By Alexander Krassimirov
July 23 – Bulgaria’s Marek Dupnitsa have been fined BGN 210,000 (€105,000) by the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) disciplinary committee for match-fixing. The steep fine, in Bulgarian terms, is a hard hit for the club which was relegated from the top flight last season.
According to various sources, Marek Dupnitsa players participated in eight or nine fixed games in Bulgaria’s A division.
The fine was imposed following official discussion with UEFA, which tracked the movement of suspicious odds and betting patterns at bookmakers.
Haskovo were fined for match-fixing, but with a far less fine – BGN 10,000 (€5,000). Haskovo is suspected of involvement in one dubious game last season.
Marek Dupnitsa and Haskovo were both relegated from the top division and neither have so far received a license to play next season because of outstanding debts. Both clubs will compete in Bulgaria’s amateur leagues.
Because of their amateur status, the two clubs are not obliged to pay the fines immediately. If they return to professional football, however, they will have to pay their fines.
This is the second time Marek Dupnitsa have been fined. On October 12 last year, the BFU fined the club BGN 10,000 (€5,000) for suspected involvement in match-fixing in the A group.
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