Football has seen its fair share of bizarre moments over the years, but few incidents can match the recent blunder by Bulgarian club Arda Kardzhali. The first-division club found itself at the center of international attention after holding a minute’s silence for one of their former players, only to discover later that he was very much alive.
This unprecedented error, which took place before their match against Levski Sofia, quickly went viral, leaving fans in disbelief and sparking humorous reactions online. The club has since issued a public apology, but the gaffe has already cemented its place as one of the most unusual moments in football history.
The Unbelievable Mistake: A Tribute Gone Wrong
The incident unfolded on March 16, just before Arda Kardzhali’s crucial league match against Levski Sofia. As is customary in football when honoring deceased figures, both teams gathered at the center circle, bowed their heads, and observed a moment of silence in memory of Petko Ganchev, a former player of the club. The solemn tribute, however, was based on incorrect information.
It remains unclear how the club received the erroneous news of Ganchev’s passing, but the mistake was realized while the game was still in progress. Before the final whistle, Arda Kardzhali’s management took to social media to issue an official apology, acknowledging their error and expressing regret for the misunderstanding.
In a statement, the club wrote: “The management of PFC Arda would like to express a huge apology to the former Arda player Petko Ganchev and his relatives after the club received wrong information about his death.” They further added, “We wish Petko Ganchev many more years of good health and to enjoy the success of Arda.”
Unbelievable scenes in Bulgaria! Arda's match against Levski Sofia began with a minute of silence for ex-player Petko Ganchev… only to later find out he’s alive! The club has since issued an apology. A truly bizarre moment in football pic.twitter.com/R4nTlsYHxY
— tether.bet (@tether_bet) March 17, 2025
The premature tribute not only caused embarrassment for the club but also led to an emotional moment for Ganchev’s family, particularly his wife, who had been watching the match.
A Shocking Discovery for Petko Ganchev and His Family
While the tribute may have seemed touching to fans and players, it was an alarming moment for Petko Ganchev’s wife, who had no idea what was happening.
According to reports, she was at home watching the game on television when the minute of silence was announced. Ganchev, at the time, was out driving and had not yet returned home, leading his wife to fear the worst.
Speaking to local media, Ganchev recounted the bizarre moment he learned of his supposed passing. “I entered the garden and my wife greeted me in tears. She said, ‘Petko, Petko, they’ve announced on TV that you’ve passed away!’ I couldn’t understand what she was saying or what had happened,” he revealed.
His wife, who never misses an Arda Kardzhali game, had grown increasingly worried when he did not return home on time. When she saw the club holding a tribute for him on live television, she feared the worst, thinking something tragic had occurred while he was out.
Fortunately, Ganchev was able to quickly reassure his wife that he was alive and well. However, the damage had been done, and the entire situation had already gained traction on social media.
Social Media Erupts: The Internet Reacts to the Gaffe
As expected, the internet was quick to react to the blunder, with social media users flooding platforms with jokes, memes, and bewildered responses. Many labeled it an “all-time gaffe,” comparing the situation to something out of a comedy show.
One user humorously remarked, “Hilarious! How do you get that so wrong!?” while another added, “You cannot make this up, lmao.” Another person compared the incident to the antics of Michael Scott from the popular TV series The Office, writing, “Things Michael Scott might do. An all-time gaffe.”
Crazy story coming from Bulgaria 😂
— Winning-Goal (@WinningG0al) March 18, 2025
Bulgarian league game between Arda and Levski started with a minute of silence honouring ex-Arda player Petko before it turned out the guy is still ALIVE
‘We are very sorry for the misunderstanding and wish Mr Ganchev all the best,’ Arda said pic.twitter.com/DJFYAdwSmr
Some fans pointed out the sheer absurdity of the situation, with one comment stating, “Imagine coming home and finding out your football club held a minute of silence for you.” Others expressed relief that Ganchev was safe and sound, with many well-wishers sending messages of support to him and his family.
Despite the humorous aspect of the situation, the incident also raised questions about how such a mistake could have occurred. Many wondered if the club had failed to verify the news before making such a significant announcement. Football clubs are often known for their meticulous planning and public relations efforts, making this blunder all the more baffling.
For Arda Kardzhali, the match itself ended in a 1-1 draw against Levski Sofia, a result that kept them in fifth place in the 16-team league table. While the team remains in contention for a spot in European competitions next season, the bizarre pre-match moment has undoubtedly overshadowed the on-field events.
This incident will likely serve as a cautionary tale for other clubs, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly verifying information before making public statements. In the world of football, where emotions run high and tributes hold deep significance, such mistakes can lead to unnecessary panic and distress.
As for Petko Ganchev, he will now be remembered not only as a legend of Arda Kardzhali but also as the man who was mistakenly mourned before his time. His unusual experience has left fans and the footballing world with a story that will be recounted for years to come, proving once again that football is full of surprises—both on and off the pitch.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏