As part of its long-standing partnership with the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF), Amusnet supported the 9th Annual Meeting between BBLF and the Diplomatic Corps, held on June 26 in Sofia. The high-profile event brought together ambassadors from over 30 countries, senior executives representing more than 45 companies, and key government officials under the theme “Bulgaria as an Investment Destination.”

The forum served as a strategic platform for dialogue between the business community, the diplomatic sector and government institutions, focusing on strategies to attract, retain and support investors in Bulgaria. Discussions emphasised the country’s significant potential for innovation, economic development and international cooperation – particularly in the context of the country’s progress towards Eurozone and OECD membership.

Distinguished guests included Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolay Pavlov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Doncho Barbalov and Mila Nenova, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Investment Agency. The UK served as this year’s diplomatic partner, represented by British Ambassador Nathaniel Copsey.

“Supporting the BBLF Annual Meeting with the diplomatic corps fully aligns with Amusnet’s strategic vision of fostering a transparent, stable, and forward-looking business environment in Bulgaria. Our long-term collaboration with the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum reflects a shared commitment to high standards of corporate governance, responsible business conduct, and sustainable growth,” said Ivo Georgiev, CEO of Amusnet.

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By sponsoring this key event, Amusnet reaffirms its commitment to advancing responsible business practices, fostering international collaboration and contributing to a stronger investment climate in Bulgaria. The company continues to stand behind initiatives that align with its corporate values of integrity, transparency and sustainable growth.

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) announced the outcome of its investigation into serious integrity breaches involving professional StarCraft II competitors Xue “Firefly” Tao and Jinhui “Jim” Cao. Mr. Xue has been banned from ESIC Member events and competitions for life, while Mr. Jinhui has been provisionally suspended pending further sanction.

Following a detailed inquiry spanning April to July 2024, ESIC uncovered evidence of a coordinated match-fixing and profit-sharing scheme. The investigation found that Mr. Xue deliberately manipulated match outcomes to benefit illicit betting activity orchestrated by Mr. Jinhui, with whom he had a long-standing association.

Key findings include:

• Pre-match wagers placed by Mr. Jinhui predicting Firefly’s losses — often by precise scorelines.

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• Consistent match losses by Firefly aligning with those wagers across seven tournaments.

• Large Alipay transfers from Jim to Firefly immediately following these matches.

• A WeChat exchange on 21 August 2024 directly referencing prior payments and an effort to conceal evidence.

ESIC has concluded that Xue “Firefly” Tao committed 21 breaches of the ESIC Integrity Programme, spanning both the Anti-Corruption Code and Code of Conduct. As a result, he has been handed a lifetime ban from all ESIC member events and competitions in any capacity.

Mr. Jinhui has been provisionally suspended and served with a Notice of Charge. He has until 14 July 2025 to respond before ESIC issues a formal sanction.

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Following its recent rebrand from Betsafe to Betsson, Betsson Lithuania has announced the extension of two long-standing sports partnerships – with FK Žalgiris, one of the country’s most iconic football clubs, and the Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LKF) – until the end of 2027.

These renewed agreements reinforce Betsson’s commitment to supporting sport in Lithuania and underline the Group’s continued focus on building strong local brands with international recognition.

Betsson Lithuania will remain the main sponsor of FK Žalgiris, a partnership that began in 2022 and coincided with the club’s historic qualification for the UEFA Conference League group stage – the first ever by a Lithuanian football team.

The renewed sponsorship sees the Betsson logo continue to feature prominently on the front of the club’s kit as the team enters a new era, having recently acquired its own home stadium in Vilnius.

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“With such loyal partners as Betsson, we can grow and reach our goals,” said Vilma Venslovaitienė, Chairwoman of FK Žalgiris.

The partnership aims to enhance brand exposure within football audiences, further strengthening Betsson’s presence in this passionate sporting market.

Betsson Lithuania has also extended its long-term cooperation with the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, with whom it has partnered since 2016. The sponsorship supports both the federation and the national basketball team – one of the most recognisable sports brands in the region.

Aurimas Šilys, Managing Director of Betsson Lithuania, said: “Since 2016, Betsafe has been part of the international Betsson Group. In order to achieve greater synergy and increase international brand value, we are now unifying under the Betsson name. Collaborations with high-visibility partners such as the Lithuanian Basketball Federation are key to strengthening our global presence.”

Mindaugas Balčiūnas, President of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, added: “We are pleased with the continued cooperation with Betsson – a long-term and extremely important partner who helps us grow and improve across the board. We appreciate their trust and believe that together we can achieve more victories – both on and off the court.”

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