The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended 1,024 players across its professional leagues as part of a wide-ranging investigation into illegal betting.
Among those named, 27 footballers from the country’s top division have been referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) for further review. The federation confirmed that it identified players who placed wagers on football matches and that disciplinary proceedings are now underway.
As a result of the sweeping action, fixtures in Turkey’s third and fourth divisions have been halted for two weeks, while games in the Super Lig and First League will continue as scheduled.
Clubs react as key players named
Following the announcement, several major clubs issued statements regarding the situation.
Besiktas confirmed that two members of their squad had been referred to the PFDK, emphasizing the club’s “full faith” in the innocence of both individuals.
Super Lig champions Galatasaray also revealed that two of their players were under investigation, saying they would “meticulously” monitor the “sensitive process.”
Local media further reported that eight people, including a club chairman, were detained by authorities as part of the ongoing criminal inquiry.
Referees under scrutiny for betting activity
The controversy first surfaced on 27 October when TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu alleged that hundreds of match officials were linked to betting platforms.
According to Haciosmanoglu, 371 of the 571 referees working in Turkey’s professional divisions had accounts connected to gambling, and 152 of them actively placed wagers. He detailed that the list included seven referees and fifteen assistants from the top two leagues, alongside 36 senior officials and 94 assistants from the divisions below.
The TFF president added that ten referees each placed more than 10,000 bets, with one making 18,227 wagers and 142 others betting on over 1,000 matches. Some officials, however, only placed a single bet.
Legal measures and transfer implications
Betting by referees, players, and coaches is strictly prohibited under regulations set by the TFF, FIFA, and UEFA. In line with the ongoing inquiry, Turkish prosecutors have issued detention orders for 21 individuals, including 17 referees and two club presidents, amid suspicions of betting and potential match-fixing.
Meanwhile, the TFF has asked FIFA to extend the winter transfer period by 15 days to help clubs cope with depleted squads following the suspensions.
