British News Agency

The 16th edition of the International Charity Mini-Football Tournament, organized in support of the children of Ministry of Interior employees who died while performing their duties, concluded successfully in Burgas. A total of €19,440 was raised through the initiative and will be distributed among 18 children under the age of 18.

The tournament was held on June 5–6, 2026, and once again brought together representatives of law enforcement, rescue services, and public organizations around the cause of supporting the families of fallen officers. The event was organized by St. Nicholas Football Club – Burgas, with the support of numerous institutions, organizations, and partners. Among the official supporters of the initiative was the Turkish news agency Hibya.

International Participation

A total of 29 teams from Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia took part in the tournament, representing police forces, border security units, fire safety services, civil protection organizations, and other state institutions. Delegations from the International Police Association (IPA) in Serbia, North Macedonia, Romania, and Bulgaria also participated.

About the International Police Association (IPA)

The International Police Association (IPA), founded in 1950, is one of the world's largest independent organizations of law enforcement officers. Its primary objective is to promote friendship, professional cooperation, and mutual assistance among police officers from different countries.

Sporting Competition and Final Success

After highly competitive quarterfinal and semifinal matches, the teams of the Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Population Protection – Burgas and the Serbian team IPA Pirot KMF Midzor 192 advanced to the final.

The final match provided fierce competition, with the winner determined after a penalty shootout. The Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Population Protection – Burgas became the champion of this year's tournament.

In the third-place match, the Romanian team IPA Regiunea 1 Dolj defeated ZHU Burgas, also after a penalty shootout.

Charity Campaign and Auctions

Funds for the campaign were raised through participation fees, donations from institutions, organizations, and individual donors, as well as charity auctions held after the final match.

During the auction, a handmade tapestry and a football signed by football legend Hristo Stoichkov were each sold for €200. A CSKA Sofia jersey reached €270, a Levski Sofia jersey €220, a Botev Plovdiv jersey €150, a Cherno More Varna jersey €160, and a Universitatea Craiova jersey €160.

€19,440 for 18 Children

According to the organizing committee, after summarizing all proceeds from donations, sponsorship agreements, charity auctions, and donation boxes, a total of €19,440 was collected.

The funds will be provided to 18 children under the age of 18 whose parents served in the Burgas Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior and lost their lives while carrying out their official duties.

Thanks to Participants and Partners

Following the conclusion of the tournament, the organizing committee expressed its gratitude to all participants, volunteers, partners, institutions, and sponsors who contributed to making the initiative possible.

The statement emphasized that the primary mission of the traditional charity tournament in Burgas remains supporting the children of law enforcement officers who lost their lives in service, and that this year's edition once again demonstrated the strength of public solidarity and international cooperation.