Referee Who Accused Torpedo of Bribery Found in Leaked 1win Database — What We Know
Telegram channel Sport Baza reports that the phone number of referee Maksim Perezva — who accused FC Torpedo’s management of attempting to bribe him — was found in a leaked database from the betting operator 1win, which surfaced in November 2024.
What Happened
The scandal broke after Maksim Perezva accused the leadership of football club Torpedo of attempting to offer him a bribe — based solely on his personal testimony. Following the allegation, the following individuals were arrested:
- Leonid Sobolev — owner of FC Torpedo
- Valery Skorodumov — club’s general director
The Russian Football Union (RFU) is currently considering expelling Torpedo from the Russian Premier League (RPL), where the team had recently been promoted.
1win Registration
According to Sport Baza, Perezva’s phone number was found in a leaked user database of 1win, a bookmaker operating illegally in Russia. The registration in the system is dated October 2024.
After that, the referee officiated 7 FNL (Russian First League) matches, including:
- 3 home games for Torpedo
- 3 matches involving Arsenal Tula
Referee’s Response
Sport Baza journalists called the number listed in the 1win database and directly reached Perezva. The referee confirmed the number was his, but dismissed the registration as “nonsense.”
Interestingly, his bribery report was filed after the 1win data leak became public and had already been examined by RFU officials.
RFU’s Position
The RFU clarified that merely registering with a betting company is not a direct violation. However, its code of ethics strictly prohibits referees from betting on football matches. This matter falls under the oversight of the RFU’s Game Integrity Department.
Previously, the same 1win leak revealed information about 15 other Russian players, though their names have not been officially disclosed.
Possible Consequences
While there’s no direct evidence linking Perezva’s 1win registration to his bribery claims, the timeline raises suspicions.
The investigation is ongoing. If violations are confirmed, the referee could face sanctions, including suspension, and FC Torpedo may face expulsion from the RPL.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2024 | Perezva’s number registered with 1win |
| October – November 2024 | Referee officiates 7 FNL matches |
| November 2024 | 1win database leak goes public |
| Post-November 2024 | Perezva files bribery allegation against Torpedo |
| December 2024 | Sobolev and Skorodumov arrested |
Conclusion
The case involving referee Perezva and FC Torpedo raises broader concerns not only about referee ethics but also about gambling oversight. While no definitive link has been established between the 1win registration and the bribery allegation, the matter remains under scrutiny by the RFU and investigative authorities.