AC Milan striker and soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be investigated by a UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector, probing his ties to Bethard and whether he has violated the organization’s Code of Ethics.
Ethics Inspector to Scrutinize Ibrahimovic’s Bethard Case
UEFA is looking closer into the allegations that AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been connected to a betting company. On Monday, the European soccer governing body appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the allegations levied against the soccer player.
The investigation comes in the wake of a report by Aftonbladet, a Swedish newspaper, which claimed that Ibrahimovic had an ownership share in Bethard, a sports betting company that he joined in 2018.
If the claims prove true, they would be in direct violation of FIFA’s Code of Ethics which clearly states that players may not have interests in companies that promote sports gambling, lotteries, or similar organizations. The Monday statement explained:
“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
Should the allegations against Ibrahimovic turn out to be true, he could have to pay around $109,000 and would face a ban of participating in any soccer or soccer-related events for up to three years. Ibrahimovic already signed a contract to stay with AC Milan for a couple of years more, which will mean he will still be a part of the team past his 40th birthday.
Meanwhile, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has already issued small fines to both the player and the club. AC Milan has not hesitated to sign the contract with Ibrahimovic despite the allegations levied against him, sending an unequivocal sign that it would stick by its player.