Published on: January 26, 2026, at 08:06h.
Updated on: January 26, 2026, at 08:06h.
- Authorities apprehend 19 individuals tied to claims of match-fixing.
- Investigations point to illegal wagering, corruption and financial misconduct.
- Club chairman expresses disbelief; lawyers assert the accused deny any wrongdoing.
On Monday, Israeli law enforcement detained 19 individuals associated with a professional soccer team amid claims of match manipulation, illegal betting, bribery, and money laundering. The arrested persons include active players and top club officials, as reported by the police.
While police have not officially disclosed the club’s name, local news sources indicate it is F.C. Kiryat Yam, situated in northern Israel near Haifa, competing in the Leumit League, which is the nation’s second division.
‘Criminal Syndicate’
Investigators suspect that a criminal syndicate has been utilizing the club as a means to launder funds gained from illicit gambling operations. Maj. Gen. Hussein Safadi, who is overseeing the investigation, mentioned to the sports portal ONE.co.il that the figures involved are estimated in the tens of millions of shekels, translating to multiple million US dollars.
“This is a criminal syndicate that has taken control of a football club, not merely in a financial and managerial capacity, but also employed it as a platform for executing criminal activities, profiting from manipulated results and unlawful betting,” Safadi stated.
Authorities allege that this group has been involved in altering match outcomes over an extended timeline, with games purportedly rigged to favor illegal betting ventures. Arrests were executed during coordinated dawn operations following a thorough undercover investigation in collaboration with the Israel Football Association (IFA).
“During the investigation, indicators arose suggesting that an organized crime group was integrated into the club’s executive and financial framework, engaging in match manipulation via financial bribery and unauthorized gambling,” police declared.
The alleged scheme reportedly spanned illegal betting activities both within Israel and abroad, with stakes placed on matches whose outcomes had been prearranged, investigators noted.
According to law enforcement, these activities have reportedly continued for approximately three years, involving both local and international gambling markets. Officials mention that the inquiry is still in its early phases, and additional arrests could occur as financial and communication records are scrutinized further.
Claims of Innocence
The Israel Football Association confirmed its collaboration with law authorities, adding that it was made aware of questionable betting trends related to matches involving the club.
“I am in disbelief and don’t comprehend what they are accusing us of. I am unaware of who has been detained and find the whole situation overwhelming. I’m simply in a state of shock,” the chairman, Nissim Tzarfati, told Ynet, emphasizing that the club operates “1000% legally.”
Attorneys representing some of the accused stated their clients contest the allegations and are perplexed by their apprehension. They insinuated a potential conspiracy, claiming that “certain parties” are attempting to hinder the club’s ascent to the Premier League, the top tier of Israeli soccer.
Kiryat Yam is presently in third place within the Leumit League, trailing two points behind the second-place team, Maccabi Herzliya. Only the leading two teams secure promotion at the conclusion of the season.