Bulgaria boss Stanimir Stoilov is to remain in charge despite the Balkan nation not qualifying for the World Cup.
National coach given vote of confidence
Under-fire Bulgaria boss Stanimir Stoilov will remain in charge of the national team after receiving the backing of the Balkan country's football association (BFU) on Wednesday.
Stoilov succeeded Plamen Markov in February but he could not inspire Bulgaria to a World Cup finals berth after finishing third in Group Eight, behind automatic qualifiers Italy and the Republic of Ireland, who secured a play-off place.
Amid speculation he could lose his job, Stoilov has held behind-the-scenes talks with the BFU to discuss Bulgaria's failure to reach South Africa next year, including last month's humiliating 4-1 away loss to Cyprus.
And after a BFU-organised news conference, president Borislav Mihaylov revealed the vote of confidence for the 42-year-old tactician. Mihaylov said: "There was a lively discussion.
"He (Stoilov) took charge after the third match (in the qualifying campaign) to try to lead the team for the 2010 finals but his main task was to qualify Bulgaria for the Euro 2012 finals.
"Yes, we suffered this shameful defeat in Cyprus but he received unanimous support by the executive committee's members after all.
"We all agreed that it's not the right time for changes and also there are no (appropriate) alternatives at the moment."
