Well-known Israeli footballer arrested in alleged betting and match-fixing probe

Israeli police arrested a prominent footballer from a top Israeli club on Sunday morning on suspicion of systematic illegal betting and match-fixing. The arrest was carried out as part of an investigation into an organized crime gang from Migdal HaEmek, led by the Northern District of Lahav 433 and its sports betting unit.

Police said the active player is suspected of placing large-scale illegal bets, manipulating matches, and committing money laundering and tax offenses together with others. His father was also summoned to give testimony, but at this stage not as a suspect, after his name came up in the broader investigation as a gambler.

The club where the player is under contract was shocked to learn of the arrest. Officials said they would first check the facts, and if the case proves to be substantiated, they are expected to terminate his contract.

The new arrest follows detentions made last week in the same investigation, which is being handled in full cooperation with the Israel Football Association. Police said further questioning of additional suspects is expected soon. The wider probe is part of a campaign against extortion, money laundering, and illegal gambling. Last week, police, Border Police and other units raided homes and businesses of members of the violent Migdal HaEmek gang, detaining dozens of suspects on suspicion of extortion, running betting operations, money laundering, usury, and threats.