Bulgaria manager Ilian Iliev quits ahead of UEFA Nations League play-off against the Republic Ireland

Bulgaria's preparations for their upcoming UEFA Nations League play-off against the Republic of Ireland are in disarray after manager Ilian Iliev tendered his resignation by email.

The Bulgarian FA said they would consider whether to accept the coach's resignation at a meeting next week.

"If Ilian Iliev resigns, it is his personal decision. We cannot force anyone to work," Bulgarian FA vice-president Atanas Furnadzhiev said. "We will talk to him and decide. As of today, there is nothing,"

Bulgaria, runners-up in League C last year, are due to face Ireland in a two-legged play-off - at home on 20 and in Dublin on 23 March - for a place in next year's League B .

Iliev was appointed as national team manager in November 2023 but also remained in charge of Bulgarian top-tier side Cherno More, who are currently third in the First League.

Cherno More's rivals have been unhappy at the perceived conflict of interest. Table-toppers Ludogorets recently made a formal complaint and the president of the Bulgarian League had called for Iliev's resignation.

Iliev announced his squad for the first game against Ireland over the weekend.

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