The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced that it has referred 1,024 professional players to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK). The players are under investigation for involvement in illegal betting activities. This unprecedented move has sent shockwaves through Turkish football. It raises questions about the integrity of the sport and has drawn close attention from clubs, fans, and the media alike.
The TFF Legal Committee reported that the referrals include some of Türkiye’s most prominent footballers. These include Eren Elmali and Metehan Baltaci of Galatasaray, Necip Uysal and Ersin Destanoğlu of Beşiktaş, and Boran Başkan and Salih Malkoçoğlu of Trabzonspor. The TFF referred the players under Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Regulations on November 10, 2025. The TFF will determine disciplinary measures after completing a full investigation.
To help clubs manage potential roster disruptions from the disciplinary actions, the TFF has started discussions with FIFA. They aim to allow an additional 15-day domestic transfer and registration window, supplementing the regular 2025-26 winter transfer period. TFF designed this measure to help teams maintain competitive line-ups while the investigations continue.
The federation confirmed that the schedules for the Süper Lig and 1st League will continue as planned. TFF will delay fixtures for the 2nd and 3rd Leagues by two weeks. This gives clubs time to adjust to potential absences and disruptions.
The statement also highlighted that TFF will reassess cases involving 47 players who reportedly placed only a single bet once it receives further evidence from relevant institutions. TFF added that official correspondence with state authorities is ongoing, and the investigation may expand as new information becomes available.
This large-scale probe shows the federation’s commitment to fairness and integrity in Turkish football. It also signals that anyone involved in illegal betting will face serious consequences. Clubs, players, and supporters now await the outcomes, which could reshape rosters and impact league standings across the country.
