371 Referees Implicated in Turkish Football Betting Scandal

Turkish football has been shaken by an unprecedented scandal. Following a five-year investigation, it has been revealed that out of the country's 571 professional referees, 371 are under investigation, and at least 152 of them have been actively involved in illegal betting. The Turkish Football Federation has announced it will initiate extensive disciplinary proceedings to "clean the filth" from football.

The details of the investigation are shocking. According to the BBC, while some referees placed bets only once, 42 referees bet on more than 1,000 football matches, and one referee made a record 18,227 bets.

Although the President of the Turkish Football Federation, İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, did not name the culprits, he stated that cases would be brought against seven head and 15 assistant referees serving the top two leagues, as well as 36 qualified and 94 assistant referees from lower divisions. "If we want to bring Turkish football back to where it deserves to be, we must clean up all the filth," he declared, adding that the guilty parties will face a disciplinary committee and receive appropriate punishment. It is worth noting that betting is forbidden for players, coaches, and referees under national, European, and world football regulations.

The country's leading clubs have reacted to the scandal. Beşiktaş stated that the investigation's results could be "a new beginning for clean football," while Trabzonspor called it "a historic opportunity to restore justice in Turkish football."

"This is both shocking and deeply saddening for Turkish football. But the fact that this has been exposed gives hope," said Fenerbahçe President Sadettin Saran.

Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek, in turn, noted: "The revelation that referees responsible for ensuring justice on the field have betting accounts is a serious blow not only to sporting ethics but also to the fundamental values of Turkish football. Our club will fully support all steps to establish fair football."