The Disciplinary Committee of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation imposed penalties on former national players Valentin and Georgi Bratoevi after the incident during the last beach volleyball tournament of the season in Burgas.
Valentin Bratoev is suspended from competitive rights for 2 matches of the BFV State Championships and fined 1000 euros. Georgi Bratoev is also suspended for 2 matches, with his fine being 1500 euros. This means that the Bratoev brothers may not participate in the opening of the championship against their city rival "Neftochimic".
The decision comes after the incident surrounding quarter-final match #23 of the seventh round of the State Beach Volleyball Championship between Valentin Bratoev/Konstantin Mitev and Denis Karyagin/Kaloyan Valchinov.
VolleyWeek.bghas already reported in detail on the incident and published a video recording of what happened immediately after the end of the match.
The Disciplinary Committee: Attempted physical assault
When reviewing the case, the Disciplinary Committee familiarized itself with the match report, the decision of the Beach Volleyball Committee, and the provided video material.
According to the decision, unsportsmanlike conduct by Valentin Bratoev towards Kaloyan Valchinov was established.
Regarding Georgi Bratoev, the committee's finding is even more categorical – entering the court and attempting physical assault were established.
A more serious escalation was avoided thanks to the intervention of Denis Karyagin and the officials.
This finding supplements the initial information on the case. After the incident, head referee Nikolay Rusev stated toVolleyWeek.bgthat, according to his personal interpretation, the situation after the match "rather started with Georgi Bratoev," who had a conflict with Kaloyan Valchinov.
The Committee admits provocation, but it does not justify aggression
In its decision, the Disciplinary Committee also considers whether the behavior of the Bratoev brothers was preceded by provocation.
The Committee notes that there may have been a provocation towards Valentin Bratoev. However, such was not reported through the established procedure.
Therefore, the possible provocation was not accepted as a basis that could justify acts of verbal or physical aggression.
The sanctions are separate from the disqualification in Burgas
An important clarification in the decision is that the new penalties were imposed regardless of the disqualification already ordered by the Beach Volleyball Committee.
Immediately after the incident, both Valentin and Georgi Bratoevi were disqualified.
For Georgi Bratoev, this had only a disciplinary effect, as he had already been eliminated from the tournament.
However, Valentin Bratoev's disqualification had a direct impact on the competition. His partner was Konstantin Mitev, and after Bratoev's removal, the pair was incomplete and could not continue their participation.
Now, to this initial sanction, the decision of the Disciplinary Committee is added – two matches suspension from competitive rights and financial fines for both brothers.
The decision can be appealed
The decision of the Disciplinary Committee is not the last possible instance in the case.
Valentin and Georgi Bratoevi have the right to appeal the imposed sanctions before the Appeals Committee of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation.
Currently, the penalties are 2 matches and a 1000 euro fine for Valentin Bratoev, and 2 matches and a 1500 euro fine for Georgi Bratoev.
