UEFA have launched a probe on Zlatan Ibrahimovic to look into a possible breach of the rules against betting. The Milan striker might have infringed the ethical code because he co-owns the site Bethard.com, which is registered in Malta.
The international federation said in a statement: “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.”
Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet first reported that that Unknown AB, the holding that controls the various businesses of the forward, holds a 10 percent share of the Gameday Group PCL, which owns Bethard. The investment has been confirmed by its CEO Erik Sharp.
Players can not participate directly or indirectly in betting-related activities. Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that, while the process will have few steps and take time, the likeliest outcome is a fine against Ibrahimovic, who will have to sell his stake of the company. The eventual trial would take place within the confines of FIFA even though UEFA initiated the procedure because the star has featured in Europa League and in the World Cup qualifiers with Sweden.
Severe violations of the art.12 of the code could yield lengthy suspensions, but it does not look like that will be the case in this instance. The Italian publication also indicates that Milan have inserted a clause in the recent extension of the star that would protect them financially in case of a long disqualification, as they were made aware of the situation in advance.