Bulgarian Football Club Apologizes for Mistaken Tribute to Living Former Player

Arda Kardzhali held a minute’s silence for ex-player Petko Ganchev, later realizing he was alive and issuing a public apology.

Arda Kardzhali mistakenly held a minute’s silence for former player Petko Ganchev during a match on March 16, believing he had passed away.
The club quickly issued a public apology on Facebook after realizing the error, attributing it to incorrect information.
Petko Ganchev, 78, described the incident as stressful but found humor in the situation, saying he poured himself a brandy upon hearing the news.
The mistake caused confusion and distress for Ganchev and his family, with his wife tearfully informing him of the announcement upon his return home.
This incident adds to a history of similar errors in football, where clubs have prematurely announced the deaths of players or supporters.