Active senior league soccer player detained by Lahav 433 on suspicion of gambling, match-fixing

The player's father was also summoned to provide testimony. At this stage, however, he is not considered a suspect.

download high resolution download low resolution add to lightbox file name: F250806AVS01 File Size: 4999 KB caption (en): General view of the Lahav 433 police unit headquarters in the city of Lod on August 6, 2025.

(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)

ByYOAV ETIEL, EFRAT FORSHER, SHLOMO WEISS

JUNE 14, 2026 09:26

Updated: JUNE 14, 2026 11:13

A significant controversy has shaken Israeli soccer after a prominent player from a leading Israeli club was detained by Israel Police on Sunday morning over allegations of systematic gambling and match fixing.

The player was taken into custody by personnel from Lahav 433 Sports Gambling and Bribery Division during an inquiry targeting a group based in Migdal Ha'emek, coordinated with Lahav 433 Northern Economic Crime Unit. The active soccer player faces accusations of extensive illegal gambling, match fixing, money laundering, and tax breaches, reportedly carried out in coordination with additional individuals.

Staff at the club holding the player's contract expressed surprise upon hearing the news Sunday morning. The organization plans to examine the information, and should the claims hold up with evidence, it could proceed to end his agreement.

The player's father was also called in for questioning. At this stage, however, he is not considered a suspect. He was summoned because his name appeared in the wider inquiry as an alleged gambler.

Given that the individual remains an active soccer player, a distinct inquiry was launched. Authorities currently allege involvement in unlawful betting on games and tax violations.

The detention comes after multiple arrests executed last week within the Lahav 433 probe, conducted in close coordination with the Israel Football Association.

According to investigators, the player is accused of regular and unlawful gambling in a manner that conflicts with his role as an active member of a top club.

Police indicated further suspects and individuals linked to the matter are anticipated to face questioning shortly.

Detention part of a wider probe into money laundering, gambling

The inquiry forms part of a larger initiative against protection schemes, money laundering, and illegal gambling.

Last week, personnel from Lahav 433 Northern Economic Crime Unit, alongside counterterrorism units, Border Police, Enforcement Operations Coordination Manager officers, and Tax Authority investigators from Haifa and the north, searched residences and businesses tied to members of a violent criminal group in Migdal Ha'emek.

Authorities performed searches, arrests, and detentions of numerous suspects on allegations of extortion, running illegal gambling operations, money laundering, and related offenses.

During the action, investigators confiscated assets, an airsoft pistol, and luxury vehicles.

According to police, the inquiry focuses on a notably violent and hazardous group active in Migdal Ha'emek and the northern area. The group faces accusations of serious crimes, including money laundering, managing illegal betting operations, issuing loans at excessive interest rates, and extorting numerous victims via threats.