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Betting scandal in Turkey, arrests, massive relegation and life bans! Interpol is also investigating
2025-11-12 19:49:25 / SPORT
The revelations coming out of Turkey are shocking, as the issue of illegal betting, which has already led to criminal prosecutions of referees and football players, appears to be taking on the proportions of a "tsunami".
The next phase of the investigation concerns officials, coaches and club presidents, as reported by “Yenicaggazetesi”. According to Turkish reports, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) is preparing to expose presidents and administrators who are suspected of betting on their teams.
If their involvement is proven, then the punishment will not be individual, but will result in the entire club being relegated from the category.
The first phase of the investigation targeted judges: of the 152 found to be actively betting, 149 were sentenced to a ban of 8 to 12 months.
The second phase concerned footballers: a total of 1,024 players were referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Body (PFDK), of whom 27 from the Super Lig, 77 from division B, 282 from division C, 629 from division D and 9 professionals from outside the categories.
However, the third phase, already characterized as the most destructive, will affect coaches, presidents, agents and managers, that is, the highest levels of power in Turkish football.
A few days ago, the Federation announced the referral of 1,024 footballers for their participation in a major betting scandal. Among them are 27 first-division players, with Galatasaray international defender Eren Elmal being the most prominent name.
The case came to light just a day after it was revealed that 600 footballers had given statements to Interpol, and investigations are ongoing. All those involved will be reviewed by the Professional Football Disciplinary Board, which will decide on penalties.
Furthermore, the list of 27 first division players includes two players from Galatasaray and two from Besiktas, with the scandal causing a major shock in football in our neighboring country.
The TFF clarifies that the young individuals will not be prosecuted under Article 57 (“Betting”), but under Article 56 of the Disciplinary Regulations, which deals with “Influencing the outcome of a match”.
“Changing the result or course of a match in a way that is contrary to the law or sporting ethics is prohibited. Those who violate the regulations are punished with a lifetime ban. If the offenders are club administrators, then the club is relegated to the immediately lower category. In cases of serious violations, a deduction of at least 12 points is imposed. If it is found that the act was committed for the benefit of someone or a third party from betting, it is considered a particularly serious violation.”
Based on this article, any president or agent who bets for or against his team risks leading the entire club towards relegation.
Eyupspor case: Arrests and indictments pending
Of particular interest is the case of Eyupspor president Murat Ozkaya, who was arrested by Istanbul authorities on charges of match-fixing.
The Turkish Football Federation (FFF) is awaiting the official issuance of an indictment to refer Ozkaya to the Ethics Committee. If the evidence is confirmed, the Federation will act based on Article 56, which foresees Eyupspor's relegation from the category.
The matter will be reviewed by the Disciplinary Body, and in case of appeal, by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which will make the final decision.
"Shadow" over Turkish football
The wave of revelations has dealt a serious blow to the credibility of Turkish football, with the media talking about the biggest crisis in decades. If the allegations are confirmed, it is not impossible to see massive relegation of teams from the categories, as well as lifelong exclusions from all football activities.
The phrase circulating in the Turkish media is typical:
“It’s not a wave coming, it’s a tsunami coming.” This can be understood from the fact that the TFF announced the summons before its disciplinary board of 1,024 footballers accused of betting on matches, despite existing bans.
The federation also announced the suspension of the third and fourth division championships for 2 weeks. More than 900 players involved are playing in them.
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