Soccer player suspected of gambling tells associates reports are false, vows full cooperation

The professional soccer player under investigation for illegal gambling told associates that published reports about him are untrue, adding that he is cooperating fully with all investigations, according to Israeli media. The player expressed confidence that a thorough review will clear him of any connection to the suspicions.

The soccer player under police investigation for illegal gambling — previously arrested on suspicion of large-scale gambling, match-fixing, money laundering, and tax offenses — has made a public-facing denial through associates, reported Monday via Channel 12 journalist Or Ravid. According to the report, the player told close contacts that the published allegations are false and that he is cooperating fully with all probes, expressing confidence that a thorough examination of the facts will clear him. The development comes after the player was arrested Sunday (Jun 14) at 08:41 Jerusalem, as The Zioneer reported in a thread throughout the day. On Sunday, the initial report of a top-league player's arrest was published at 08:41 Jerusalem; within the same hour, The Zioneer updated the thread seven times: identifying the suspect as Maccabi Haifa player Omer Dahan, specifying the police suspicions (match-fixing, money laundering, organized crime in Migdal HaEmek), and noting the probe was expanding. The player's statement does not address the specific evidence reportedly collected by police. The investigation, which focuses on organized crime in Israeli soccer, remains ongoing; no formal charges have been filed. As The Zioneer reported in background, a separate preemptive response to an upcoming Channel 12 investigation was posted by Ourich earlier in June — the two cases are not directly linked. It remains unclear whether the player's denial will affect the trajectory of the police investigation or any potential indictment.

8 developments

1. 10 hours ago · 08:59 · 15 JunLatest

   The player denies all allegations and vows full cooperation with investigators

2. 10:21 · 14 Jun

   Suspect identified as Maccabi Haifa player Omer Dahan

3. 10:10 · 14 Jun

   Police indicate the suspect did not act alone and expect further arrests

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