Islamabad, Mar 18 2025: Bulgarian top-flight football club Arda Kardzhali has issued an apology after mistakenly holding a minute’s silence for a former player, only to later realise he was still alive.
Before their league match against Levski Sofia on Sunday, both teams gathered at the centre of the pitch to observe a moment of silence in memory of Petko Ganchev.
Players bowed their heads in respect, believing that the former footballer had passed away. However, before the match had even finished, the club learned that the news was incorrect.
Club Issues Public Apology
Shortly after realising the mistake, Arda Kardzhali released a statement on their official Facebook page, expressing regret over the situation.
The club explained that they had received inaccurate information regarding Ganchev’s supposed passing and apologised to him and his family.
In the statement, the club extended their best wishes to Ganchev, hoping he continues to enjoy good health and celebrate Arda’s achievements.
The untoward incident quickly gained attention on social media, with football fans and media reacting to the unusual mix-up.
While such mistakes are rare in professional football, this blunder serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying sensitive information before making public announcements.
