Turkey Betting Probe Widens With 29 New Detention Orders
ANKARA: Turkish prosecutors have ordered the detention of 29 more people in an expanding investigation into illegal betting in professional football. The case was reported by broadcaster NTV and other Turkish media.
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According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office, 24 of the 29 suspects have been detained so far. Those detained include former Galatasaray executive Erden Timur.
Players Among Suspects in Turkish Betting Investigation
According to NTV, 14 of the suspects are players currently or previously active in Turkish football leagues. The broadcaster did not release their names. Prosecutors are also seeking six individuals accused of betting on a Turkish Super Lig match between Kasimpasa and Samsunspor, played in October 2024.
The alleged betting activity forms part of a broader inquiry into insider betting and match-related gambling across multiple levels of Turkish football. Investigators are examining whether confidential information, including team selections and referee decisions, was used to gain illegal betting advantages.
Turkish Football Federation Takes Sweeping Action
The investigation has already triggered sweeping disciplinary measures by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). Last month, the federation suspended 149 referees and assistant referees following evidence of betting-related violations.
In a dramatic expansion of enforcement actions, the TFF also announced the suspension of 1,024 players across all leagues, citing breaches of betting regulations. The federation imposed bans in line with its zero-tolerance policy toward gambling activities that threaten the integrity of the sport.
The crackdown intensified further with the arrest of eight additional individuals, including the chairman of a top-tier football club, underscoring the depth of the alleged betting network.
Previous Detentions and Court Rulings
The latest detentions follow a major operation earlier this month, when prosecutors ordered the detention of 46 people. That group included players, club presidents, sports commentators, and a referee, all suspected of involvement in insider betting schemes.
A Turkish court later ruled to jail 20 of those suspects pending trial, including several players from the Super Lig. The court cited risks of evidence tampering and flight as reasons for pre-trial detention.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, with additional arrests possible as new evidence emerges.
Focus on Integrity of Turkish Football
Officials have stressed that the widening Turkey betting probe is aimed at protecting the integrity and credibility of professional football. Betting on matches by players, referees, and club officials is strictly prohibited under Turkish law and football regulations.
Illegal betting has long been viewed as a major threat to sports integrity in Turkey, particularly given the popularity of football and the financial stakes involved. Prosecutors are now coordinating closely with sports authorities to ensure that criminal proceedings and sporting sanctions proceed in parallel.
Growing Impact Across Leagues
The scope of the investigation now spans multiple professional levels, affecting players, referees, club executives, and media figures. Analysts say the unprecedented number of suspensions reflects a systemic effort to root out betting-related misconduct rather than isolated violations.
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While no final verdicts have been reached, the scale of the operation has already sent shockwaves through Turkish football, prompting clubs to review compliance measures and internal controls.
What Happens Next
Legal experts expect the detained suspects to be questioned in stages as prosecutors work to establish links between individuals, betting platforms, and specific matches. Court hearings are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
The Turkish Football Federation has said it will impose further disciplinary actions if additional violations are confirmed, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and fair play.
Conclusion
The detention of 29 more suspects signals a decisive moment in the Turkey betting probe, highlighting authorities’ determination to confront illegal gambling in professional football. With players, referees, and senior club figures implicated, the investigation represents one of the most comprehensive integrity crackdowns ever seen in Turkish sport.
As prosecutors continue to widen the net, the outcome of the case could reshape governance and accountability across Turkish football for years to come.
