The president of Botev Plovdiv, a prominent Bulgarian football club, was fatally shot early Wednesday in the city of Plovdiv, local authorities reported. Iliyan Filipov, 53, who also owned a major transportation company, was found dead near his residence at approximately 1 a.m.

Police were alerted to gunfire and a reported shooting victim, according to Vasil Kostadinov, the local police chief. Upon arriving at the scene, officers confirmed Filipov’s death and initiated an investigation.

Pre-trial proceedings have been launched, and investigators are carefully examining the crime scene. Authorities have not disclosed any potential motives or identified suspects in connection with the killing.

Bulgaria experienced a spate of mafia-style murders targeting public figures during the 1990s, but this recent fatal shooting has been met with concern due to its timing. The incident comes amid an intense campaign ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for next month, heightening public unease over security and political stability.