Bulgaria's Football Union (BFU) said on Monday it appointed legendary coach Dimitar Penev to manage the national team for the remainder of the European Championships qualifying cycle.

Penev broke the news of his appointment, which was confirmed later by the executive committee of the BFU.

He declined to comment on the issue, saying he would do so at a later date at a press conference.

Penev will take charge for at least five games left in the EURO 2008 qualifying cycle, starting with the key away fixture against Holland on September 8.

If the team qualifies for the tournament, Penev will remain in charge for its duration.

Penev was in charge of the national team when it reached the semi-final of the 1994 World Cup in the US, eliminating defending champions Germany in the quarterfinals.

Under his management, the team also qualified for its first European Championship final tournament in England in 1996, but failed to clear the group stages and he resigned.

Penev, who turned 62 earlier this month, was last employed as sports director and board member at CSKA Sofia.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!