Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

Levski Sofia fined over 'Nazi' boys case at cup final

SOFIA (Reuters) - Levski Sofia have been fined 37,500 levs (16,757 pounds) after a child made a Nazi salute and another showed a swastika scrawling on his bare chest during the Bulgarian cup final last week, the domestic football union (BFU) said on Friday.

The images of the shirtless young boys standing on the athletics track at the Vasil Levski national stadium caused a public outcry after being posted online. The children appeared to be well under 10-years-old.

Levski were defeated on penalties in the final by Slavia Sofia after neither side could score in 120 minutes of play.

The fine is equal to 37 average monthly salaries in the poorest country in the European Union.

Bulgarian soccer authorities have long been criticised by anti-racism campaigners, local media and fans for not cracking down hard enough on discrimination.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Levski, one of the two most popular clubs in the Balkan country alongside bitter city rivals CSKA, have a history of fan violence and racism at their matches.

In 2012, The Blues were fined 30,000 euros (£26,218) by European soccer's governing body UEFA for racist behaviour by fans during a Europa League match.

The BFU fined the club 37,500 levs after supporters displayed a banner showing a swastika and another marking Adolf Hitler's birthday during a league game in 2013.

The 26-times Bulgarian champions were fined again in 2014 after fans displayed banners reading "Death to refugees" and "Blood will be shed for our land".

Some 40 Levski fans were detained after a policewoman was injured by a small explosion during a match last month.

(Reporting by Angel Krasimirov; Editing by Christian Radnedge)


2 min read

Published

Source: Reuters



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world