Valencia CF Players Association transfers funds raised for Penev's cancer treatment to hospital

Published Jul 16, 06:09 PM UTC

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The Valencia CF Players Association announced on July 14, 2026, that it has transferred the total amount raised from a solidarity campaign to the Acibadem City Clinic Hospital in Bulgaria for the treatment of former striker Lubo Penev, who is battling kidney cancer. The transfer followed the favorable progress of Penev's health and adhered to the procedure of paying only against a hospital invoice. The association also wished Penev luck in his new role as coach of Lokomotiv Sofia. The announcement resolves months of uncertainty after Penev stated in March 2026 that he had not received financial aid, prompting association president Fernando Giner to defend the transparency of the process. The funds were held in an exclusive account designated for Penev and were only released upon receipt of the hospital invoice.

Source report

Updated: 14/07/2026 - 18:46 CEST By: Fernando Álvarez

Lubo Penev, on the day of his presentation as coach of Lokomotiv Sofia. Credit: FCLOKOMOTIVSOFIA

The Valencia CF Players Association announced this Monday that it has transferred the total amount raised to the Acibadem City Clinic Hospital in Bulgaria from the solidarity campaign launched to help Lubo Penev during his treatment for kidney cancer.

The entity chaired by Fernando Giner explained that the transfer was made after learning of the favorable progress of the former Bulgarian striker and in accordance with the procedure established from the start of the initiative. The association also wished Penev luck in his new role as coach of Lokomotiv Sofia, a position announced a month ago, and expressed hope for his full recovery as soon as possible.

Sources from the VCF Players Association thanked the collaboration of all individuals, clubs, and entities that contributed to the fundraising aimed at helping one of the footballers most remembered by Valencia fans.

This news brings an end to several months of relative uncertainty regarding the destination of the funds obtained to support the treatment of the former Bulgarian player, among other LaLiga clubs. Penev, 59, was admitted last December to undergo treatment for kidney cancer, a situation that became publicly known through a message disseminated by his family circle. As a result, numerous fans, former teammates, and Spanish clubs mobilized to offer their support.

The Controversy Over Aid

In recent months, some controversy arose after Penev himself stated in an interview on Cadena SER that he had not received financial help to cover his treatment and that his situation had been exaggerated. The former striker, who played for clubs such as Valencia, Atlético, Celta, Compostela, and CSKA Sofia, explained that his recovery was progressing well and especially thanked the moral support received from Spain.

Those statements prompted a response from Fernando Giner, who defended the transparency of the process and explained that the money raised remained deposited in an exclusive account designated for Penev. The president of the VCF Players Association insisted that the funds would only be paid against an invoice from the hospital or the corresponding treatment, with the aim of guaranteeing the correct destination of the contributions made by hundreds of donors.

Source

LALIGA EA Sports // marcaWestern

Original headline: La Asociación Futbolistas VCF transfiere al hospital de Lubo Penev el dinero recaudado para su tratamiento

Original language: ES

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Valencia CF Players Association Transfers Funds Raised for Lubo Penev's Cancer Treatment to Hospital

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People and interests

Bulgaria