Turkey Jails Football Figures in Expanding Betting Probe
A major investigation into illegal football betting in Turkey has resulted in the arrest of 20 people, including several well-known Super Lig players, as authorities widen their probe into alleged insider gambling activity across the country’s professional leagues.
What began as a targeted inquiry into select players and club officials has evolved into a nationwide crackdown, drawing in figures from multiple tiers of Turkish football. The case gained renewed momentum this week when several high-profile individuals were formally jailed pending trial, intensifying scrutiny on the sport’s integrity.
Among those detained are Galatasaray defender Metehan Baltacı, Fenerbahçe midfielder Mert Hakan Yandaş and former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak. All three face accusations linked to illegal betting networks said to be active around the Super Lig and lower divisions.
Statements from the accused
State news agency Anadolu reported that Baltacı acknowledged past gambling activity but told the court it occurred only during his youth career. He stressed that he abandoned betting entirely upon joining Galatasaray’s senior squad and rejected any connection to illicit wagering as a top-flight player.
Yandaş firmly denied all allegations, insisting in testimony relayed by Sabah newspaper that he has “never participated in gambling of any kind.” His statement seeks to distance him from a scandal that has rattled Turkey’s football establishment and attracted widespread public attention.
Similarly, Sancak refuted the accusations, telling Cumhuriyet that he has never held a gambling account or placed bets on football matches. He argued that the claims against him are baseless and said he would cooperate fully with the investigation.
Rapid expansion of the investigation
The case has broadened dramatically in recent weeks. Prosecutors initially issued warrants for 46 individuals, a list that included active players, referees, executives and media figures. The most recent wave of arrests forms part of an extensive clean-up operation led by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
Last month, the TFF suspended 149 referees and assistant referees after uncovering signs they had placed bets on matches they were overseeing. Since then, authorities have detained eight more people, including the chairman of a top-division club. The Federation has also issued bans to more than 1,000 players across all leagues as investigators trace the full scope of the betting ring.
Impact on Turkish football
The fallout has shaken the domestic football landscape, with clubs, coaches and supporters expressing alarm over the scale of the alleged misconduct. Observers warn that public trust in the sport’s governance could be at risk unless significant reforms are introduced.
The TFF has declined to comment on specifics but reiterated its commitment to transparency. “Our priority is the integrity and fairness of Turkish football” a spokesperson said, noting that the Federation is cooperating closely with law enforcement.
The scandal has dominated headlines, with media outlets providing continuous coverage of court hearings and new arrests. Commentators say the case could have enduring consequences for the careers of those implicated and for Turkey’s broader sporting reputation.
Legal outlook
No trial date has been set, but the judicial process is expected to proceed quickly due to the sensitivity and visibility of the case. International observers are also watching closely, given that match-fixing and betting scandals have recently emerged in other major football markets, including Italy, Spain and Brazil.
While many of the accused maintain their innocence, upcoming court rulings will determine how far the betting network reached and what it means for the future of Turkish football.
