Maccabi Haifa Forward Omar Dahan Says He Is the Player Arrested in Gambling Probe

Omar Dahan, a Maccabi Haifa striker who spent last season on loan at Hapoel Ra'anana, said Monday that he is the footballer arrested in a police investigation into suspected illegal gambling and match-fixing. Last week, police announced that a player from one of Israel's biggest clubs had been detained in the case, but did not identify him at the time.

Dahan addressed the affair publicly for the first time in an Instagram story, denying the allegations against him. “As most of you know, I was arrested in recent days,” he wrote. “I want to speak to you directly and clarify several things. First and foremost, I am sorry that my name has been linked to the suspicions attributed to me. Football is the center of my life, and I am aware of the great responsibility that comes with this profession.”

He added that he has “no connection whatsoever” to claims of fixing or selling matches. Dahan said the accusations do not reflect who he is or how he has conducted himself over the years, and insisted, “I have never harmed any team I played for.” He also apologized to fans, sports lovers and professionals for the distress caused by the reports, and urged the public and the media not to jump to conclusions before the legal process runs its course.

Dahan said he has gone through difficult personal periods, including financial and family problems, but stressed that his private life is separate from his career and the allegations. He said he believes “everything will be clarified soon,” and expressed hope to return to playing. “The truth always comes out,” he wrote, “and I believe that will be the case for me too.”