Var scandal: Referee caught on the cell phone in the control room when betting on the cell phone!

Var scandal: Referee caught on the cell phone in the control room when betting on the cell phone!

In a scandalous incident in Bulgarian football, a VAR assistant was caught during a game as he used his cell phone in the control room. The incident occurred on April 2, 2025 during the game between PFC CSKA-Sofia and PFC locomotive Sofia. TV pictures show the referee assistant accompanied by two colleagues while looking at the cell phone. There is strong speculation that it could have used a soccer betting app. It is known that the assistant hid his cell phone when he was on live TV, which makes the situation even more scandalous.

The recordings from the control room quickly spread on social media and triggered a wave of outrage among football fans. The public is concerned about possible manipulations that could be caused by such misconduct. The responsibility lies with hawk-eye innovations , the company that supports the VAR system in the Bulgarian league.

suspension and examination

In an official statement, HAWK-Eye immediately suspended the VAR assistant and initiated a comprehensive examination of the incident. The company regrets the situation and clearly documents the use of the smartphone as a rough misconduct during the game. HAWK-Eye emphasizes the high level of professionalism and integrity that is expected by its employees. If the suspicions are confirmed, the company plans to dismiss the employee in accordance with the existing contractual terms.

In addition, there are strict guidelines that ban HAWK-Eye, to allow bets on sports or competitions, in which it acts as a referee. These rules should protect the integrity of the game and exclude any manipulation.

background to VAR technology

The incidents around the VAR system come at a time when the technology itself is always in the focus of the public debate. Hawk-Eye Innovations has been confirmed by FIFA as a VAR technology provider for important tournaments in the past to improve fairness in football. During the test phase of video assistant technology (VAR), it is examined how they affect the playing behavior of players, arbitrators and fans.

The FIFA intends to continue the tests in large competitions to ensure the best standards for decision -making in football. This shows how important the integrity of the game is and how every incident, like the youngest with the VAR assistant, can significantly impair efforts to transparency and fairness. Hawk-Eye wants to take the incidents seriously to secure the credibility of the Var system in the long term.

The development is followed and is now the focus of numerous discussions about the future of referee technology in football. In view of the current controversy, the football community will require clear measures to ensure integrity as soon as possible.