The Bulgarian Football Union plans to submit a charter amendment at the general meeting on March 20, implementing an absolute ban on sports betting for players, coaches, and club staff. Football officials claim this move is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the matches, aiming to transform the existing disciplinary bans into permanent football association regulations. In plain terms, it means insiders should not expect to profit from their own league.
Ban Upgrade: From Disciplinary Clauses to Permanent Regulations
The amendment, submitted by General Manager Andrei Petrov and Chairman Georgi Ivanov of the football association, explicitly prohibits all players, coaches, club officials, and related personnel from participating in any football-related betting or gambling activities. Unlike previous vague rules involving match-fixing and doping, this is the first time specific provisions for sports betting are established. If approved, clubs will have to establish a compliance framework that includes education and supervision to ensure adherence to the ban.
Centralized Authority: Football Association to Manage Betting and Data Rights
The amendment also specifies that betting and data rights, as part of the exclusive commercial, media, and digital rights of the football association, will be centrally managed by the association. This means that clubs or leagues can no longer negotiate individually with data providers, existing contracts may need to be revised, and future agreements on real-time data or betting-related content must be directly negotiated with the football association. Broadcast platforms, betting operators, and sponsors are expected to face adjustments in revenue-sharing mechanisms.
Enforcement Background: Dozens Penalized Last Year
Prior to this legislative action, Bulgaria had already taken enforcement and investigative measures against improper betting activities in football. In September 2025, the football association, in conjunction with national authorities, sanctioned dozens of players and coaches who bet on matches during the 2024/25 season, raising serious concerns about match-fixing and prompting increased cooperation among the football association, the National Revenue Agency, and the police. Last year, the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency also extended the self-exclusion period for gambling to one year. These efforts align with international trends to strengthen educational and preventive measures. Interested in the latest updates on sports integrity? PASA official website keeps you updated.
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