Turkey Launches Major Crackdown on Football Betting Scandal, Detains 20 Key Figures
Turkey has stepped up its efforts to combat illegal betting in professional football, resulting in the detention of 20 individuals—including top league players and prominent club officials—who are now in custody pending trial. This development marks one of the most significant integrity investigations in the history of Turkish football, with authorities and the football federation scrutinizing whether widespread gambling activities might also involve corruption or match-fixing.
A Turkish court has issued arrest warrants for 20 individuals suspected of being involved in insider betting across various professional leagues. These suspects are part of a larger group of 46 people detained last week, which includes players, referees, commentators, and club executives. Among those officially detained are Galatasaray player Metehan Baltaci, Fenerbahçe midfielder Mert Hakan Yandaş, and former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak, according to Anadolu news agency.
Most allegations revolve around individuals allegedly leveraging their positions within clubs or the sport to sway betting results. Investigators are still determining whether the case extends beyond the prevalent gambling culture in Turkish football. The scandal has already affected the transfer market, with numerous players facing suspensions and disciplinary measures across various levels of the sport.
Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, chairman of the Turkish Football Federation, stated that the scandal has exposed deep-seated issues within the sport. “For years, the problems of Turkish football have been swept under the carpet. Such disgraceful decisions have been made, such crimes covered up, and the sole responsibility for our current situation is a lack of will,” he said. He added that the federation is awaiting further information from Spor Toto, the state-run betting operator, which could lead to a broader investigation involving match officials, coaches, managers, and other officials.
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Anadolu reported that Baltaci told the court he had only placed bets during his youth, while Sabah cited Yandaş as denying any involvement in gambling. Cumhuriyet also covered Sancak’s testimony, where he claimed never to have held a gambling account or placed bets.
The federation has suspended 149 referees and assistants over betting activities, later expanding the suspensions to include 1,024 players across all leagues. A trial date has yet to be scheduled as prosecutors continue gathering evidence. Turkey football betting
