Former Bulgaria international Trifon Ivanov has died at the age of 50.
The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) confirmed on Saturday that the former Real Betis centre-back had passed away. It is reported that he suffered a heart attack.
The BFU described Ivanov, who was a key component of the side which reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1994, as "one of the best defenders in the history of Bulgarian football".
"Before being a great player, Trifon was a great man," the statement added. "We all mourn the loss of a true friend."
He enjoyed success at club level with CSKA Sofia and Rapid Vienna in particular, reaching the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final with the Austrian side in 1996.
Ivanov, who won 77 caps for his country, had been hospitalised last year with heart problems.
‘I don’t think Liverpool would look at Ollie Watkins, a striker isn’t a pressing issue for them – it’s Arsenal who need one’ Former Reds star explains why his old club don’t need an out-and-out forward this summer
‘He’ll still be playing at 40 at a good level because he’s in such good shape and looks after himself so well. He does everything to be a top professional’: Ex-Liverpool coach insists Mohamed Salah has plenty more miles in the tank
