The long-standing administrative and legal turmoil surrounding the Bulgarian Olympic Committee has finally reached its conclusion. Vesela Lecheva has been officially entered into the Commercial Register as the organization's chairperson. This formal registration marks the end of a complex judicial saga that lasted for over a year, during which the body faced severe institutional paralysis and reputational damage.

Legal Battle Concluded

Alongside Lecheva, the members of the Executive and Supervisory Councils, elected by the General Assembly on March 19, 2025, have also been registered. The procedure was completed after all pending lawsuits were either dismissed or withdrawn by the plaintiffs. This legal resolution removes the last formal obstacles to the new leadership's authority.

The crisis had significant repercussions. During the dispute, the International Olympic Committee and the European Olympic Committees suspended financial support to the Bulgarian body. Despite this, Lecheva represented Bulgaria at all IOC-administered events, including the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina 2026. In May 2025, the IOC officially recognized the new leadership elected in March, reinforcing their standing on the international stage.

Path Forward

Lecheva secured her position with 48 votes against 33 for her opponent, Stefka Kostadinova, at the March assembly. Subsequent challenges were filed in the Sofia City Court, but the recent registry entry finalizes the transition.

"This crisis lasted a long time, but the new leadership never stopped working for a single moment, despite the difficult circumstances," Lecheva stated. "We received unprecedented public support, which was our biggest motivation to continue defending truth, law, and fair play. The past year also brought us joy, connected with our Olympic heroes and all the young sports stars building a new Bulgaria."

Outlining her immediate priorities, the BOA chairperson emphasized transparency and governance. The new board will convene an Executive Bureau meeting, review the financial state of the organization, and approve upcoming budgets and programs.

"We are inheriting a heavy situation, which we will share first with our members and then with the entire public," Lecheva added. "We will adhere to the principles of open and good governance, the pledge with which we gained the trust of our sports family a year ago."