Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres summoned as witness in Swedish defamation trial

Viktor Gyokeres has been summoned to appear as a witness in a defamation trial in Sweden and is expected to give testimony in Stockholm District Court in 2026, legal filings show. The case stems from a libel suit brought by Gyokeres’ representative, Hasan Cetinkaya, and his agency, HCM Sports Management, against two Swedish publications.

Cetinkaya launched the defamation action against Fotboll Sthlm and Expressen after the outlets published reports alleging links between him — and his agency — and organised criminal groups. The lawsuit seeks to clear those claims, and court documents indicate Gyokeres will be called to testify about a childhood friend in relation to the allegations.

The legal action follows an incident last month in which gunshots were fired at the home of a relative of one of Gyokeres’ agents in Huddinge, near Stockholm. Swedish authorities have been reported as investigating whether that incident was connected to transfers after the relative allegedly boasted about receiving a share of a transfer fee. Police in Sweden have previously warned that organised criminals may target individuals working in professional football in order to extort them.

Gyokeres, who plays as a striker for Arsenal, is listed as a witness rather than a defendant in the defamation proceedings. The scheduling of his testimony in 2026 means there is the potential for a clash with Arsenal fixtures, depending on the precise dates and the club’s calendar. The club has not publicly detailed any arrangements for player availability in relation to the court appearance.

Swedish prosecutors and police are handling inquiries related to the shooting and the broader concerns about criminal activity intersecting with the football industry. The defamation suit focuses on whether the publications’ reporting unlawfully linked Cetinkaya and HCM Sports Management to criminal networks. The outcome of the case could have implications for the reputations of the individuals and organisations involved, and could shape press-reporting boundaries on such allegations.

Legal procedures in Sweden mean witnesses can be called to give evidence in person at district courts. The timing and duration of Gyokeres’ required attendance will be determined by the court timetable and any arrangements made by the parties. Until dates are formally set, it is not possible to confirm which matches, if any, he might miss.

The matter adds to wider concerns within European football about the safety and vulnerability of agents, players and other figures who may become targets of criminal activity. Authorities have in recent years emphasised vigilance and cooperation with clubs and player representatives to counter extortion and other illicit behaviour. The Stockholm trial is expected to proceed through standard court processes, with further hearings scheduled as the case develops.