Omer Dahan, a Maccabi Haifa striker who spent last season on loan at Hapoel Ra'anana, said Sunday night that he is the footballer arrested in a gambling and suspected match-fixing case. He made the disclosure in a long post on social media, addressing the allegations against him for the first time.
Dahan wrote that he was sorry his name had been linked to the suspicions, but insisted, “I have no connection whatsoever to claims of match-fixing, selling matches or the things attributed to me.” He said football is central to his life and that the accusations do not reflect who he is or how he has acted over the years.
According to the report, Dahan was arrested about a week ago at the airport while on his way with his partner to a vacation abroad. Police suspect him of involvement in large-scale illegal betting, match manipulation and other offenses. His detention was later extended by five days, and afterward he was placed under house arrest.
In the same post, Dahan said he had never harmed any club he played for and had acted with dedication, commitment and respect to the profession. He apologized to fans, sports officials and professionals for the distress caused by the reports, said he respects the legal process and is fully cooperating, and asked the public and media not to jump to conclusions. He also said he had gone through difficult financial and family periods, while stressing that his personal life is separate from the allegations, and expressed hope that the truth will soon come out and that he will return to playing.
