Ivelin Popov blocked from Blackburn by immigration rules  The Blackburn Rovers will not have Ivelin Popov on the team, at least not right now.  Two weeks ago the deal was struck and the Bulgarian striker for Litex Lovech had completed a medical and agreed to terms.  According to reports, the Rovers were ready to pay £2.5 million for the star.

However, the British government has stymied the transfer.  It seems that Popov has not played in enough internationals, having missed several games during the last year because of injuries, and the government denied his application for a work permit.

Since the striker made his debut for Bulgaria in 2007, he has made three goals in 15 matches, and played a crucial role in his team winning the league title last year, as well as the domestic Supercup and two national cups.