By Andrew Warshaw
September 26 – One of the most novel ways of detecting match-fixing is being implemented in Bulgaria with players and coaches of first division club Lokomotiv Plovdiv being ordered to take lie detector tests after a surprise defeat.
Lokomotiv (pictured top) lost 1-0 the bottom club Botev Vratsa on Saturday (September 22), sparking concerns about whether there was any behind-the-scenes corruption given the scourge of match-fixing in recent months throughout Europe, including Bulgaria and the Far East.
It was the first defeat of the season for Lokomotiv, league champions in 2004, while Vratsa had lost their last five matches.
“Nobody is insured against defeats but this loss is very strange,” said Lokomotiv owner Veselin Mareshki.
“The fair-play principle is the most important thing for me and all players and coaches will take lie detector tests.”
Earlier this month, the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) said an investigation had been opened into claims of match-fixing in four domestic games this season.
Spartak Pleven’s junior team have been kicked out of the domestic U-19 Championship even before the results of the investigation have been announced.
Media reports claim match-fixing and corruption have been rife in Bulgaria for years, but no one has been brought to trial – unlike in countries like Italy and Turkey.
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