Top-Tier Footballer Arrested at Ben Gurion Airport in Match-Fixing Probe

A senior Israeli Premier League footballer was arrested on Sunday at the parking area of Ben Gurion Airport as he arrived with his partner, police sources said. Officers approached him after he parked, told him he was under arrest, and took him for questioning. According to the sources, the player was stunned and did not understand what was happening when police explained the suspicions against him.

Another Premier League player was also present at the scene and was said to be just as shocked. Police told that player he was not connected to the incident and asked him to leave. The two had planned to travel abroad together.

The arrest is part of an ongoing gambling case in the Israeli Premier League. Earlier on Sunday, the Petah Tikva Magistrate’s Court extended the suspect’s detention until Thursday. The judge barred publication of his name, the club he plays for, and even the league.

The footballer is suspected of large-scale illegal betting, match-fixing, conspiracy, obtaining something by fraud under aggravating circumstances, bribery, and money laundering. The Sports Gambling Unit of Lahav 433 carried out the arrest.