Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov has received the backing of the country's football association after fans called for his head following the 0-0 draw with Albania in a Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

Stoichkov, who failed to lead Bulgaria to last year's World Cup finals, has come in for heavy criticism from the media and fans in recent months after some lacklustre performances.

"Fans have the right to call for Stoichkov's resignation but this decision (the change of the coach) is not the topic of the day," said BFU vice-president Yordan Lechkov. "We have to accept that the players were on the field, not the coach."

The Netherlands top the standings with 14 points from six matches, followed by Romania, who have a game in hand, on 11. Bulgaria are third with nine points from five matches.

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