ISTANBUL, oct 26 (Reuters) - Turkish authorities on Thursday issued arrest warrants for 17 individuals, including the president of top-flight football club MKE Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, as part of a probe into alleged match-fixing and betting irregularities, state-run media reported.
The investigation centers around claims of manipulated matches in the Turkish Süper Lig, with authorities alleging a scheme to influence game outcomes for financial gain through illegal betting. The arrests follow a violent incident on Sunday where Ankaragucu club president Koca physically assaulted referee Halil Umut Meler after a controversial match against Rizespor. Meler was hospitalized with a broken nose and eye socket.
The crackdown represents a significant escalation in efforts to combat corruption within Turkish football,a sport with a passionate following but plagued by past scandals. The investigation, led by prosecutors in Ankara, is focusing on matches from the current and previous seasons.If found guilty, those involved could face lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. The Turkish football Federation (TFF) has suspended all league games indefinitely following the attack on the referee and the unfolding investigation.
