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A mix-up for the ages took place in Bulgaria as top flight club FC Arda held a moment of silence prior to their game on Sunday for former player Petko Ganchev. There was one tiny issue… Ganchev, 78, is still very much alive.
Before kickoff vs. Levski Sofia, players from both teams stood at midfield in silence as a tribute to Ganchev. The former Arda player was running errands at the time of his tribute, but when he got got home to watch the game his wife was in tears thinking he’d died.
Bulgarian club honors former player who is still alive
Ganchev spoke with Bulgarian outlet BLITZ about what it was like to have everyone in your life think you’d died.
"I parked in front of our house, entered the yard and my wife greets me crying, shouting: 'Petko, Petko, they announced on TV that you have died!'
"I could not understand what she was telling me and what had happened. Then two of my friends called me,” Ganchev said.
He joked that he poured himself a brandy after learning the news, but said the experience wasn’t great.
“So many people called me - relatives, friends, acquaintances and not so big acquaintances. The situation was not pleasant, but in the end we have to be positive.
"It is normal to spread a rumor here in the village, but they announced it in front of the whole football audience of Bulgaria,” Ganchev said.
The club realized the big mistake and put out an apology on their Facebook claiming they had received incorrect information.
“The management of PFC Arda would like to express a huge apology to the former Arda player Petko Ganchev and his relatives after the club received wrong information about his death.
“We wish Petko Ganchev many more years of good health and to enjoy the success of Arda.”
Thankfully everyone is healthy and well and hopefully as time passes people can have a laugh about the blooper.
"Being buried alive is quite stressful, really,” Ganchev said.
