Lawyer Says Footballer Suspect Is Cooperating With Gambling Probe

A lawyer for a player from one of Israel's major football clubs said on Sunday that he is fully cooperating with a police investigation into suspected large-scale, systematic betting. The comments came after Israeli football was jolted by fresh allegations against the unnamed player, and as he was approaching a hearing in the case.

Attorney Bat-El Shiriki told the sports program 5 BaAvir that the accusations are only suspicions for now. She said she believes the evidence will show there is no basis for the claims, and that the player wants to clear his name. "He is cooperating fully, answering every question, and that is out of a desire to get to the truth and clear his name," she said.

Shiriki said there is "a huge gap between the headlines and the actual evidence," and predicted that "the mountain will bring forth a mouse" and that a wrong will be done to a normal person whose name has been dragged into the affair. She described him as a respected player from a normal family who devoted his life to his sports career, and asked the public not to judge him before the investigation ends.

According to her, the player was on his way to a short vacation with his girlfriend and did not know he was supposed to appear for questioning. He was detained by police en route. Shiriki argued that the detention was unnecessary because police know where he lives, and said she expects the case to end quickly and without an indictment. She added that more will become clear in the coming days, while she continues to protect his rights.