Turkish Football Rocked by Referee Betting Scandal, 149 Suspended
Istanbul, Turkey – November 12, 2025 – A major scandal has engulfed Turkish football after allegations surfaced that referees actively engaged in sports betting, prompting the Turkish Football Association (TFF) to suspend 149 referees and assistant referees. The suspensions, ranging from eight to twelve months, were announced following an investigation into betting activity linked to match officials.
The TFF revealed the allegations at the end of October, stating a total of 152 referees were implicated. This crisis strikes at the heart of the sport’s integrity in Turkey, raising serious questions about potential match manipulation and eroding public trust. The suspensions promptly impact league scheduling and raise concerns about referee availability for upcoming matches,potentially leading to delays or the use of less experienced officials.
The suspended officials vehemently deny any wrongdoing, collectively issuing a statement labeling the accusations “outrageous.” They maintain that none of them placed bets on matches they officiated. Some have further clarified that any betting activity occured during their time as amateur referees, prior to their professional appointments.
The TFF has not released details regarding the specific games or types of bets involved, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, the scale of the suspensions indicates a widespread pattern of behavior that the association deemed unacceptable. The outcome of the investigation and any further disciplinary actions will be closely watched by fans, clubs, and international football governing bodies.
