Football club mistakenly hold minute's silence for former player who's still alive

The incident occurred on March 16 before Arda Kardzhali's match against Levski Sofia in Bulgaria's First League. Players from both teams, along with spectators, stood in a solemn tribute at the center circle to honor Ganchev, a 28-year-old defender who previously played for the club, The Guardian reported.

However, by halftime, Arda Kardzhali discovered that they had received incorrect information about Ganchev's condition. The club quickly issued a correction to the TV broadcaster covering the match.

The club also released a statement on Facebook, apologizing for the mistake.

"The management of PFC Arda would like to express its deepest apologies to the team's former footballer, Petko Ganchev, and his loved ones, after the club received incorrect information regarding his death," the statement read. We wish Petko Ganchev many years of health and to enjoy Arda's successes."

This statement was deleted later that evening. However, the incident had already gone viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion and amusement.

One user on X commented: "The story would have been even better if Arda had brought Ganchev on for the last 10 minutes and won the game."

Back to the match, it ended in a 1-1 draw. Arda sit fifth in the First League with 41 points, just one point behind fourth place. Levski Sofia, currently second in the league with 52 points, trail defending champions Ludogorets Razgrad by 12 points.

Ganchev played for Arda from 2020 to 2022, making 21 appearances and scoring one goal. He currently plays in the second division for Dobrudzha Dobrich.