Football Association Disciplinary Court Temporarily Suspends Omer Dahan

The Football Association's Disciplinary Court accepted today, Wednesday, the prosecutor's request and officially ordered the temporary suspension of Omer Dahan, a Maccabi Haifa player who was loaned last season to Hapoel Ra'anana, from all activities within the Association for 60 days.

In his ruling, chief judge Adv. Noam Lubin stated that after reviewing the materials presented, there is an "initial evidentiary basis" that raises serious concerns regarding offenses undermining the integrity of the game. The decision refers to suspicions of connections with betting agents, illegal betting on his team's results, and actions potentially related to match-fixing.

The court determined that under the current circumstances, the player's continued activity is untenable, describing the suspension as a "necessary, justified, and inevitable" step. However, the ruling emphasizes that the suspension does not constitute a determination of guilt. The court explicitly noted that the presumption of innocence remains, and a final decision on guilt will only be made if and when an indictment is filed and the case is heard on its merits.

During the 60-day suspension, Dahan may apply to the court for a reduction of the period should a material change in circumstances occur. Toward the end of the suspension, both parties are entitled to re-apply to the court based on developments in the investigation.

As recalled, the affair broke in June of last year when the player was arrested on suspicion of involvement in illegal betting and match-fixing. Dahan himself publicly denied all allegations against him at the time:

"I have no connection to the claims regarding match-fixing or selling games. The things attributed to me do not reflect who I am."