Russian businessman Anton Zingarevich, who was sanctioned by Bulgaria, announced the sale of 30% of shares in the local football club Botev. Now, the businessman has majority control over the club.
In December 2024, Bulgaria’s state security agency (DANS) banned Russian businessman Anton Zingerovich from entering the country for 10 years. Zingervich has released a statement assuring that he has not received a clear explanation for this decision.
“I have no doubt that this was part of an attempt to force me to resign as head of the company,” the businessman said, offering to buy out the 30 percent stake in the club for his fans.
Anton Zingarevich is the son of Boris Zingarevich, a businessman and member of the board of directors of JSC Ilim Group. Previously, Anton was the owner of Reading FC, an English football club. In 2022, both Anton and his parents were sanctioned by the Ukrainian government due to their “close ties” with the Russian regime.
Boris has a twin brother named Mikhail. Together, they founded Ilim Pulp Enterprises with their university friend, Zakhar Smushkin. According to media, Dmitry Medvedev, the future president of Russia, worked at this company from 1997 to 1998 as head of legal services.
