Georgi Kabakov to referee Viking Stavanger vs Bayern Munich Champions League clash
Georgi Kabakov has been appointed to officiate Tuesday’s Champions League meeting between Viking Stavanger and Bayern Munich, bringing international experience—and a recent episode of controversy in Bulgarian football—into focus ahead of the match.
The 40-year-old Bulgarian referee will lead the on-field team for the fixture, while his appointment is notable because he has not previously refereed a Bayern Munich match. Kabakov has been an international referee since 2013 and has worked in the Champions League since 2018, taking charge of games across several major European competitions.
His selection also draws attention because the Bulgarian Football Union temporarily suspended him last year following a disputed VAR decision in a domestic league match. The suspension was lifted within weeks, and UEFA continued to appoint him to European fixtures during the same period.
Why Kabakov was suspended in Bulgarian football
The incident that led to the suspension occurred during Slavia Sofia’s 2-0 win over Lokomotiv Sofia on 7 October 2025. Kabakov was one of the video assistant referees for the match, alongside Wladimir Walkow. The controversy centred on Slavia’s opening goal, which came after an attacking move involving Martin Georgiev and goalscorer Emil Stoev.
Bulgarian media reports said Georgiev handled the ball with both hands before setting up Stoev. The goal was allowed to stand, and neither Kabakov nor Walkow recommended that the on-field referee review the incident. Lokomotiv’s players were reportedly unhappy with the decision, while the Bulgarian federation also questioned the officials’ performance.
The federation subsequently suspended Kabakov and Walkow indefinitely, describing their work as an “inadequate performance.” The decision attracted attention because reports at the time characterised it as unprecedented in Bulgarian football. It also raised familiar questions about the responsibilities of VAR officials: when a possible handball is missed, scrutiny extends beyond the referee on the pitch to the video team responsible for checking key incidents.
A short suspension, followed by a return
Kabakov’s absence from domestic appointments was brief. He returned to Bulgarian league action on 7 November 2025, when he refereed Spartak Varna against Septemvri Sofia. The quick return suggested that the national suspension had not become a long-term exclusion from the game.
UEFA’s approach was different from the Bulgarian federation’s. The European governing body continued to select Kabakov during the period surrounding the domestic controversy, appointing him to a Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and FC Midtjylland on 23 October. He later received further assignments in the Europa League, Conference League and Bulgarian league.
That contrast highlights how a referee’s standing can vary between domestic and international football. National associations oversee local competitions and can impose disciplinary measures, while UEFA makes its own appointments for European tournaments. A domestic suspension does not automatically prevent a referee from being selected for continental matches, although decisions involving officials can still attract public scrutiny.
International experience and Olympic football
Kabakov has built a substantial record on the international stage. He has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2013 and has worked in the Champions League since 2018. His appointments have included matches in UEFA’s leading club competitions, giving him experience with high-pressure fixtures and teams from a range of football cultures.
He also officiated at the Tokyo Olympic football tournament in 2021, where he took charge of three matches. One was the men’s semi-final between Mexico and Brazil, a significant assignment at a competition featuring national teams competing for an Olympic medal. Tournament football places particular demands on officials, with short preparation periods, varied playing styles and little room for error in knockout matches.
For the Viking Stavanger–Bayern Munich fixture, Kabakov’s previous experience will be important as he manages the tempo, challenges and disciplinary decisions of a Champions League contest. Bayern arrive as one of Europe’s most established clubs, while Viking will have the opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition. The referee’s task will be to apply the laws consistently and keep the match flowing without allowing contentious moments to overshadow the football.
What to expect from the Viking vs Bayern Munich match
The appointment gives the match an additional talking point, but the focus will ultimately be on the teams’ performance. Bayern are accustomed to the demands of European competition, where possession, pressing and quick transitions can make even small decisions significant. Viking, meanwhile, will need to combine defensive discipline with the confidence to take advantage of openings at the other end.
For supporters searching for a Viking Stavanger vs Bayern Munich prediction, the difference in European pedigree is likely to shape expectations, but the result will depend on the teams’ form, line-ups and execution on the night. Refereeing decisions can influence the rhythm of a close game, particularly around penalty-area incidents and challenges during fast counter-attacks, yet Kabakov’s appointment alone does not determine the outcome.
His record offers a mixture of extensive international experience and a domestic VAR controversy that was resolved through a relatively short suspension. As the Champions League match approaches, attention will be on whether he can deliver a composed performance and allow the players to decide the contest. For Kabakov, the fixture is another high-profile opportunity to demonstrate why UEFA continues to entrust him with major European football assignments.
