Bulgarian FA Targets Betting with Tough New Rules After Match-Fixing Scandal

The move comes in response to a damaging match-fixing scandal uncovered last year and signals a broader push to modernize governance and restore trust in Bulgarian football.

Under a proposed amendment to Article 14 of the BFU Statutes, all football personnel will be strictly prohibited from participating in any betting activity connected to the sport. This includes both direct involvement—such as placing bets—and indirect participation through intermediaries or third parties. The rule is designed to close loopholes and ensure that individuals within the game cannot influence or benefit from betting markets in any capacity.

The reform is part of a wider initiative developed in cooperation with FIFA experts, aimed at strengthening regulatory standards and aligning Bulgarian football with international best practices. Among the planned changes is the introduction of an annual General Assembly, which will provide a more structured and transparent approach to decision-making within the organization.

These steps follow a major investigation in September 2025, when coordinated efforts between the BFU and state authorities led to sanctions against several players and coaches. Those individuals were found to have placed bets on matches during the 2024/25 season, raising serious concerns about match integrity and prompting urgent calls for reform.

At the most recent BFU Congress, officials also discussed financial performance, approved the upcoming budget, and outlined a new long-term development strategy for Bulgarian football. Alongside these structural changes, stricter disciplinary measures for clubs are being considered. Under the proposed rules, any club expelled from the BFU would lose all membership rights, including voting privileges and the ability to nominate candidates for governing bodies. Re-entry would only be possible after a three-year waiting period, adding significant consequences for serious violations.

Beyond football itself, Bulgaria is grappling with broader gambling-related concerns. Policymakers, experts, and civil society groups have recently examined how effectively gambling venues are regulated, particularly in relation to their proximity to schools and other sensitive locations. The discussion highlighted challenges in urban planning, as changing pedestrian patterns make it difficult to enforce consistent zoning restrictions.

Zhorzheta Rafailova, director of Sofiaplan, emphasized that cities are constantly evolving, which complicates efforts to control where gambling establishments operate. Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Venko Sabrutev announced plans to push for a complete ban on gambling advertising, reflecting growing concern over the social impact of betting, especially among young people.

Taken together, these developments show a clear shift toward tighter regulation and stronger oversight. For Bulgarian football, the betting ban marks a critical step in rebuilding credibility and ensuring that the sport remains fair, transparent, and free from external influence.