Davor Šuker Issues Statement After Accusations of Betting Mafia Involvement

photo credit: Dargo Sopta

Former Croatian international and current Croatian Football Federation President Davor Šuker has issued a statement after allegations in Germany that he was involved in a betting scandal…

German TV station ARD claimed that the former Real Madrid striker was in contact with renowned convicted betting magnate Ante Šapina, and even placed bets on matches for the Berlin-based Croat. Šapina who was jailed by a German court, is estimated to have made over 3.5 million euros betting on fixed football matches.

On Tuesday Šuker answered the accusations in a statement:

I’m aware of the articles that have been published in some newspapers over the last week regarding my potential relationship with Mr. Ante Šapina and Mr. Mario Cvrtak.

First of all, I would like to emphasize that I’m a man of football and I have dedicated my life to the sport I love. I had the opportunity to represent several top clubs at national and international level. On top of that, I was honoured to defend my national team in 69 matches. This situation gave me the possibility to meet and greet thousands of persons related to sport.

Unfortunately, both cited Croatian fixers were among this broad group. In any case, I can state emphatically that I have never been involved in any activity aimed at arranging or influencing the outcome of a football match in my entire life.

Furthermore, I can assure that myself and the Croatian Football Federation are completely engaged in fighting this terrible infection which is match-fixing.

I also take this opportunity to state that I have never been questioned by any public or private authority in relation to my alleged relationship with Mr. Ante Šapina and Mr. Mario Cvrtak. It is well-known that Bochum public prosecutor’s office has dealt for more than seven years and is still dealing with the fight against match-fixing in football. I confirm I have never been interrogated by the latter authorities on any potential implications which may linked myself to such kind of activities, simply because I have never played or acted against my firm fair play principles and love for the integrity of sport.

As simple, as that.

Davor Šuker
President
Croatian Football Federation