Turkey suspends over 1,000 players in massive betting scandal
By Xinhua News Agency, November 11, 2025Turkish authorities on Monday arrested eight individuals, including Eyupspor Football Club chairman Murat Ozkaya, in connection with a widening illegal football betting scandal that has rocked the nation’s sports scene. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has also suspended 1,024 players across all professional divisions pending investigation.
The arrests were part of a coordinated operation by the Istanbul Cyber Crimes Division and the Public Prosecutor’s Office targeting individuals suspected of engaging in match-fixing and betting-related offences. State-run broadcaster TRT reported that those arrested, including club officials and referees, have been referred to court for further action.
According to Turkish police, simultaneous raids were carried out across 13 provinces, among them Ankara, Antalya, Bolu, Diyarbakir, Istanbul, Izmir, and Trabzon. Authorities confirmed that 21 people were initially detained after weeks of surveillance and technical monitoring linked to the scandal.
In a statement issued on Monday, the TFF said it had referred 1,024 players from multiple leagues to the Professional Football Disciplinary Council. All have been suspended as investigations into their alleged involvement in betting activities continue.
“In connection with the betting investigation, 1,024 players have been provisionally referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Council,” the TFF said, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on gambling within the sport.
The massive crackdown follows earlier disciplinary action by the federation, which in recent weeks suspended 149 referees and assistant referees for alleged involvement in betting on matches they were officiating, a breach of football integrity and ethics rules.
The latest arrests and suspensions mark one of the largest anti-corruption actions in Turkish sports history, as authorities intensify efforts to clean up football amid growing public concern over match integrity and the influence of illegal gambling networks.