Ilia Gruev embroiled in ‘serious scandal’ away from Leeds United as details emerge
Ilia Gruev has more than played his part in Leeds United’s return to the big time.
An injury to Ethan Ampadu forced the Bulgarian back into Leeds‘ starting 11 in time for their return to the Premier League.
Gruev has been in and out of the side at Elland Road since arriving from Werder Bremen in 2023, but has been ever-present for his national side.
Gruev has been away on international duty this week, but a damning report has now been published about the midfielder in his homeland.
Ilia Gruev involved in alleged bust-up on international duty
Spain defeated Bulgaria 3-0 on Thursday night, in which Gruev was involved in a heated altercation with Lamine Yamal.
Manager Ilian Iliev surprisingly benched Gruev for the trip to Georgia, which Bulgaria went on to lose 3-0 again, leaving any hopes of a World Cup appearance hanging by the thinnest of threads.
The decision to bench the midfielder was extremely strange, but reports of a bust-up between the pair has emerged.
Bulgarian publication Tema Sport reported on 8 September that “a serious scandal has shaken the national team.”
It added that Gruev’s emotions ran high during the loss, with the Leeds player making his feelings on the below-par performance well known. Gruev is said to have then turned his ire towards the manager.
Ilia Gruev needs to sort this scandal before playing for Leeds again
It is clear that there is an issue with the management structure in the Bulgarian Football Federation, and a full clearout is needed.
As for Gruev, it is clear that emotions got the better of him against Spain, which has cost him his spot in the starting squad during this international break.
| Bulgaria fixtures | Dates |
| Turkey (H) | 11 October |
| Spain (A) | 14 October |
| Turkey (A) | 15 November |
| Georgia (H) | 18 November |
His best course of action is to attempt to resolve his international issues with the Bulgarian FA before returning to West Yorkshire, otherwise his issues could impact his performances on the pitch during a crucial period for Leeds.
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