First League

The First Professional Football League, often referred to as the Bulgarian First League, is the top professional football league in Bulgaria. It is operated by the Bulgarian Professional Football League (BPFL), under the jurisdiction of the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU). The league, which was established in 1924, is considered one of the oldest football competitions in Europe.

The First League is contested by 14 teams, with the season typically running from July to May. The format of the competition has evolved over the years, but currently, teams play each other twice in a round-robin format during the regular season. The top six teams then enter a championship playoff, while the bottom eight teams compete in a relegation playoff. The team that finishes the season at the top of the championship playoff is crowned the Bulgarian champions and earns a spot in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League.

Throughout its history, the First League has been dominated by a handful of teams. The most successful club is CSKA Sofia, with over 30 championship titles to their name. Other successful clubs include Levski Sofia and Ludogorets Razgrad. The latter has been particularly dominant in recent years, winning the league title every year since their promotion to the First League in 2011.

The First League has also produced some notable players who have gone on to have successful careers in some of Europe's top leagues. These include Hristo Stoichkov, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1994, and Dimitar Berbatov, who has played for clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite its long history, the First League has faced numerous challenges. Financial instability has been a recurring issue, with several clubs facing bankruptcy and relegation due to financial irregularities. The league has also been marred by allegations of match-fixing and corruption, which has led to investigations by the BFU and UEFA.

However, the league has taken steps to address these issues, with stricter financial controls and anti-corruption measures being implemented. The quality of football has also improved, with Bulgarian teams becoming more competitive in European competitions.

In conclusion, the Bulgarian First League is a historic and prestigious competition that has produced some of the country's best football talent. Despite facing challenges, it continues to be a vital part of Bulgarian football and a source of national pride.