ABSTRACT: The political relations between the Kingdom of Yugo slavia and the Kingdom of Bulgaria were complex due to the multitude of unresolved issues. Such relations were also reflected in sports, especially football, which became an instrument for bringing the two nations and two dynasties together. Despite being neighboring countries, the national teams did not compete against each other until 1926. When diplomatic relations improved, football cooperation flourished; conversely, when tensions escalated, the footballing ties suffered. Ultimately, on the eve of the Second World War, it became evident that Yugoslavia and Bulgaria were aligned with opposing factions, leading to the cessation of football collaboration.

KEYWORDS: Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, football, sport, national teams, politics

SUMMARY: Complex political relationships, marked by numerous unresolved interstate issues, significantly influenced football cooperation between the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Kingdom of Bulgaria. It took eight years after the establishment of the Kingdom of SHS for the first football match with neighboring Bulgaria to take place. However, as the political climate improved, football transcended these political divides, leading to a series of friendly matches. After Andrei Lyapchev came to power in Bulgaria, at a time when mutual relations were on a positive trajectory, the first match between the two national teams was played in 1926. This was followed by a number of friendly matches, as well as a match within the framework of the Balkan Cup. Each match was accompanied by members of the diplomatic corps and, not infrequently, by the highest representatives of state power, in some cases even by the monarchs themselves. These encounters represented more than football alone: each meeting of the two national teams marked a step forward in building closer ties between the two neighboring countries. When relations deteriorated, especially in the years preceding the Second World War, matches between the national teams increasingly reflected old hostilities. Football matches played within the framework of the Balkan Cup had a special dimension. During the interwar period, the Balkan Cup played a pivotal role in fostering closer ties among the Balkan nations, a fact clearly illustrated by the example of Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. A total of seven matches were played within the tournament, all characterized by the singing of national anthems and the presence of numerous diplomats. Many of these events were also attended by senior state officials and, in some instances, even monarchs. Meetings at these matches provided opportunities for confidential discussions as well as for the informal exchange of information. The positive trajectory of political and football relations between Yugoslavia and Bulgaria was abruptly halted by the assassination of King Alexander in Marseille in 1934. The suspected involvement of IMRO in the assassination, together with the organization’s links to the Bulgarian government, strained relations between the two countries. After this event, only four additional football matches were held, within the framework of the Balkan Cup and the Dimitar Ivanov Memorial Fund. As the Second World War approached and Europe became sharply divided between the Allies and the Axis Powers, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria were forced to choose sides. With political tensions intensifying and the two neighboring states aligning with opposing camps, football activities between their national teams effectively came to a standstill. In total, fifteen matches were played during the interwar period, each shaped by its specific political context. Of these fifteen matches, Yugoslavia won nine, Bulgaria won four, and two ended in a draw.