Footballer Omer Dahan publicly identified himself on Monday as the player arrested last week at Ben Gurion Airport on suspicion of illegal gambling and match-fixing. In a post on social media, he denied any role in fixing or selling matches, saying, “I never harmed my team” and insisting the allegations do not reflect who he is.
Dahan was detained just before he was due to leave Israel. The investigation, led by Lahav 433 together with the Israel Football Association, centers on suspected illegal betting, money laundering and tax offenses, along with claims that matches may have been manipulated.
Police suspect the player was caught in a broader extortion scheme allegedly run by a criminal serving a prison sentence. A Lahav 433 source said investigators have gathered a “body of evidence indicating particularly serious conduct,” and added that other people in the sports world may also be questioned.
Dahan said he had never harmed the clubs he played for and always acted with professional commitment. He also referred to personal hardships and said his family had long struggled with difficult financial circumstances. His lawyer, attorney Batel Shirki, said he is cooperating fully with investigators and has given his account, adding that he is a “normal person” trying to clear his name. She said a thorough review of the facts will show no professional wrongdoing.
