The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has decided to relegate FC Vereya from the country’s First to its Second Division, after receiving information from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) that it has been involved in match-fixing. ‘The BFU received information from UEFA’s integrity office about the illegal financing of FC Vereya by Chinese citizens associated with international groups organising the manipulation of football matches in Europe and worldwide’, read a statement. 

The BFU outlined that it had already sanctioned the club with the manipulation of results on 18 February. At a press conference held this morning, it is understood that the club denied the allegations and plans to appeal the sanction. However, the club finished the season bottom of the First Division with just six points, fourteen points less than any other team, having won no matches (six draws). It was due to take part in the Relegation Play Offs, but instead has been automatically relegated with all matches awarded as a 3-0 victory to its opponents.