Bulgarian footballer Petko Ganchev, who was mistakenly declared dead by his former club, has spoken out about the bizarre mix-up, admitting that “being buried alive is quite stressful.”
Top-division club Arda Kardzhali paid tribute to Ganchev last Sunday, holding a minute’s silence before their match against Levski Sofia. However, the club later realized their mistake and issued an apology, wishing the 78-year-old “many more years of good health.”
Ganchev recounted the moment he discovered the shocking news. “I was 10 minutes late because I had a personal job,” he told Bulgarian website Blitz. “While driving home, my phone started ringing nonstop. When I arrived, my wife was crying, shouting: ‘Petko, they announced on TV that you have died!’”
Confused by the situation, Ganchev was soon flooded with calls from friends and family. Despite the distress, he managed to find some humor in the ordeal. “When I heard the terrible news, I poured myself a small brandy,” he said.
The tribute took place as players from Arda and Levski stood in silence at the center circle, unaware of the mistake. The club quickly corrected the error and posted an apology on Facebook before the match ended.
“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.”
Arda’s sporting director, Ivaylo Petkov, personally called Ganchev to apologize. Reflecting on the strange experience, Ganchev admitted it was “not easy to deal with” but tried to stay positive.
“So many people called me—relatives, friends, acquaintances, even people I barely know,” he said. “The situation was not pleasant, but in the end, we have to be positive. These things happen. In my village, a rumor like this might spread, but they announced it in front of the entire football audience of Bulgaria.”
The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
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