Natalia Kiselova Appears at Match Wearing Shirt with Bookmaker’s Logo: MPs Demand Resignation
The DSB party, part of the PP-DB coalition, called on the Chair of the Bulgarian National Assembly, Natalia Kiselova, to resign after she appeared in the stands of the Vasil Levski National Stadium wearing a CSKA Sofia shirt featuring the logo of a gambling operator.
Reason for the Outrage
Natalia Kiselova attended the match wearing a limited-edition CSKA anniversary shirt with her name personalized on the back.
However, it was the logo of the bookmaker Winbet on the shirt that sparked the political scandal.
According to the official position of the DSB party, Kiselova violated Article 142 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly, which explicitly states:
“A Member of Parliament may not give consent to or use their official position for advertising purposes.”
DSB Party’s Reaction
In its statement, the DSB emphasized that this act is unacceptable from both a legal and moral standpoint. The party also declared:
- Kiselova undermines the authority of parliament.
- She compromises public trust in government institutions.
- She violates the previously unanimous ban on gambling advertisements in the media.
According to DSB, the advertising restrictions should be enforced with particular strictness when it comes to the Speaker of Parliament as the highest-ranking official in the legislative branch.
Kiselova’s Response
Natalia Kiselova stated that her intent was to draw attention to the issue of addiction in Bulgarian society. In her words:
“This is a shocking way to raise the issue of addictions — gambling, alcohol, drugs. These problems have serious consequences.”
She also noted that instead of a total ban on bookmaker advertising on sportswear, there needs to be a clear distinction between legal and illegal gambling.
The Gambling Advertisement Debate
Kiselova proposed not to prohibit, but to regulate the involvement of bookmakers in sports, particularly as sponsors:
- Distinction between legal and illegal gambling.
- Transparent operations by tax-paying gambling operators.
- Permitting bookmaker advertising as part of supporting sporting events.
Nonetheless, the political reaction was severe — the DSB party insists on Kiselova’s immediate resignation, citing legal provisions and ethical standards.