The result was secondary on Saturday as football legends from North Macedonia and Bulgaria came together in Varna for a humanitarian match, sending messages of friendship, solidarity, and compassion.
Before a full crowd at Spartak Stadium, Bulgaria’s all-star team lost 2-3 to North Macedonia’s veterans in a charity match supporting victims of the recent fire at an illegal nightclub in Kočani. A minute’s silence was held before kickoff in memory of those who died in the tragedy.
The event was organized by the Bulgarian foundation “Natsionali 94”, established last year to mark 30 years since Bulgaria’s fourth-place finish at the 1994 World Cup.
North Macedonia took the lead three times during the match, with Bulgaria equalizing twice. Darko Tasevski scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute.
Stoichkov, Pandev highlight solidarity
Bulgarian football legend Hristo Stoichkov, captain of the Bulgarian side, was presented with a North Macedonian jersey before kickoff and received loud applause from the crowd.
“When the tragedy in Kočani happened, I immediately called my friends Goran Pandev and Gjoko Hadžievski. We cannot bring back the children who perished, but on behalf of our entire team, I thank our brothers for coming. We have always shown compassion and will continue to do so,” Stoichkov said, also thanking the city of Varna for hosting the event.
North Macedonia’s Goran Pandev also expressed gratitude after the match.
“On behalf of the entire nation and our Football Federation, I thank the Bulgarian veterans and the federation for their solidarity. We cannot bring the children back, but we hope to help in any way we can. Sport remains the greatest ambassador of Europe,” Pandev said.
Wounded remain under care
On the same day, Bulgaria’s Minister of Health Silvi Kirilov visited Plovdiv University Hospital to meet two injured survivors from North Macedonia. The ministry shared photos showing the patients recovering, though still visibly wounded.
“I thank my colleagues for their professionalism. Timely assistance is crucial, and these two men demonstrated the power of the human spirit and the will to live,” Kirilov said.
After more than six weeks of treatment, including surgeries and rehabilitation, the two patients will soon be discharged. Meanwhile, four other injured individuals remain under care at Sofia’s Pirogov Hospital and one in Varna.
Initially, 15 injured Macedonians were hospitalized in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna.
EU enlargement discussed during Costa’s visit
Saturday was also active politically, with European Council President António Costa visiting Sofia. He met Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, with EU enlargement among the topics discussed.
Radev stressed that the European Union must not allow membership aspirations to mask violations of democratic principles and human rights.
“Bulgaria supports EU enlargement as a guarantee for security, stability, and prosperity, but it must be based on a genuine commitment to democratic values and Copenhagen criteria,” Radev said.
Costa confirmed continued EU engagement with North Macedonia.
“The European Council will keep working with North Macedonia to ensure the implementation of commitments linked to EU membership,” Costa said, adding that he will visit all six Western Balkan countries within two weeks to encourage the enlargement process.
“We are fully committed to this enlargement, which is crucial for Europe and particularly for the Southeast region,” Costa added.
