Israeli soccer player Boris Klaiman was arrested in Greece on suspicion of raping a minor, sexual harassment, and drug possession overnight Tuesday, according to Greek media reports.
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The incident reportedly occurred at a local pub in the early morning hours. Police responded to a call from a minor who complained of a sexual assault. The Israeli shot-stopper, who was reportedly there with a teammate and confronted the minor’s friends beforehand, was found in possession of drugs and was arrested.
The complainant, a Belgian tourist, claimed that Klaiman had touched and grabbed her inappropriately in different parts of her body, and used force on her.
After the girl turned to her friends, who were apparently unaware of the incident unfolding in real-time, they attacked the player and a brawl broke out. Six people, including the player and the minor’s friends, were arrested by the police.
All but one of them were released, as they were found with a knife. Subsequently, the Soviet-born player was remanded before a judge, and local media reports suggest that the prosecution has charged him with rape, sexual harassment, and drug possession.
According to his Greek lawyer, Klaiman denies the allegations against him and claims that the minor made advances toward him and teased him throughout the evening.
The goalkeeper’s agent has not yet been able to talk to him as he is still in custody, but is trying to gather information to assist.
Klaiman, who plays goalkeeper for top-flight Greek side Volos F.C., and his teammate who was with him during the incident had their contracts terminated by the club.
Kleiman has made 25 appearances in the Greek Super League this season, conceding 35 goals and keeping a clean sheet on nine occasions. Volos currently ranks sixth and last in the top house of the playoffs.
Kleiman started his adult playing career in the summer of 2008 with Hapoel Kfar Saba. After one year, he joined Hapoel Tel Aviv but later went on loan to Maccabi Herzliya.
Kleiman returned to Hapoel but served as a second goalkeeper to Vincent Enyeama and was unable to secure a spot in the opening eleven. He subsequently returned to Kfar Saba on loan.
Kleiman made his big breakthrough in the 2014/15 season by signing for Beitar Jerusalem where he played for four seasons. During his time at the club, he made 137 appearances in yellow and black.
Kleiman made his first and only appearance for the Israeli national team in a March 2016 2-0 friendly loss to Croatia.
In July 2018, Kleiman moved to the Cypriot side Paralimni, which was his first time playing outside of the Israeli Premier League. He made 47 appearances for the team over two seasons before joining Volos in the summer of 2020.