Bitcoin ( BTC ) has netted another adoption goal. Botev Plovdiv FC, Bulgaria’s oldest football club, has adopted Bitcoin and Lightning Network payments, as well as joining decentralized protocol, Nostr .

Plovdiv’s stadium accommodates 18,000 people. Source: Manolov

Effective immediately, fans can utilize Bitcoin for peer-to-peer payments at Botev Plovdiv FC’s fan shops and stands during matches in the top-flight Bulgarian Parva Liga. The club also has plans in the pipeline to extend Bitcoin payments for ticketing and its online store.

Anton Zingarevich, the president of the 111-year-old football club, expressed enthusiasm for the move, highlighting the potential of the Lightning Network. He stated in a press release:

“We foresee Bitcoin payments becoming as ubiquitous as the internet in our daily lives. This integration not only aligns with our vision but also offers our fans and stakeholders unparalleled convenience.“

The initiative became a reality through a partnership with BTCPay Server, a Bitcoin payment processor known for its open-source architecture, secure infrastructure and low merchant fees. The payment hardware was handled by CryptoDesk.bg, in collaboration with Bitcoinize.com, who provided the point-of-sale devices. 

The Bitcoin NFC enabled point-of-sale device in the changing room. Source: Manolov 

Nicolas Dorier, founder of BTCPay Server, emphasized the importance of local Bitcoin adoption, stating it is committed to supporting transformative endeavors such as the work at Plovdiv.

George Manolov, Bitcoin director at Botev Plovdiv FC, explained that “Bitcoin offers a universe of technological, social and financial opportunities.”

“At Botev, we’re thrilled to lead these innovations into sports, harnessing their transformative energy to elevate our club to unprecedented heights. As Bulgaria’s oldest football club, anticipate pioneering products and initiatives from us.“

In addition to embracing Bitcoin, Botev Plovdiv FC has revamped its online presence. The club’s official website has been updated, English social media channels have been brought up to speed, and the club has created an account on Nostr — a decentralized protocol that offers censorship-resistant social media.

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The move to embrace Bitcoin and decentralized technologies is similar to that of Real Bedford, a United Kingdom-based football club, which was the world’s first football club to adopt Bitcoin. Peter McCormack, chairman of Real Bedford, shared his thoughts on the news from Bulgaria:

“It is so cool to see more football clubs adopt the Bitcoin cheat code. Not only will it bring more success to their club, but it will also widen the net for Bitcoin awareness.”

McCormack has integrated Bitcoin at Real Bedford since 2021, and he also spoke with Plovdiv before its move to adopt Bitcoin. According to McCormack, the unique characteristics of Bitcoin act as a cheat code for life. He is hosting a conference called “Cheat Code” in Bedford in Spring 2024.

McCormack told Cointelegraph, “There is a plague of financial irresponsibility in football, so clubs adopting a low-time preference Bitcoin standard as part of their strategy are building their club with solid foundations.”

“I expect we will continue to see not just other football clubs but all types of sports teams adopt the cheat code.“

Meanwhile, football fans attending Plovdiv’s home game against second in the league Lokomotiv Plovdiv will be able to pay using Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. The team made the announcement on Bitcoin white paper day to mark the day and highlight its support for Bitcoin.

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