UEFA have confirmed that they have opened a disciplinary investigation into Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic over his involvement in a betting company.
A statement was released by UEFA this afternoon and reads as follows: “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 Ibrahimović for having an alleged financial interest in a betting company.
“Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”
Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet (via Calciomercato.com) wrote that Ibrahimovic – through his stock company Unknown AB – owns 10% of Bethard.com, a sports betting brand. This violates the FIFA and UEFA code of ethics, which prohibits players participating in their competitions from having financial interests in companies of this type.
Erik Skarp, the CEO of Bethard, confirmed to the paper that Ibrahimovic still owns shares in Gameday Group PLC, Bethard’s sole shareholder. As per the regulations, Ibrahimovic could be suspended from football and it would apply to all UEFA and FIFA competitions, including the World Cup qualifiers and any European tournaments that Milan are in.
However, the punishments range from a fine of €100k to the suspension of all activities related to football for a maximum of three years.
Is this the end of Zlatan. He did bet it hard.