The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) is poised to introduce a statutory amendment that would impose an absolute ban on sports betting among its football players, coaches and club staff.
Federation officials have described the measure as essential for safeguarding integrity. It is scheduled for presentation at the BFU’s plenary meeting in Sofia on 20 March.
Explicit ban on sport betting participation by football personnel
The proposed amendment, to be tabled by BFU general director Andrey Petrov and president Georgi Ivanov, seeks to convert existing disciplinary prohibitions on football-related wagering into permanent federation law.
The updated BFU statute introduces a clear, unequivocal prohibition on participation in betting or gambling activities related to football for all players, coaches, club officials and other associated persons. This represents a shift from previous rules which broadly addressed match-fixing and doping but lacked distinct clauses targeting sports betting.
If approved, clubs will have to implement explicit compliance frameworks encompassing education and monitoring to ensure personnel abstain from football-related wagering.
Bulgaria tackling sports betting
This legislative drive follows earlier enforcement and investigative actions aimed at tackling improper betting practices within Bulgarian football.
In September 2025, joint operations by the BFU and state agencies resulted in sanctions against dozens of players and coaches found to have wagered on matches during the 2024/25 season. These sanctions raised serious concerns about match-fixing and prompted strengthened cooperation among the BFU, the National Revenue Agency and the police.
The proposed change reflects Bulgaria’s efforts to tighten regulations, leading to more sustainable gaming. Last year the Bulgarian National Revenue Agency (NRA) increased the self-exclusion period to one year.
Centralisation of betting and data rights under BFU control
Previously, clubs or leagues might have negotiated individually with data providers, but BFU will manage these rights centrally, going forward.
The statute explicitly designates betting and data rights as part of the exclusive commercial, media and digital rights held centrally by the BFU for competitions it organises. This control extends to all current and emerging technologies and platforms.
Existing contracts will likely require revision. Future agreements for live data feeds or betting-related content must be negotiated directly with the union.
Wider efforts to curb match-fixing
The BFU has also reaffirmed its exclusive role in representing clubs in negotiations and sales of media rights, including betting-related exploitation. BFU-prescribed regulations will govern the revenue distribution from central deals, the statute stipulates. Broadcasting platforms, betting operators and sponsors should expect amendments to revenue-sharing mechanisms.
The proposal aligns with wider international efforts to strengthen education and prevention measures around match manipulation. Former professional footballer Moses Swaibu, who was convicted in a UK match-fixing case in 2015, has since developed the GameChanger 360 platform. The platform trains athletes on the risks and warning signs of manipulation and betting-related corruption.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/sports-betting/sports-betting-regulation/bulgarian-football-union-tightens-sport-betting-rules-revised-2026-statute/
