Omer Dahan said on Monday that he is the footballer who was arrested in connection with a broader match-fixing investigation that surfaced last week in Israeli soccer. Police had previously announced that, as part of a probe into a gang from Migdal HaEmek, a player from one of the country’s top clubs had been detained.
Dahan, a striker owned by Maccabi Haifa and loaned last season to Hapoel Ra'anana, addressed the case in a statement posted to his Instagram story. “I was arrested,” he wrote, adding that he has “no connection to the allegations” involving match-fixing and game-selling. He said the accusations do not reflect who he is or how he has acted throughout his career.
He also apologized to football fans, sports lovers and professionals for the distress caused by the reports and the association with his name. Dahan said he respects the legal process, is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities, and wants the public and media to avoid drawing premature conclusions. “The truth will come out in full,” he wrote, expressing hope to return to playing the sport he loves.
In a more personal note, Dahan said he has gone through difficult periods in his life, including financial and family hardships, and stressed that his personal life is completely separate from his profession and the matters attributed to him. He closed by thanking supporters and saying he believes the truth will emerge soon.
