The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) is set to propose a statutory amendment introducing a strict ban on sports betting for football players, coaches, and club staff. In addition, the measure is scheduled for presentation at the BFU plenary meeting in Sofia on 20 March 2026. It aims to strengthen integrity across Bulgarian football.
Absolute Betting Prohibition for Football Personnel
The proposed amendment, tabled by BFU General Director Andrey Petrov and President Georgi Ivanov, seeks to convert existing disciplinary rules into permanent federation law.
- All players, coaches, club officials, and associated personnel will be prohibited from participating in football-related betting or gambling.
- Clubs will need to implement compliance frameworks including education and monitoring to ensure personnel abstain from wagering.
This represents a shift from prior rules, which focused more broadly on match-fixing and doping, lacking explicit clauses on betting.
Tackling Illegal Betting Practices
The amendment follows past enforcement actions, including September 2025 sanctions against dozens of players and coaches for wagering on matches during the 2024/25 season. Moreover, these efforts, coordinated with the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and police, reflect Bulgaria’s push to strengthen regulation and sustainable gaming. Last year, the NRA extended self-exclusion periods to one year.
Centralised Betting and Data Rights
Under the revised statute, the BFU will centralise betting and data rights for competitions it organises. This will cover all commercial, media, and digital platforms.
- Clubs can no longer negotiate individually with data providers.
- Existing contracts may require revisions, and future agreements for live feeds or betting content must go through the union.
- Revenue distribution from central deals will be governed by BFU regulations.
Strengthening Anti-Match-Fixing Measures
The amendment aligns with international efforts to prevent match manipulation. Furthermore, tools such as GameChanger 360, developed by former UK footballer Moses Swaibu, offer training on betting risks and corruption warning signs for athletes. These tools support the BFU’s educational initiatives.
This move signals Bulgaria’s commitment to protect football integrity while controlling betting operations and data centrally.
