Chicago Police probe complaint against Stoitchkov

CHICAGO (AP) Chicago police are investigating whether former Bulgarian football star Hristo Stoitchkov punched a journalist who was asking for an interview.

The journalist told police that Stoitchkov hit him Monday evening. Police spokeswoman Laura Kubiak says the journalist filed the complaint early Tuesday, almost eight hours later.

It's now up to the alleged victim, Svetlozar Momchilov, to request a warrant if he wants to pursue the matter further.

Bulgarian newspaper Trud says Stoitchkov has denied the charge. The paper says the alleged victim is editor-in-chief and publisher of the Chicago-based "Bulgaria Today."

The alleged incident occurred during a gala for the 15th anniversary of the Chicago Fire at the Chicago History Museum.

Stoitchkov, winner of the Golden Ball as the top player in Europe in 1994, played for the Fire in the MLS for three seasons.

Updated October 10, 2012