The Bulgarian Olympic Committee informed the media in a special statement that it had received a letter from the IOC regarding the temporary representation of the organization.
"On May 17, 2025 at 11.03 a.m. Bulgarian time, the Bulgarian Olympic Committee received a letter from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The letter contains a position on the current situation in the BOC, with which the organization expresses that it temporarily recognizes Ms. Vessela Lecheva in communication with the IOC, which are currently taking place in the Republic of Bulgaria. The IOC informed of its intention to represent the organization before international partners, while the legally registered president of the BOC – Ms. Stefka Kostadinova – continued to fulfill its responsibilities under Bulgarian law.
The BOC publishes the letter in its full form to ensure maximum transparency to the media, federations, athletes and the general public. This development is the result of intensive and consistent activity, which the Bulgarian Olympic Committee has repeatedly warned about - unofficial communications, suggestions and diplomatic pressure, aimed at preempting the decisions of the Bulgarian court and replacing internal order with external will. This is a path that leads not to stability, but to delegitimization of the principles on which Olympism is built.
It is important to clarify that this letter has no legal force under Bulgarian law and does not replace the decision of the court, which is the only body with jurisdiction over entries in the register of non-profit organizations.
The current development comes in the context of a series of warnings publicly expressed by the BOC regarding existing pressure and attempts at preliminary legitimation through media and unofficial channels. Such an approach, especially when it precedes the court's ruling, cannot be perceived as institutionally binding.
To the federations, athletes and the Bulgarian Olympic family:
The BOC is prepared for such a scenario. The Bulgarian Olympic Committee has not violated a single point of the Olympic Charter. There is no interference from the state, no abuses, no grounds for repressive measures. There is a judicial process that is being conducted legally, openly and with respect for each party.
The BOC will continue to operate with a focus on preparations for the Olympic Games, as well as all current programs and commitments. We call for patience, unity and reason," the statement said.