SOFIA, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has thrown its weight behind coach Hristo Stoichkov despite the growing criticism over him.

    Stoichkov was under fire following Bulgaria's humiliating 5-1 defeat by Scotland in the three-nation Kirin Cup in Japan on Thursday.

    But BFU vice president Lechkov said on Sunday that Stoichkov has the full backing of the organisation.

    "No one doubts that Stoichkov is the right man for Bulgarian team.

    "The result in the match against Scotland is not the most important thing, it happens so often in football," said Lechkov.

    Stoichkov, who took over from Plamen Markov after Bulgaria flopped at the Euro 2004, failed to steer Bulgaria to the World Cup finals in Germany.

    Stoichkov has said that he would not quit despite the criticism.

    "I'm not going to make a step back," he said. "I will not evaderesponsibility. We'll have to prepare for the European championship qualifiers and this is not the right time for resignation." Enditem