Ibrahimovic facing World Cup ban by FIFA over his links with betting firm

07/04/2018 | Categories: Football | Published by: AC

Updated: 10/06/2023

KYIV, UKRAINE – JUNE 15, 2012: Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Sweden (in Yellow) controls the ball during UEFA EURO 2012 game against England on June 15, 2012 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could face a World Cup 2018 ban by FIFA over his links with a betting firm despite added recent interest in his participation for Sweden in the summer.

Former Manchester United striker, Zlantan Ibrahimovic, may face a possible World Cup ban and the motive is as a result of his sponsored association with a sports betting firm. The Swedish striker who's at present in international retirement could well have thwarted his chance of any World Cup 2018 involvement.

The Swede striker who's at present in international retirement has hinted lately he can be open to the prospect of representing Sweden in Russia 2018. Ibrahimovic hung his international boots up two years ago with a view to lengthen his taking part in the football profession at club stage. But after a formidable first season with Manchester United, and his profitable recovery from knee surgical procedure, he's once more being linked with a shock late call-up.

Ibrahimovic remains to be a massive favorite in Sweden, and though dropping in for the tournament having not figured in qualifying might upset some, he is seen as an asset for the Swedish team's chances.

However it will make no difference as to whether or not Sweden boss Janne Andersson decides to draft Ibrahimovic into his plans, Fifa rules might bar him from collaborating. The ex-Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star recently made the announcement that he was becoming an envoy for a betting firm known as Bethard. Founded in Sweden the bookmaker is licensed in Malta and Ibrahimovic has agreed to become the general public face of the corporate bookie even before he made his transfer to LA Galaxy. But that partnership seems to fall foul of the FIFA regulations stopping players having any affiliation with betting companies.

Rule 25 of chapter 4 of the Fifa ethics code states:

“Persons bound by this code shall be forbidden from taking part in, either directly or indirectly, or otherwise being associated with, betting, lotteries and similar events or transactions connected with football matches. “They are forbidden from having stakes, either actively or passively, in companies, concerns, organisations, etc. that promote, broker, arrange or conduct such events on transactions. “

Ibrahimovic introduced his new position with Bethard late last month, and his assertion seems to go towards these rules.

Speaking about his new role with Bethard Ibrahimovic mentioned:

“I have obviously been intensively courted by betting companies throughout my career, but up until now I have not been presented with anything that has interested me. “With Bethard, there was something different. It's a company with Swedish roots, the founders are from my home town and they are true challengers who really want to do things differently.”

The striker made an excellent beginning to his MLS professional career last week when he scored two goals, together with an amazing long-range effort, on his Galaxy debut. See the YouTube video coverage of those goals below.