A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official is facing serious consequences after being seen apparently browsing a betting website during a live televised match.
The Bulgarian official was allegedly caught on camera using the betting site just before the start of the game between CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia.
Following the emergence of footage of the incident circulating on social media, the official was immediately suspended.
Hawk-Eye Innovations, the company overseeing the VAR system in the Bulgarian First League, confirmed the suspension in a statement to the Bulgarian Football Union.
The statement expressed “regret” regarding the incident involving one of their VAR operators during the Parva Liga match between PFC CSKA-Sofia and PFC Lokomotiv Sofia on April 2nd, 2025.
According to Hawk-Eye Innovations, live camera footage from the VAR operations room showed the individual using a personal smartphone during the match and engaging in “inappropriate activities” considered “gross misconduct” for their role.
NeedToKnow reported that the company has launched an investigation into the official`s conduct during the suspension.
Hawk-Eye Innovations added, “If the investigation confirms the individual was engaging in such inappropriate activity, we will proceed to dismiss them in accordance with their contractual terms.”
The incident has sparked outrage among fans.
One fan commented online, “Lol that`s wild.”
Another added, “Everything you need to know about VAR…”
A third wrote, “Nah this is some nasty business.”
And another commented, “We are in a very bad situation…”
