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Former Bulgaria defender Ivanov dies at age 50

Trifon Ivanov, who starred in the Bulgaria team at the 1994 World Cup, has died at the age of 50.

Former Bulgaria international Trifon Ivanov has died at the age of 50.

The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) confirmed Saturday that the former Real Betis defender had passed away. It was reported that he suffered a heart attack.

The BFU described Ivanov, who was a key component of the team which reached the semifinals of the World Cup in 1994, as "one of the best defenders in the history of Bulgarian football."

"Before being a great player, Trifon was a great man," the statement added.