Turkish Court Jails 20 in Major Football Betting Investigation

A Turkish court has ordered the detention of 20 individuals, including prominent football players, as part of an extensive investigation into football betting. According to state-owned Anadolu Agency, the arrests occurred on December 9, 2023, amid growing scrutiny of illegal gambling practices in Turkey’s professional leagues.

The investigation gained significant momentum last week when prosecutors issued detainment orders for a total of 46 suspects. This group encompasses not only players but also club presidents, commentators, and a referee, all implicated in insider betting schemes. Among those arrested are Galatasaray player Metehan Baltaci and Fenerbahce player Mert Hakan Yandas, along with former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak.

Baltaci claimed in court that he had placed bets on several matches during his time as a youth team player but denied any involvement since joining the senior team at Galatasaray. Similarly, Yandas, as reported by Sabah newspaper, stated he had no involvement in gambling on matches. Sancak also professed his innocence, asserting that he did not maintain a gambling account and had never placed bets on games, according to Cumhuriyet newspaper.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has taken significant actions in response to the investigation, suspending 149 referees and assistants after evidence surfaced that officials were engaging in betting on games. This crackdown expanded with the arrest of eight individuals, including the chairman of a top-tier club, and the suspension of 1,024 players across various leagues.

As the investigation unfolds, no trial dates have been set for the detained individuals. The situation remains dynamic, with authorities continuing to explore the extent of gambling activities within Turkish football. The implications of this inquiry could have lasting effects on the integrity of the sport in the country.