Zlatan Ibrahimovic 'facing three-year suspension' over betting involvement

Per the reports, anyone who violates FIFA's rules, in particular, could be punished with a monetary fine and possible suspension from all football-related activities for a maximum period of up to three years.

Ibrahimovic's involvement with Bethard is said to have begun in 2018 and has been cited as a possible reason for his exclusion from Sweden's squad for the FIFA World Cup tournament which took place that year.

The 39-year-old was said to have made himself available for selection after previously retiring from international duty but was ultimately overlooked for the squad, before finally making his return earlier this year.

However, his participation with the national team in last month's qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as his appearances in the UEFA Europa League earlier this season, could now land him in hot water.

Andre Arendse - returned in 2013 to play for Bidvest Wits

Roger Milla - returned four years after retirement at the age of 42 to play at the 1994 World Cup for Cameroon.

Johan Cruyff - returned in 1978 to play for Los Angeles Aztecs

Roberto Carlos - returned in 2015 to play for Delhi Dynamos

Landon Donovan - returned in 2016 and 2018 to play for LA Galaxy and Club Leon

Marc Overmars - returned in 2008 to play for Go Ahead Eagles

Paul Scholes - returned in 2012 to play for Manchester United

Siyabonga Nomvethe - returned in 2020 to play for Uthongathi

Jens Lehman - returned in 2011 for Arsenal aged 42

Romario - returned in 2009 to play for America FC aged 43

Arjen Robben joined Groningen at the start of the season after retiring in 2019

Scroll through the gallery to see 11 other football legends who came out of retirement