Swedish police are investigating licensed football agents they believe are linked to some of the country’s most violent criminal gangs.
“Several agents are directly or indirectly connected to serious organized crime,” said Per Engström, section head at the National Operations Department (Noa).
The investigation gained urgency after a recent shooting in Huddinge. Gunmen targeted a home reportedly tied to a Swedish football agent. According to information obtained by Dagens ETC, the attack was part of an extortion attempt following the high-profile transfer of national team striker Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal. That deal involved tens of millions of euros, making it a prime target for criminal interests.
Police have confirmed the investigation to SVT but declined to discuss motives. Still, Engström noted that crime intersecting with agent activity is hardly a surprise.
The growing concern isn’t just about transfers. Authorities warn that organized crime uses football to launder money, and cases of match-fixing tied to athletes with gambling problems have already surfaced in Sweden.
One agent under scrutiny told Dagens ETC he had no involvement in Gyökeres’ move. He admitted posting a photo with the player after an event but denied playing any role in negotiations.
The crackdown comes as FIFA tightens rules on the profession. Since October 1, 2023, all football agents must hold a FIFA license. Globally, nearly 11,000 agents are registered. In Sweden, the Football Association estimates about 150 licensed agents either live in the country or hold Swedish citizenship.
Engström believes the issue runs deep: “It would be surprising if the investigation didn’t reveal that even top players’ agents are connected to organized crime.”