Authorities in Istanbul have initiated a significant crackdown on a widespread betting scandal in Turkish football, issuing arrest warrants for numerous players and officials. The operation, carried out on Friday, has highlighted the extent of corruption within the sport, leading to early morning raids that resulted in the detention of several prominent figures.
High-profile arrests
Among those arrested are key players from Turkey’s top clubs, including Yandaş from Fenerbahçe and Metehan Baltacı from the reigning champions, Galatasaray. This scandal follows the Turkish Football Federation’s announcement in October, which revealed an ongoing investigation into over 150 referees implicated in betting activities related to soccer matches.
The investigation has since broadened its scope, encompassing not only players but also sports administrators, TV commentators, and other stakeholders in the football community. Last month, more than 100 professional players faced temporary bans, with 25 from the elite Süper Lig.
Details of the investigation
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that arrest warrants were issued for 46 individuals on Friday, of which 35 had already been apprehended. Among those detained are the chairperson of Ankaraspor, the vice-chair of Antalyaspor, and the former chair of Adana Demirspor. Notable figures such as former referee and commentator Ahmet Çakar, as well as current referee Zorbay Küçük, were also arrested, according to reports from news agency DHA.
Prosecutors disclosed that Baltacı had allegedly placed bets on matches involving his own team, while Yandaş reportedly conducted his betting activities through intermediaries. Furthermore, the investigation uncovered “suspicious financial transactions” linked to the bank accounts of seven individuals, including Çakar and Küçük.
“The manipulation of sports competitions is a grievous offense,” stated the prosecutors, who detained the suspects under a law designed to combat disorder in sports.
This legislation criminalizes any manipulation of sporting events and prescribes penalties ranging from one to three years’ imprisonment, with potential increases if the crimes are associated with betting markets or involve officials from professional leagues. Globally and in Europe, regulations prohibit players, referees, and club officials from engaging in any form of betting on matches.
In response to these troubling developments, the Turkish Football Federation has pledged to restore integrity within the sport. President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu emphasized his commitment to shielding football from “scandal, decay, and corrupt relationships,” promising a thorough cleanup of the game.