EuroLeague referee apprehended for theft at Belgrade airport

After several months, it was revealed that basketball referee Matej Boltauzer had committed theft at a store in the Belgrade airport. Serbian media report that the Slovenian reached for perfumes valued at about 190 pounds and was caught red-handed. A disciplinary proceeding has been initiated against him by the EuroLeague, for which he works.

Matej Boltauzer is a well-known and respected basketball referee. We have seen him in action during EuroLeague matches, the best league in Europe for many years. However, it now seems that this may change.

The Serbian portal Republika reports that the Slovenian committed theft on December 5, 2023. After officiating a EuroLeague game between Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and AS Monaco, he was waiting for a flight at the airport. That's when he went to one of the duty-free shops.

It was there that he allegedly stole perfumes worth about 190 pounds. Moreover, the shop was monitored. A video of the moment when Boltauzer committed the theft was published on social media.

In it, you can clearly see the referee looking around for cameras. He probably hoped that they hadn't managed to capture the moment when he slipped a perfume bottle into the pocket of his coat from the store shelf.

Eventually, the EuroLeague referee was caught by the store's staff, who called the police to the scene. Boltauzer admitted his guilt and, according to Serbian media, wanted to do everything to prevent the scandal from coming to light. However, over time everything was revealed.

"I don't know anything about this. I'm sorry, I can't talk," said the Slovenian to the Serbian editorial team, which decided to contact him.

After giving explanations, Boltauzer was fined 30,000 dinars, which is over 230 pounds. After that, he was released and was able to catch his flight. Although he is actively performing his work, according to the BasketNews portal, the EuroLeague has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the 49-year-old.