This article aims to clarify the events surrounding Antani Ivanov‘s suspensions in the most transparent and objective manner, without any personal judgment. Given the complexity of the case, the goal is to present verified facts and official statements from all parties involved, allowing readers to understand the situation in full. We have received official documents from both parties involved, including the Bulgarian Swimming Federation (BFPS), and Ivanov’s legal representatives. This reconstruction is based exclusively on these documents, ensuring a factual and comprehensive overview of the events.
A few weeks ago, World Aquatics officially confirmed and extended the suspension of Bulgarian swimmer Antani Ivanov until March 2026.
The decision, dated May 23, 2024, includes Ivanov’s period of ineligibility not only due to his previous suspension for missing doping tests but also for a new charge of misconduct against the Bulgarian Swimming Federation (BFPS). Ivanov, known for his public allegations of doping and corruption in Bulgarian sports, now finds himself at the center of a dispute that extends beyond the competitive swimming arena.
Chronology of Antani Ivanov’s Suspensions and Disciplinary Issues
1. First Suspension – 2021 (Three-Year Ban)
In 2021, Antani Ivanov was suspended by the Bulgarian Swimming Federation for three years for damaging the reputation of the federation, athletes, coaches, and board members.
The suspension followed his public defense of three Bulgarian swimmers (Blagoy Panayotov, Zdravko Bablakov, and Svetlozar Nikolov), who had tested positive for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid, and were banned for doping.
During this period, Ivanov openly criticized the Bulgarian Swimming Federation, the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, and the Anti-Doping Center, which may have contributed to his punishment
2. Second Suspension – January 30, 2024 (Two-Year Ban)
The Disciplinary Commission of the Bulgarian Swimming Federation sanctioned Ivanov with a two-year suspension and a 1,000 BGN fine.
The suspension was imposed due to violations of Article 26 and Article 31 of the Federation’s Disciplinary Code, which prohibit disrespectful public statements towards the Federation and its leadership
Ivanov made several media appearances and social media posts criticizing the Federation, leading to disciplinary action.
On May 23, 2024, World Aquatics officially recognized and extended the suspension worldwide until March 14, 2026
3. Arrest for Marijuana Possession – May 2024
Antani Ivanov was arrested in Blagoevgrad for possession of a small amount of marijuana. He was detained along with Blagoy Panayotov, a swimmer previously suspended for doping.
Despite the arrest, he was released the same day and continued training.
4. Third Suspension – August 12, 2024 (Additional Two-Year Ban)
The Disciplinary Commission of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee found that Ivanov violated anti-doping rules by competing in a triathlon event on September 2, 2023, despite his ongoing suspension.
As a result, he received an additional two-year suspension, starting June 8, 2025.
During this period, he remains subject to anti-doping tests
5. Conviction for Defamation and Insult – February 4, 2025
The Sofia District Court found Antani Ivanov guilty of defamation and insult against Georgi Avramchev, President of the Bulgarian Swimming Federation.
On September 20, 2023, Ivanov allegedly insulted Avramchev on Facebook, calling him “Mr. Oligophren” and accusing him of corruption and theft
The court ruling included:
- A 5,000 BGN fine.
- An additional 3,000 BGN fine to cover Avramchev’s legal fees.
- A public reprimand, with the court ruling published on the Sofia District Court’s website
.Confirmation of Suspension
World Aquatics upheld and validated the additional disciplinary sanction imposed by the BFPS in March 2024. The Bulgarian federation deemed Ivanov’s statements defamatory and harmful to the organization’s reputation. In particular, his accusations against young swimmer Petar Mitsin and alleged doping practices were found to lack concrete evidence, violating the code of sporting integrity.
Note: The Bulgarian Swimming Federation recently submitted details of the disciplinary decision to SwimSwam, specifying that the sanction was issued for “defamatory actions” and for “damage to the federation’s image.”
Ivanov was already serving a suspension until October 2024 for missing doping tests. This additional disciplinary measure now extends his ineligibility to compete until March 2026. This latest development could significantly impact the career of the 24-year-old butterfly specialist, whose trajectory has been marked by years of controversy and disputes with Bulgarian sports authorities.
Antani Ivanov‘s Statement
In response to the suspension, Ivanov reached out to SwimSwam Italia in recent days. His legal representative, Georgi Gradev, a partner at SILA International Lawyers, provided official documentation related to the case. Ivanov also issued a statement, saying:
I want to address the enormous injustice I have suffered at the hands of the Bulgarian Swimming Federation (BFPS) and World Aquatics (WA). I have been sanctioned twice for the same alleged violation: speaking out against the failures of the BFPS, particularly regarding its president, Georgi Avramchev, on doping scandals and the mismanagement of the federation.
The BFPS Executive Committee initially imposed an illegal three-year suspension and a fine of 2,000 BGN, without any legal basis under its own statutes. When this decision was challenged, the BFPS Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Avramchev himself, reduced the sanction to two years and a fine of 1,000 BGN. This process was severely flawed: I was denied the right to be heard, the right to appeal, and faced an evident conflict of interest, with Avramchev acting as both accuser and judge.
World Aquatics has worsened this injustice by globally enforcing the BFPS decision, blatantly ignoring its own Integrity Code (Article 36.2), which prohibits recognizing decisions that violate fundamental legal principles. Even worse, WA misled my legal team by suggesting that the appeal should be filed with a Swiss civil court rather than the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), despite knowing this was the incorrect jurisdiction. This bad faith action further deprived me of a fair opportunity to defend myself.
This entire process represents an attack on my freedom of speech and a clear attempt to silence criticism of the BFPS leadership and systemic issues in Bulgarian swimming. My statements were made to highlight real problems that harm our sport, and I stand by my right to speak out for positive change. I am determined to fight this injustice in Swiss courts, to expose the hypocrisy, double standards, and lack of accountability demonstrated by both BFPS and WA. I demand the immediate lifting of the global ban and an independent review of these actions. I will not stop until justice is served and the principles of fairness and integrity are upheld in sport.
Bulgarian Swimming Federation’s Response
Following the publication of our previous article on the matter, the Bulgarian Swimming Federation issued an official statement sent via e-mail to SwimSwam to clarify its position and challenge Ivanov’s claims.
According to the federation, Ivanov not only missed three doping tests but also participated in the Lion Heart Triathlon in September 2023 while already suspended. This violation led to an additional extension of his ineligibility until 2027.
The BFPS statement reads:
As of today, Ivanov is serving a two-year sanction imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for violating anti-doping rules and missing three doping controls. The sanction was handed down by the Bulgarian Olympic Committee’s Disciplinary Commission and is set to expire on June 8, 2025. Ivanov’s appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the Swiss Federal Tribunal resulted in the sanction being upheld.
During his active sanction and full prohibition from participating in sports competitions, Ivanov took part in the Lion Heart Triathlon in September 2023. This led to an additional suspension, now extending his ineligibility to June 2027.
Furthermore, the federation argues that Ivanov has repeatedly spread unfounded accusations against the BFPS, WADA, the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Sport, damaging the reputation of Bulgarian swimming. The BFPS asserts that Ivanov was given the opportunity to present his defense before the Disciplinary Commission, but he declined to do so.
The BFPS statement continues:
Ivanov’s attacks have been directed at well-respected professionals, legendary athletes, and leaders in Bulgarian sports. The primary target of his insults has been Bulgarian Olympic Committee President Georgi Avramchev. However, he has also accused former Bulgarian Olympic Committee President Stefka Kostadinova, three Ministers of Sport, and members of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee’s Disciplinary Commission of incompetence.
The federation also rejects allegations of conflicts of interest, stating that Avramchev abstained from voting on Ivanov’s sanction. The decision was subsequently confirmed by the Administrative Court of Veliko Tarnovo and the Court of Appeal in Sofia, reinforcing its legitimacy.
Social Media Attacks
In recent months, Ivanov has used social media to express his opposition to the Bulgarian Swimming Federation and other sports authorities.
Through posts and public statements, he has accused the BFPS of being a corrupt organization, arguing that the national sports system is plagued by favoritism and irregularities. His most pointed criticisms have been aimed at specific sports officials, including federation president Georgi Avramchev, whom he has described as “an obstacle to transparency and justice in Bulgarian sport.”
The BFPS has responded by stating that these attacks constitute reputational damage and that Ivanov’s claims are unsubstantiated and lack evidence.
Ivanov’s Career Highlights
Ivanov experienced his major breakthrough as a 17-year-old at the 2017 World Championships, breaking a national record in the 200 fly heats (1:55.55) before becoming the first Bulgarian swimmer to make a Worlds final in a decade. He won bronze at the 2017 World Junior Championships later that summer and went on to make consecutive 200 fly finals at the 2018 Short Course World Championships, 2019 World Championships, and 2021 Short Course Worlds. A 2022 graduate of Virginia Tech, Ivanov didn’t make it out of the heats at the 2022 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, finishing 17th in 1:57.00.
Conclusion
Antani Ivanov has been suspended multiple times:
- 2021-2024 (Three-Year Suspension)
- 2024-2026 (Two-Year Suspension)
- 2025-2027 (Additional Two-Year Suspension)
In addition, he was convicted of defamation and publicly reprimanded by a Bulgarian court. His total period of ineligibility extends at least until 2027.
