Bulgarian Side CSKA Sofia Troubles 'Deepen' As Player Awarded $460K In Back Pay

Embattled Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia, which has been refused a license to play next season, was "struck another blow" when former player Youness Bengelloun was awarded €407,296 ($459,226) in compensation for unpaid salary, according to Alexander Krassimirov of INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL. The decision was "taken by a FIFA tribunal" with judges from England, Croatia, Argentina, South Africa and Brazil. The club was given one month from May 21 to pay €355,730 ($401,085). The second amount is €51,566 ($58,140), which is the interest on the amount due. Bengelloun had a number of other claims against CSKA Sofia, but the FIFA tribunal rejected them. FIFA explained that if CSKA Sofia did not pay on time, the case will be "referred to the Disciplinary Committee of FIFA, which can impose further severe penalties on Bulgarian club, including suspension" (INSIDE WORLD FOOTBALL, 6/9).