting out his threat of quitting.

“I cannot act differently after the lies that were told about me. Let's see who the Executive Committee believes - me or Atanas Karaivanov."

His national association confirmed the resignation request will be discussed next week.

"Today (March 4) the coach of the Bulgarian national team Ilian Iliev submitted his resignation electronically. It will be considered at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Bulgarian Football Union, which will be held next week," read the official statement of the BFU.

By finishing runners-up in the League C of the Uefa Nations League, Bulgaria were drawn against Ireland, a third-placed finisher in League B.

Whichever team emerges from the two-leg playoff, on Thursday, March 20 in Plovdiv and Sunday, March 23, at Lansdowne Road, will earn the right to compete in League B of the next, fifth series in late 2026.

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson will unveil his squad for the double-header on Thursday week.