VAR Official Suspended After Being Caught On Betting Site During Live Broadcast

A Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official has been suspended after being caught browsing a betting site live on TV, just moments before a match between CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia in Bulgaria’s Parva Liga.

VAR official suspended after shock footage shows him browsing a betting
site during live match coverage

The Bulgarian official, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was seen using a personal smartphone in the VAR operations room, with live footage capturing him scrolling through the betting platform. The incident quickly went viral on social media, prompting a swift response from Hawk-Eye Innovations, the company responsible for VAR technology in the league.

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Hawk-Eye's Official Statement

In a formal letter to the Bulgarian Football Union, Hawk-Eye expressed regret and addressed the situation:

“Live footage from the camera in the VAR operations room documented the individual utilising a personal smartphone during the match and appearing to engage in inappropriate activities which would constitute gross misconduct in relation to the responsibilities of their assigned role.”

The company confirmed that the official has been suspended pending a full investigation, and warned that dismissal could follow if misconduct is confirmed:

“If the individual is found to have been engaging in such inappropriate activity, we will look to dismiss the individual in accordance with their contractual terms.”

Fans Shocked, Concerns Raised

The incident has shocked football fans, raising serious concerns about the integrity of officiating and the potential for match-fixing or betting-related misconduct.

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Meanwhile in England: Tottenham Manager Blasts VAR After Controversial Decision

In a separate VAR controversy, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou criticized the technology following his side’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea on April 3, 2025.

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Midfielder Pape Matar Sarr had a potential equalizer ruled out after a lengthy VAR check, which spotted a foul on Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo in the build-up.

Postecoglou vented his frustration post-match:

“What is the point of having a referee then? Clear and obvious means the referee should see it straight away… Soon, AI will referee the game, and we won’t even need players anymore.”

He also clarified that home fans misunderstood his reaction, dismissing claims that he had responded to boos from the stands.

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These incidents continue to fuel the debate around VAR’s role in football, both in terms of its technical use and the ethics of those operating it.

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