Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres called as witness in court case as agent brings defamation claims against Swedish news sites

The case stems from investigations conducted by both outlets into Cetinkaya and his sports management company, HCM Sports Management, exploring alleged links to criminal gangs. Cetinkaya previously reported the media outlets to the Media Ombudsman for “violations of good journalistic practice,” but was ultimately acquitted. After that, Cetinkaya escalated the matter to the Stockholm District Court, filing a lawsuit for gross defamation.

Now, according to documents obtained by Swedish outlet SVT, Gyokeres, 25, has been called as a witness in the trial. Cetinkaya’s lawyer, Joakim Lundqvist, confirmed that Gyokeres will be questioned about specific circumstances outlined in the evidence.

Gyokeres, who is not under any suspicion, will testify that he is a childhood friend of the individual at the centre of the controversy and that this person has no personal or professional connection to Cetinkaya or HCM Sports Management.

Speaking to SVT Sport, Lundqvist said, "He has been called as a witness to be heard in the case regarding the circumstances described in the evidence."

The controversy revolves around a 25-year-old who was cited by Expressen and Fotboll Sthlm as an example of individuals associated with gang criminal circles allegedly linked to Cetinkaya. Social media photos showing this individual alongside Cetinkaya and Gyokeres were used in the outlets’ reporting. Furthermore, the media claimed the individual had managed a Swedish rapper who was tragically killed in the Foxtrot conflict, a detail that heightened the public’s attention on the case. However, Cetinkaya has firmly denied any connection between the individual and his agency, insisting the allegations are false.

The Stockholm District Court has scheduled the trial to run from February 4 to February 11. The timing could see Gyokeres balancing court obligations with Arsenal duties, as the Premier League club has two fixtures during that period. Adding further weight to the proceedings, Mayckel Lahdo, a professional player at Nantes and former Hammarby star, will also appear as a witness in the trial. Lahdo’s testimony will complement Gyokeres’ account and provide additional clarity on the social ties in question.