CSKA volleyball coach Aleksandar Popov did not hide his disappointment with the refereeing after his team's last tense match, despite the victory. In an emotional statement to Max Sport TV, he raised serious questions about the work of the referees and the lack of an adequate reaction to admitted inaccuracies, insisting on greater responsibility and transparency.

Specific error and lack of consequences

Popov pointed to a specific situation from the match: "There was a referee's error in the third game." While admitting that it "was not fatal for the outcome of the match" and that "everyone can make a mistake," the coach of the "reds" expressed dissatisfaction with the subsequent lack of action. "When referees make a mistake, we want to see a reaction from the Referee Commission. We want, when a referee's error is proven, for it to be mentioned somewhere. What is happening?" he asked rhetorically, adding that the CSKA staff was ready to file a protest, but did not do so precisely because the error did not affect the final winner.

Systemic problems and demands for reforms

Popov's criticism, however, went beyond the isolated case and touched on systemic problems in the work of the referees and their evaluation. "This is one of the problems. I feel that the referees are a bit above the law," he stated sharply.

In this regard, the CSKA coach announced that the topic will be raised at an upcoming meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation. Popov's main demands and, presumably, those of the club are clear: "Soon we should have a meeting of the Federation's Board of Directors. We want a ranking list of referees. And if we are not satisfied with the decisions… We want correct decisions."

Need for correctness in a contested battle

The coach's comments come in the context of an extremely contested series, in which, according to him, "the teams are equal" and "everyone takes maximum advantage of their home court advantage." A decisive final match is coming up, in which psychological and physical endurance will be key. Against the backdrop of such a battle, correct refereeing decisions are even more important for the final outcome and for the overall sense of sportsmanship, despite the declared mutual respect between the clubs.

Although he noted that his team played "the weakest match in the series," Popov did not fail to praise his players, who distinguished themselves with important plays. Nevertheless, the emphasis in his statement fell on the need for reforms and greater accountability in the work of volleyball arbitrators in Bulgaria.