Botev Plovdiv will replace debt-ridden CSKA Sofia in this year’s Europa League.
CSKA, who finished third in the domestic league, had withdrawn from the tournament due to serious financial problems.
Botev, who finished fourth in the Bulgarian championship, will meet Kazakhstan’s Astana in the Europa League’s first preliminary round on July 4 and 11.
Botev coach Stanimir Stoilov said: “It’s good that Bulgaria will be once again represented by four teams in Europe.”
Cardiff cancel tour of Malaysia
Cardiff City, looking to grow their brand awareness ahead of a possible IPO, have cancelled their six-day promotional tour of Malaysia because of the air pollution crisis in Southeast Asia.
Cardiff manager Malky Mackay and forward Craig Bellamy were among a party of club representatives who were due to conduct promotional activities in Kuala Lumpur from today.
Last month Reuters reported that Malaysian billionaire owner Vincent Tan was exploring an IPO of the team.
Tan, who owns 36.1 per cent of the club, said the cancellation of the tour was a missed opportunity.
Hummels shocked by Goetze move
Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels cannot under-stand why Mario Goetze chose to leave the club to join Bayern Munich this summer.
Goetze will officially become a Bayern player on July 1 after the European champions completed the €37m signing of the Germany midfielder.
“Everybody could see how good our team is,” Hummels said.
“I just don’t think there was or is any reason in sporting terms to leave us.
“You could see how our team had developed and Mario got on so well with many, which is why it annoyed me so much that he made up his mind that he had to leave so soon.”
Mignolet first Belgian at Anfield
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will become the first Belgian to play for Liverpool after the Premier League club announced his arrival at Anfield on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old former Sunderland keeper completed his medical and signed a long-term deal after making 90 appearances for the Black Cats since his debut in August 2010.
“Simon will join a club that will give him an opportunity to demonstrate and improve his huge talent,” Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told the club’s website.
Mignolet said he was proud to become the first Belgian to be signed by Liverpool.
“I’m very confident in myself and I can’t wait to get the first clean sheet under my belt,” he said.
Mata sticking with Chelsea
Spain midfielder Juan Mata has reiterated his commitment to Chelsea and insisted his only thoughts for the immediate future are about succeeding at Stamford Bridge.
In an interview with AS, the 25-year-old declared his bewilderment over reports that he was set to leave the Blues this summer, and spoke of how much he enjoys playing in the Premier League and living in London.
“I don’t know where that came from,” he said.
“The last time I spoke with the club they told me I was a very important player to them and transmitted confidence in me.
“I’m sure (new manager Jose) Mourinho will want to see everyone first and then decide what he wants to do.”
Cassano was a Palermo target
Palermo were preparing to make a bid to sign Antonio Cassano from Inter this summer but their relegation from the Serie A disrupted their plans.
Cassano is set to join Parma but things could have been different had Palermo avoided the drop last term.
“Had we stayed in the top flight then I certainly would have called Cassano,” Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini said.
“I would have tried to sign him because he is world class.”
Cassano, who only joined the Nerazzurri last summer from city rivals Milan, scored seven goals in 28 Serie A games.
Lazio agree Felipe Anderson deal
Lazio have reached an agreement with Brazilian club Santos to sign long-term target Felipe Anderson.
Ownership issues had hampered Lazio’s attempts to acquire Santos but Sky Sport Italia has reported that fees have now been agreed between all parties for the 20-year-old.
Santos are expected to receive €4m from his sale and 25 per cent of any future transfer fee for the midfielder.
Doyen Sports, the company who have an interest in the South American, will pocket €3.8m for their share.
Anderson, a Brazilian U-20 international, is poised to sign a five-year deal in Rome worth €800,000 a season.