Atanas Bastandzhiev, a London-based billionaire and self-declared Levski fan since childhood, has emerged as the leading candidate to become the next owner of Bulgaria’s most storied football club. His potential takeover comes amid growing speculation that he will acquire the shares currently held by majority owner Nasko Sirakova, a move confirmed by Bulgarian media outlet Mariya and reported across multiple sports news platforms.
Bastandzhiev’s connection to Levski is not new. Fourteen years ago, while serving as head of international business at Russian bank VTB Capital, he oversaw the bank’s sponsorship deal with the club, during which time he publicly pledged to one day be seen wearing a Levski scarf. That history resurfaced in recent interviews where he reiterated his personal affinity for the team, telling 24 Chasa in 2012 that his support dated back to his youth.
What distinguishes Bastandzhiev from previous potential investors is the scale of his financial backing through GemCorp, the investment fund he co-founded with Pervoleta Shereva in 2014. According to Bloomberg data cited by 24 Chasa, GemCorp has deployed $7 billion into emerging markets since its inception, with over 500 employees and offices in the United States, Asia, and Africa. The fund’s most prominent recent project is a $2 billion oil refinery in Cabinda, Angola, where it holds a 90% stake, with the remainder held by Angola’s state-owned Sonangol. Bastandzhiev was photographed alongside Angolan President Joao Lourenco at the refinery’s inauguration on September 1, 2025.
Venetslav Stefanov, president of rivals Slavia Sofia, confirmed his acquaintance with Bastandzhiev in interviews with both Sportal.bg and Gol.bg, describing him as “a very serious man and businessman” with the financial capacity to sustain Levski. However, Stefanov questioned whether Bastandzhiev qualifies as a true sports figure, noting he has not attended Bulgarian stadiums in years due to long-term residence abroad.
The proposed deal includes more than just a change in ownership. 24 Chasa reported that Bastandzhiev has secured an 80 million euro bank guarantee, signaling intent to invest 120 million euros into a new stadium for the club. This infrastructure commitment has energized fans who have long criticized the aging Georgi Asparuhov venue. Levski officials have not commented on the negotiations, but sources indicate Sirakova is seeking to announce a positive financial update around the club’s 112th anniversary, which would align with a potential handover to Bastandzhiev.
Analysts note the symbolic weight of a lifelong fan returning as owner, particularly after years of financial instability and fluctuating performance on the pitch. Yet concerns persist about the transparency of the transaction and whether GemCorp’s aggressive emerging-market strategy — marked by large-scale energy investments — translates to sustainable football club management. The club’s history under VTB Capital’s earlier involvement offers a precedent, but the current scale of proposed investment far exceeds past sponsorship levels.
If completed, the takeover would mark one of the most significant private investments in Bulgarian football history, shifting Levski from a model reliant on sporadic sponsorships to one backed by a structured international investment vehicle. The outcome hinges on finalizing share transfer terms and verifying the bank guarantee, both of which remain unconfirmed by the club or the prospective buyer as of late April 2026.
Is Atanas Bastandzhiev officially the new owner of Levski Sofia?
No, he is not yet the official owner. Multiple sources confirm he is the leading candidate in negotiations to acquire shares from current majority owner Nasko Sirakova, but no final agreement has been announced by the club or the investor.
What evidence shows Bastandzhiev’s long-term connection to Levski?
He publicly stated in a 2012 interview with 24 Chasa that he has been a Levski fan since childhood, and during his tenure at VTB Capital 14 years ago, he pledged to be seen wearing a Levski scarf — a promise reiterated in recent media appearances.
How does GemCorp’s financial capacity compare to previous investors in Levski?
GemCorp has invested $7 billion in emerging markets since 2014, including a $2 billion refinery in Angola, far exceeding the $4.5 million euros VTB Capital once allocated for Levski sponsorship after acquiring a stake in Bulgartabak.
What infrastructure plans are tied to the potential ownership change?
According to 24 Chasa, Bastandzhiev has secured an 80 million euro bank guarantee with the stated intent to invest 120 million euros into a new stadium, addressing long-standing fan concerns about the adequacy of the Georgi Asparuhov venue.
