EuroLeague referee caught in theft scandal at Belgrade airport

After several months of speculation, it was confirmed that basketball referee Matej Boltauzer had been caught committing theft at a store in the Belgrade airport. Reports from Serbian media reveal that the Slovenian was apprehended after attempting to steal perfumes valued at 221 euros. As a result, the EuroLeague, for whom he officiates, has initiated a disciplinary proceeding against him.

Matej Boltauzer is a renowned and respected figure in basketball refereeing. He has officiated many matches in the EuroLeague, Europe's premier basketball league. This incident, however, may cast a shadow over his career.

According to the Serbian portal Republika, the incident occurred on December 5, 2023, after Boltauzer officiated a EuroLeague game between Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and AS Monaco. While waiting for his flight at the airport, he visited a duty-free shop, where he allegedly stole perfumes worth 221 euros. Security cameras in the shop captured the moment of theft, and the footage was later circulated on social media.

The video shows Boltauzer scanning the area for cameras before discreetly placing a perfume bottle from a shelf into his coat pocket. His actions did not go unnoticed, and he was subsequently apprehended by the store's personnel, who alerted the police.

According to Serbian media, Boltauzer confessed to the theft and sought to prevent the scandal from becoming public. Despite his efforts, the details of the incident eventually emerged.

Following his admission, Boltauzer was fined 30,000 dinars (over $300) and was allowed to leave, managing to catch his flight. Although he continues to serve as a referee, the incident has not gone unnoticed by the EuroLeague, which, as reported by BasketNews, has begun disciplinary proceedings against the 49-year-old.