Uefa has launched a disciplinary investigation into Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s alleged part-ownership of a betting company after Swedish newspaper `Aftonbladet Bild' claimed that the AC Milan striker was a part-owner of Maltese-based gambling website Bethard.
"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 Ibrahimovic for having an alleged financial interest in a betting company," the European governing body said in a statement.
The Sweden and Milan striker reportedly owns a 10% stake in Bethard, the Malta-based gambling website.
Ibrahimovic has had a turbulent season which saw him get fined, alongside Inter’s Romelu Lukaku, after the players’ heated exchange during a Coppa Italia match in January. The Italian FA fined Ibrahimovic €4,000 approximately Ksh 520,000 with Lukaku’s penalty €3,000 which is approximately Ksh 390,000.
Despite the harsh charges, Ibrahimovic signed a new one-year contract with the Italian giants last week a deal that will keep him at Milan beyond his 40th birthday.
The FIFA code of ethics strictly prohibits professional players from getting involved directly or indirectly in any form of betting, gambling, lotteries or such activities that involve transactions related to various football competitions as it promotes unfairness to the game among the players.
The 39 year old is currently staring at a possible three-year ban from FIFA for his alleged role in a sports betting company which might effectively end his football career.