**Desislava Bozhilova Auctions Iconic Final Referee Gloves for Charity**
Desislava Bozhilova, the internationally respected snooker referee who recently took charge of the 2025 World Snooker Championship final, has announced she will auction a key item from the historic match in support of a charitable cause. Bozhilova, who made headlines when she presided over the thrilling showdown between China’s Zhao Xintong and Welsh favourite Mark Williams, is inviting fans to bid on the white gloves she wore during the pinnacle event at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
During this year’s world final, Bozhilova cemented her place in the sport’s history books. Not only did she become only the second woman ever to referee the World Championship final—following in Michaela Tabb’s trailblazing footsteps—but she also marked herself as the first female official to have overseen snooker’s esteemed Triple Crown finals, a testament to her skill and reputation.
Despite the personal significance of the occasion, Bozhilova is parting with her gloves to raise funds for charity. In a heartfelt post on her official Instagram account, the 32-year-old Bulgarian referee revealed that the gloves, worn as she orchestrated the nerves and drama of the final session, would be sold to the highest bidder via a 24-hour auction on 21 May. All proceeds, she affirmed, would be directed to a charitable initiative, although the specific beneficiary has not yet been named. Bidding for the gloves commences at €150, approximately £126.
Bozhilova received praise for her performance in what was a highly anticipated final, ultimately won 18-12 by Zhao Xintong, marking a landmark achievement as he became the first Chinese player to claim the Crucible crown. Following the tournament, she was presented with a unique trophy by her home federation, crafted by renowned Bulgarian artist Daba—a gesture that Bozhilova acknowledged with gratitude on social media, highlighting the warmth and support she has received from within the snooker community.
Expressing her delight and pride at being chosen to referee the sport’s most significant match, Bozhilova described the appointment as the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. “It’s what I have worked towards for many years; it has been my dream,” she wrote. “The atmosphere at the Crucible makes it unlike any other final. I’ve learnt so much from the experienced referees around me—we support each other as a true team.”
Bozhilova’s career at the top of world snooker has not been without its testing moments. Most notably, she was involved in a high-profile exchange with seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan during his 2024 quarter-final exit at the hands of Stuart Bingham. In a tense situation, O’Sullivan delayed returning to the table as spectators returned to their seats, prompting Bozhilova to encourage him to resume play. Their back-and-forth—replete with calm yet pointed words—caught the attention of fans and media alike, reflecting the unique pressures officials face at the sport’s highest level.
That heated encounter was not the first time Bozhilova had had to assert her authority on snooker’s grandest stage. The demands of officiating at the Crucible, with its intense atmosphere and global audience, have seen her rise to the challenge time and again—demonstrating not only her command of the rule book but also her unwavering composure under pressure.
In the aftermath of her historic final assignment, Bozhilova was effusive in her congratulations to both Zhao Xintong and Mark Williams, praising their achievements and recognising the efforts of those who had supported her journey. “Special thanks to Oleg Velinov and everyone involved in the heartfelt surprises during the final,” she said, drawing attention to the camaraderie that exists at all levels of the sport.
As the auction for her final gloves opens, Bozhilova’s gesture is being widely celebrated as a testament to the spirit of giving that often emerges after major sporting moments. With interest likely to be high from fans eager to own a piece of snooker memorabilia, the auction is expected not just to raise funds, but also to further highlight the vital work of the charities supported by figures in the sporting world.
The snooker community and fans across the globe now await to see how much this special piece of sporting history will fetch—and which worthy cause will reap the benefits of Bozhilova’s extraordinary generosity.