In a bizarre turn of events, Bulgarian football club Arda Kardzhali has issued an apology after mistakenly holding a minute’s silence for former player Petko Ganchev, only to later discover that he is still alive. The incident occurred before Arda’s league match against Levski Sofia on Sunday, March 16, 2025, leaving fans and players in disbelief.
The mix-up began when Arda held the tribute as part of their pre-match ceremony. Both teams lined up in the centre circle of the pitch, heads bowed, as a mark of respect for Ganchev. The fans observed the moment of silence, unaware that the club had been misinformed about Ganchev’s death. It wasn’t until later in the game that the truth came to light.
After receiving the shocking news that Ganchev was, in fact, alive, Arda Kardzhali swiftly took to social media to apologise for the error. In a post on the club’s official Facebook page, the club management expressed deep regret over the situation and apologised to the former player, his family, and all those involved.
“The management of PFC Arda would like to express a huge apology to the former Arda player Petko Ganchev and his relatives after the club received wrong information about his death,” the statement read. “We wish Petko Ganchev many more years of good health and to enjoy the success of Arda.”
The apology came as a relief to many who were shocked by the unnecessary tribute, and it seems the club took immediate steps to clarify the situation.
It remains unclear how the mistake occurred, but it is believed that Arda Kardzhali had received incorrect information from an unreliable source. The confusion might have stemmed from a previous rumor or from misinformation that was spread without confirmation.
This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of verifying sensitive information, especially when it concerns the well-being of individuals. In the world of professional football, where emotions run high and traditions such as tributes to players are common, the responsibility to get the facts right is crucial.
The mix-up quickly caught the attention of fans and the wider football community. Supporters of both Arda Kardzhali and Levski Sofia expressed their surprise and disbelief, particularly when the news spread that Ganchev was alive and well.
Many fans took to social media to share their thoughts. Some expressed confusion and concern over how such an error could occur, while others sympathised with the club, understanding that mistakes can happen.
“I don’t know how this happened, but I’m just glad to hear that Ganchev is alive. Wishing him all the best and hope this incident doesn’t cause him too much distress,” wrote one fan on Twitter.
Others showed support for the club, understanding that this was simply an unfortunate mistake. “Accidents happen, but the important thing is that the player is alive and well. I’m sure the club didn’t mean to cause any harm,” said another supporter.
As of now, there has been no official public statement from Petko Ganchev himself, but the club’s apology was likely communicated to him directly. Ganchev, who played for Arda Kardzhali in the past, likely felt surprised by the tribute and the attention it brought, but it is clear that he is in good health, as indicated by the club’s apology.
Although Ganchev’s health status remains unconfirmed through direct sources, the incident appears to have been a case of miscommunication rather than any genuine health crisis.
Tributes in football are a common practice, especially when a player, coach, or staff member is seriously ill or passes away. These gestures, like holding a minute’s silence before a match, are meant to honour their contributions to the sport and show respect for the individual. However, as seen in this case, a tribute based on incorrect information can have unintended consequences.
For Arda Kardzhali, this is a rare and unfortunate incident, and it has drawn attention to the club’s need for more caution in verifying sensitive news, particularly when it involves former players who still maintain a connection to the club.
This mix-up also brings to light the broader issue of misinformation and its impact on public figures. In the age of social media and instant news, information can spread quickly, but not all of it is verified before being shared. Public figures like Ganchev, especially those with ties to large communities like football clubs, can often find themselves caught in the crossfire of rumors and incorrect news.
While the incident was ultimately resolved with an apology, it serves as a reminder of the need for careful communication, particularly when dealing with matters related to a person’s life or death. With fans, media, and the public all playing a part in the spread of information, it is essential to ensure that facts are checked before they are shared widely.
Arda Kardzhali has expressed regret over the situation, and they will likely take measures to ensure that similar mistakes do not happen again. The club could consider improving its communication channels and protocols for handling sensitive information in the future, particularly in relation to player health or news regarding their well-being.
For football fans and the broader public, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fact-checking and the responsibility we all share in ensuring that news, especially of a serious nature, is accurate before it is spread. As for Ganchev, he can now continue enjoying his life and career, while the football community watches to see how the situation develops.
