Ex-Players Arrested in Israeli Women's Soccer Match-Fixing Probe

Israeli police arrested and detained three former soccer players, two men and one woman, on suspicion of involvement in a match-fixing scheme within the women's Premier League, linked to an organized gambling ring. The suspects, all former players in various leagues, were taken for questioning by the National Bureau for Economic Crimes (YALAK) within the Lahav 433 unit.

The investigation, which had been conducted secretly for months by YALAK's bribery and sports betting unit in cooperation with the Football Association, uncovered suspicions that games in the women's Premier League were allegedly manipulated for financial payments. Police suspect a systematic, organized gambling mechanism was behind these actions, aiming to influence game outcomes for betting profits.

The investigation transitioned to its public phase with the arrests. Authorities are investigating whether the suspects operated or were behind the match-fixing and betting operation. Details regarding the specific games, clubs involved, or the amounts of money exchanged have not yet been released.

Investigators plan to examine the scope of the operation, identify other potential participants, and trace how the alleged manipulations were carried out. The flow of funds, both received and paid for fixing matches, will also be scrutinized. "The Israel Police will continue to act decisively against phenomena of corruption, match-fixing, and illegal gambling, which can harm the integrity of sports and public trust," the police stated.