A footballer suspected in a broad match-fixing investigation was released by the Petah Tikva Magistrate’s Court to house arrest until Friday, ahead of a further hearing on Thursday. He had been in custody for eight days and was arrested overnight between Saturday and Sunday.
Throughout the questioning, he denied any involvement in fixing matches or having contact with criminal elements. People close to him had been waiting for the court to approve house arrest, and now hope he will soon be fully released and return to football activity before the upcoming season.
The player and his family believe the case will be behind them and insist he is innocent. Police are investigating a wide-ranging affair involving dozens of detainees, and the Israeli Football Association is aware of the details. The article identifies the player as part of the National League.