Istanbul prosecutors launched an investigation into an illegal betting scandal in Turkish football. On November 7, they issued arrest warrants for 21 people. The group includes 17 referees and the president of a top-flight club in Turkey’s Süper Lig.
The Office of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor is leading the investigation. It targets allegations of sports betting involving numerous active referees. Authorities arrested at least 19 suspects, including 17 referees, during early morning coordinated raids in Istanbul and 11 other provinces. Authorities have issued arrest warrants for two additional suspects, who are reportedly currently abroad.
Identified only by their initials, the 17 referees are under investigation for alleged abuse of office and match outcome manipulation. Turkish media report that public officials violate their duties when they participate in betting games. Authorities analyzed allegations of manipulation and match-fixing under Turkey’s Law for the Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sport. Following this, they issued arrest warrants for AKK, AT, BK, BT, BEA, CB, EA, MY, M.Ö., NO, NK, SET, Ş.B., UT, UK, YY, and Y.Ş.
Authorities are also questioning Murat Özkaya, chairman of Eyüpspor, currently second-to-last in the first division, and Fatih Saraç, former owner of Kasımpaşa, following their arrests. Authorities placed Kasımpaşa under judicial administration last September following a separate investigation into alleged corruption involving its former owner and several Turkish media outlets, including Can Holding.
The scandal over illegal betting in Turkish football came to light after the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) recently suspended 149 referees and assistants for their involvement in sports betting. The sanctions range from eight to 12 months. The TFF has not clarified whether any of these referees bet on matches they also officiated so far.
