European Football

SOFIA, July 12 (Reuters) - The president of Bulgarian club Litex Lovech has "no idea" of his own identity following a terrifying hostage ordeal, doctors said on Saturday.

Lovech president Angel Bonchev is in serious condition after being released by his kidnappers in the early hours of Friday in Sofia's Knyazhevo district.

Bonchev's wife was taken hostage after apparently paying a ransom to free him, according to the Bulgarian Interior Ministry.

Bonchev, kidnapped on May 22 while parking his car near his home, was found in a distressed state by police, who said the 47-year-old showed signs of torture.

"His life is out of danger but he is still in bad shape," said Stoyan Tonev, chief doctor of the hospital where Bonchev has been admitted. "He has no idea of time, space and personal identity."

Bonchev, a former world championship wrestler, is also president of Slavia-Litez, one of Bulgaria's top wrestling clubs.

Bulgarian soccer officials have said they do not believe Bonchev's disappearance was connected with soccer.