Bulgarian betting scandal escalates to fear of match-fixing after initial 46 sanctions, investigation continuing

 

The scandal surrounding the sanction of players and coaches for betting on matches in Bulgaria’s top two divisions in the 2024/2025 season has taken a new twist.

Initially the Bulgarian Football Union said that none of 46 players and coaches sanctioned from efbet Liga and Mr Bit Vtora Liga had place bets on their own teams.

The individuals were each fined 10,000 Leva ($6,000) and suspended from competition until their fines were paid.

However, the investigation has now taken a different direction, after new information indicated some of the players had bet on their own teams, raising concerns about match-fixing in the Bulgarian professional game.

A joint press conference by the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU), the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and the General Directorate of National Police (GDNP) had been scheduled for Wednesday, but was postponed due to the on-going investigation.

“About a year ago, talks began with the aim of improving the image of Bulgarian football. An inspection was initiated by the National Revenue Agency. On September 10 of this year, an official letter was received from the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, providing us with a list of 46 football players, coaches and other officials who had illegally bet on matches from the 9th round of the efbet League and the 10th round of the Mr Bit Second League in the 2024/2025 season,” said Deputy Executive Director of the Bulgarian Football Union, Dobrin Gyonov.

“The disciplinary committee of the Bulgarian Football Union has decided to fine them 10,000 leva. Until it is paid, they are suspended from competing. A press conference was scheduled for today – a decision was made in the late hours of yesterday to postpone it, as the investigation continues.

 

“Some of the players have also bet on their own matches. This raises suspicions of match-fixing. The prosecutor’s office has taken action. The violation, which is provided for in the Disciplinary Regulations, has already been imposed. Some have paid their fines. From now on, the law enforcement agencies will assess whether there is another, more serious violation,” he added.

BFU President Georgi Ivanov said that he could not disclose the names of those involved, but that the prosecutor’s office is now dealing with the case, especially with those players who are suspected of betting on their own matches.

“We can’t say who manipulated. We received a letter with the names of the people who made bets. The prosecutor’s office is now dealing with these football players who are suspected of betting on their own matches. I don’t know the names of these football players. I want them to follow the rules. The football players were warned a year ago that there would be such checks,” said Ivanov.