Sports Law in Bulgaria

Advice for athletes, coaches and sports organisations

I am Lachezar Vesov, an attorney in Sofia. My professional background includes roles in the Bulgarian Football Union’s disciplinary and appellate structures, described in my professional profile. This experience informs my understanding of sports administration alongside my work in commercial, employment and civil law.

Each instruction is subject to a conflict-of-interest check. I do not accept representation in a matter in which I exercise decision-making functions. Institutional roles do not provide privileged access or a guarantee of a particular outcome.

Contracts and negotiations

Legal work can include reviewing and drafting agreements between athletes, coaches and clubs; payment and bonus arrangements; amendments; termination documents; and settlements. The sport, the parties’ status and the relevant federation’s current rules must be identified before advising on a specific contract.

Legal advice on a document is distinct from regulated sports-agent or intermediary activity. Where a proposed role involves such activity, the relevant authorisation requirements must be checked separately.

Sponsorship, advertising and image use

Sponsorship agreements should define the advertising inventory, the rights each party controls, payment, approvals and the consequences of a cancelled event or reduced exposure. A club’s permission to use its badge does not automatically authorise use of an athlete’s image, a photographer’s work or a broadcaster’s footage.

I can assist with the allocation of these responsibilities and with clear contractual arrangements between sponsors, clubs, athletes and event organisers.

Clubs, academies and sports businesses

• Organisational documents, internal approvals and agreements between founders or business partners.
• Contracts for coaches, suppliers, sponsors and other service providers.
• Commercial arrangements for academies, camps and tournaments, including participant terms and cancellation arrangements.
• Leases and other arrangements for sports facilities, with property and operational checks appropriate to the project.
• Ongoing legal support and assessment of contractual claims or settlement options.

Disputes require the right route

An unpaid fee, an employment dispute and a disciplinary decision may follow different procedures. The contract, applicable law and sports rules determine the available forum and steps. There is no single appeal deadline for every sports dispute, and not every disagreement can be referred to sports arbitration.

For an existing dispute, preserve the agreement, payment records and the complete decision or notice, including evidence of when it was received. Identify the nearest deadline at the first enquiry.

Arrange a consultation

Describe your role, the sport, the other parties and the decision you need to make. For a contract, prepare the current draft and relevant federation rules. For a club or facility project, explain the proposed activity, legal structure and timetable. Advice is available in English and Russian; scope and fees are agreed individually.

Is this service limited to football?

No. Commercial and contractual issues also arise in other sports. The applicable federation rules, qualifications and operational requirements must be checked for the particular discipline.

Can you help before a dispute arises?

Yes. Agreeing payment, responsibilities, rights and exit arrangements before signing is a central part of the service. A clear contract also helps identify what evidence should be retained during performance.

Related services and guides

• Sports Sponsorship Agreements in Bulgaria: Rights, Payment and Exit Terms
• Contracts Between Coaches and Sports Clubs in Bulgaria
• Commercial Contracts: Drafting, Review & Negotiation