Former Bulgaria defender Trifon Ivanov dies aged 50

The bearded centre-back helped Bulgaria to the semi-finals of the 1994 World Cup and also played at Euro 96.

Ivanov played 77 times for his country in total and the Bulgarian Football Union called him one of the nation's best ever players when announcing his passing on Saturday.

"Trifon Ivanov will remain in the history of Bulgarian football as one of the best defenders," a statement read.

"We all mourn the loss of a true friend. Rest in peace, Trifon."

Ivanov was a defender in the famous Bulgaria side that also boasted the likes of Hristo Stoichkov, and which reached the semi-finals of the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

He started his career at started his career at Etar before moving to CSKA Sofia, but went on to play for teams including Real Betis, Neuchatel Xamax, Rapid Wien, Austria Wien and Floridsdorfer.

He played 76 times for his country, scoring six goals, and was named Bulgarian footballer of the year in 1996 - the year that he helped Bulgaria take part in the European Championships for the first time.

Ivanov had endured a heart attack last year, and it was a second heart attack on Saturday which saw him pass away.