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UEFA Investigating Zlatan Ibrahimovic For Alleged Ties To Betting Company

UEFA Investigating Zlatan Ibrahimovic For Alleged Ties To Betting Company

If he's found guilty, the Swede faces a three-year suspension from all forms of football.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is staring at a possible three-year ban from FIFA for his alleged role in a sports betting company.

UEFA has now launched a full investigation into the matter after Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet Bild claimed the AC Milan striker was a part-owner of Maltese-based gambling website Bethard.

"In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has today been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations by Mr. Zlatan Ibrahimovic for having an alleged financial interest in a betting company," UEFA said in a statement.

"Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course."

The 39-year-old is yet to comment.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
PA

The FIFA code of ethics strictly prohibits professional players from getting involved in any form of betting.

"They (the players) are forbidden from participating in, either directly or indirectly, betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions related to football matches or competitions and/or any related football activities," the rules read.

"They shall not have any interests, either directly or indirectly (through or in conjunction with third parties), in entities, companies, organisations, etc. that promote, broker, arrange or conduct betting, gambling, lotteries or similar events or transactions connected with football matches and competitions.

"'Interests' include gaining any possible advantage for the persons bound by the Code themselves and/or related parties."

The Swede has 17 goals in all competitions this season and was recently recalled to the national team for the World Cup qualifiers after retiring from international duty five years ago.

If Zlatan is found guilty of the charges and slapped with a three-year ban from FIFA, it would effectively end his football career.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: FIFA, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, UEFA, Sports betting, UEFA Super Cup, AC Milan, Sweden, Australia

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

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