The Appellate Court in the city of Veliko Tarnovo upheld the ruling of their Gabrovo colleagues to hold under permanent detention Milen Ivanov for the murder of gymnastics coach Lilyan Alexandrov.

57-year-old Lilyan Alexandrov was shot several times in front of his home on his way back from a meeting in the evening of March 21. He was Gabrovo coach of the year in 2009.

Two days later, Ivanov, 45, and his son, Christian, 15, were arrested, but the minor was released.

According to unofficial information Ivanov had competed for Alexandrov, and later also became a coach. They initially worked together but had a fall out and Ivanov established his own club, mainly coaching Christian, who became a successful competitor and was selected for the national team.

The conflict between the two coaches flared further over a dispute about the use of the gymnastics facility in the city of Gabrovo.

The magistrates say there is reasonable doubt Ivanov has been involved in the murder and he can commit another crime. The rule is final and cannot be appealed.