Women's Soccer League Rocked by Match-Fixing Scandal

The Israeli Women's Premier League is embroiled in a major scandal just before the start of the 2026/27 season, following an announcement by the Israel Police on Thursday. Three individuals, including two former male players and one former female player, have been arrested on suspicion of operating a match-fixing and betting scheme within the league.

A senior official from one of the women's teams provided a striking testimony to Sport 5, alleging that a team that was relegated had "sold" nearly 13 games. He stated that this situation has been known for over a year, and that players who sold games are still actively playing. The official claimed the scheme has been ongoing for at least the past four years, citing "illogical results" in games that clearly indicated manipulation.

According to the police statement, the investigation uncovered evidence of an organized and systematic betting mechanism suspected of operating to influence game outcomes and generate profits from gambling. The suspects were brought in for questioning at the Lahav 433 investigative unit, where the scope of the operation, the identities of those involved, the methods used for manipulation, and the financial transactions are being examined.