Baniyas Club is pleased to announce the signing of Bulgarian coach Ivaylo Petev Bogdanov to lead the first football team starting next season, 2025/2026. The contract was signed by the company's CEO, Mr. Saqr Al Maskari.

Petev, 49, has a proven coaching record spanning more than two decades, during which he has coached several clubs and national teams, most notably Ludogorets of Bulgaria, whom he led to their first-ever league title, as well as the Bulgarian and Bosnia and Herzegovinian national teams, where he successfully led them to promotion to the UEFA Nations League.

Petev is expected to begin his duties immediately, overseeing the team's preparations for the new season, including the external training camp and a series of friendly matches in preparation for the league's launch.

For his part, the Bulgarian coach expressed his happiness at joining Bani Yas Club, noting that he looks forward to working with the team and players, supporting the team's talents, and building a future-ready team capable of providing exciting football.

Petev's most notable achievements:

• Ludogorets Razgrad (Bulgaria): Led the team to three league championships (2011-12, 2012-13, 2022-23), in addition to winning the Bulgarian Cup twice (2012, 2023) and the Bulgarian Super Cup (2012). He also set a record as the first coach to win the domestic double twice with the club.
• Bulgaria national team: He coached the team from 2014 to 2016, achieving a 50% win rate during his tenure.
• Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia): Led the team to the Croatian Cup final and finished second in the league during the 2016-17 season.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina national team: He coached the team from 2021 to 2022, and succeeded in leading it to promotion to Level A in the European Nations League.