UEFA is starting an official investigation into Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the European Football Association announced in a press release on Monday. The 39-year-old AC Milan striker is suspected of having financial interests in a gambling company, which is prohibited by UEFA rules. Ibrahimovic faces a long suspension, which could cost him the end of his career.
Ibrahimovic is a co-owner of a Malta-based betting office and has broken the rules of both FIFA and UEFA, the Swedish sports magazine wrote. Sportsbladet at least two weeks ago. FIFA and UEFA regulations stipulate that footballers with financial motives in gambling companies are not allowed to participate in official matches of either association. Ibrahimovic became co-owner of Bethard, a Malta-based betting office, through his limited liability company Unknown AB in 2018.
Should UEFA indeed come to the conclusion that Ibrahimovic is guilty of the suspicions, he could be banned from professional football for three years. In addition, he can be fined 100,000 euros. Depending on how quickly the verdict comes, it could cost Ibrahimovic the upcoming European Championship.
Bethard CEO Erik Skarp previously confirmed in an email Sportsbladet that Ibrahimovic is still a shareholder of the company. “These are questions that should be referred to FIFA. We have a contract with Zlatan that we follow. If there are any issues, we will deal with them together,” said Skarp. Bethard last month offered bets on Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia (1-0 win) and Kosovo (0-3 win) and also offers weekly betting on Serie A. known to the Swedish Football Association for years.
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