Turkey FA has taken decisive action by suspending 1,024 players from professional leagues as part of an extensive investigation into illegal betting activities. The football authority confirmed that the players identified for participating in betting have been referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) for further review and potential sanctions. Among those suspended are 27 players from the country’s top-flight division, highlighting the scale and seriousness of the issue. Following the sweeping suspensions, the Turkey FA has decided to postpone matches in the third and fourth divisions for a period of two weeks. However, games in the top two divisions will proceed as scheduled. The federation also reached out to world governing body Fifa requesting an additional 15 days beyond the winter transfer window to help clubs address the sudden shortage of players. A response from Fifa is still awaited. Prominent clubs have already been affected by the investigation. Istanbul giants Besiktas confirmed that two of their players have been referred to the disciplinary board.
Turkey FA Suspends 1,024 Players in Major Betting Investigation
The club expressed full confidence in their players’ innocence and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing process. Similarly, reigning Super Lig champions Galatasaray reported that two of their squad members are under investigation. The club stated it would closely monitor the case while ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the proceedings. Local Turkish media reported that authorities have arrested eight individuals in connection with the scandal, including a club chairman. The arrests were made as part of a broader crackdown on illegal betting and possible match-fixing schemes that have cast a shadow over the country’s football scene. The controversy first came to public attention on 27 October when Turkey FA president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu revealed that hundreds of referees were suspected of being linked to betting accounts. According to his statement, out of 571 referees working across Turkey’s professional leagues, 371 had betting accounts and 152 were actively placing bets. The figures included seven referees and 15 assistant referees from the top two divisions as well as dozens from lower-tier leagues.
Haciosmanoglu further disclosed that 10 referees each placed over 10,000 wagers. One referee was found to have made an astonishing 18,227 bets, while another 142 referees had placed more than 1,000 wagers. Some officials only placed a single bet, but all are in violation of strict regulations. Under the rules of the Turkey FA, as well as those of Fifa and Uefa, players, coaches, and match officials are strictly prohibited from engaging in any betting-related activities. The federation emphasized that these regulations are essential to maintaining integrity and fairness within the sport. Turkish prosecutors have recently issued detention orders for 21 individuals including 17 referees and two football club presidents. This large-scale operation marks one of the most significant investigations in Turkish football history, as the Turkey FA works to restore trust and transparency to the nation’s beloved game.
source:BBC
