Turkish Football Rocked by Betting Scandal: Arrests Sought for Dozens
A major scandal is unfolding in Turkish football, with prosecutors seeking the arrest of 46 individuals, including 29 footballers, as part of a sweeping investigation into illegal betting on matches. Authorities suspect that 27 of the players participated in games thay had wagered on, according to a statement from the public prosecutor’s office.
The investigation extends far beyond the players,with as many as 3,700 footballers potentially facing scrutiny,as reported by Haberturk. Simultaneously, 152 professional football referees are under investigation for placing bets on football matches over the past five years. Shockingly,ten of these referees are alleged to have bet on over 10,000 matches apiece.
The information regarding the referees’ betting activity was disclosed by turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu. It is illegal for referees, players, adn coaches in Turkey to gamble on football outcomes.
The unfolding scandal has prompted reaction from leading turkish clubs. Galatasaray, currently leading the league, expressed surprise and stated the case underscores a long-standing crisis of trust and justice within Turkish football.
further revelations indicate a widespread connection between referees and betting companies, with figures from Turkish authorities showing that 371 out of 571 active professional league referees hold accounts with one or more betting firms.
(©NTB)
