Football Referees Betting Investigation (2025)

In 2025, following a comprehensive audit conducted by the Turkish Football Federation, it was determined that a number of referees working in the professional leagues had engaged in betting activities, prompting one of the largest disciplinary and judicial investigations in the history of Turkish football. The incident, publicly announced on 27 October 2025, was based on the federation’s internal audit reports and data obtained from state institutions. The findings revealed at a press conference held by TFF President Ibrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu at the Riva Hasan Doğan National Teams Training and Education Facility generated significant反响 both within the football community and among judicial circles.

Content of the Press Conference

The meeting held on 27 October under the presidency of Hacıosmanoğlu was attended by vice presidents, members of the board of directors, Chairman of the Central Referee Board Ferhat Gündoğdu, Chairman of the Representatives Council Şerafettin Bural, and TFF General Secretary Abdullah Ayaz. The central agenda item of the meeting consisted of the data collected concerning the referee community.

Hacıosmanoğlu referred to the long-standing ethical problems and disciplinary lapses in Turkish football, stating, “As a federation, we must begin with our own backyard,” and thereby disclosed to the public the TFF’s internal audit process. Within the joint effort undertaken by the federation and state institutions, it was determined that 371 of the 571 active referees officiating in the professional leagues had opened user accounts with domestic and international betting companies, and that 152 of these referees had directly placed bets on football matches.

The classification of these 152 referees is as follows:

• 7 top-tier referees
• 15 top-tier assistant referees
• 36 first-tier referees
• 94 first-tier assistant referees

Analyses revealed that while some referees placed bets on only a single match, others engaged in systematic, high-volume betting activities. It was disclosed that one referee had placed bets on 18,227 different matches, and that 42 referees had placed bets on over 1,000 matches. It was also noted that the majority of these bets were placed on foreign leagues.

TFF President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu (AA)

Disciplinary Processes and Legal Basis

At the press conference, TFF President Hacıosmanoğlu stated that the five-year statute of limitations under Law No. 6222 on the Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports, along with TFF directives, formed the legal basis for the investigation, and confirmed that these actions fell within the scope of this legal framework. He announced that disciplinary investigations had been initiated and that appropriate sanctions would be applied swiftly.

He emphasized that the federation had not limited itself to internal audits but had collaborated with relevant state institutions. He also highlighted that the matter had been shared with FIFA and UEFA, and that coordination with international sports authorities was ongoing. It was stated that reforms would be implemented in the referee training system, that new training courses would be opened in all 81 provinces under a protocol signed with Yeditepe University, and that a new ethical framework would be established.

In his speech, Hacıosmanoğlu declared, “The responsibility for the remainder lies with us,” affirming the federation’s firm commitment to carrying out the process within the framework of clean football and eliminating unethical conduct from current ranks. He also noted that the process would be long-term and that one of the federation’s key objectives was to transform Turkish football into a purified structure from within.

Statement by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office

A few hours after the TFF’s announcement, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued a statement confirming that Hacıosmanoğlu’s remarks at the press conference had been accepted as a formal complaint and that the existing investigation into illegal betting activities would be deepened and continued. The prosecutor’s office revealed that an investigation into referees’ betting activities in football matches had been initiated in April, and that a similar case file opened at the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had been transferred to Istanbul due to lack of jurisdiction. As a result, the two separate files were merged into a single comprehensive investigation.

The prosecutor’s office stated that evidence had been collected and analyzed, including MASAK reports, HTS records, user data from domestic and foreign betting websites, financial transaction logs, and witness statements. Due to the volume of data, the investigation was expected to take a considerable amount of time, but all evidence would be evaluated impartially, both in favor of and against the suspects, to identify the true individuals involved.

The statement added, “We remain resolute in our fight against illegal betting, which has become an economic and sociological wound for society,” and warned that the right to presumption of innocence would be respected, and that unsubstantiated statements likely to create false public perceptions would not be taken into account.

Club Reactions

Following the TFF’s announcement, a series of statements were issued consecutively by clubs across both the Süper Lig and lower divisions. The majority of clubs expressed support for the federation’s investigation.

The Club Union Foundation voiced its support for the process, stating, “The referee institution is the guarantee of justice in football; unethical behavior must never be tolerated.” The foundation also emphasized that disciplinary proceedings must begin immediately and that public prosecutors must be involved whenever illegal activities are identified.

Galatasaray Sports Club characterized the federation’s move as a turning point for Turkish football and reported that President Dursun Özbek had contacted the TFF president to confirm the club’s full support. In its statement, Galatasaray emphasized the importance of transparently disclosing the names of referees with betting accounts and the matches they officiated.

Fenerbahçe Sports Club assessed the federation’s announcement as “extremely serious for the future of Turkish football” and demanded the full disclosure of the identities of referees found to have placed bets and the details of the matches they officiated. The club stated that this process served as a test of football’s credibility.

Beşiktaş Gymnastics Club described the developments as a “milestone for clean football” and announced its commitment to closely follow the disciplinary process.

Trabzonspor Club noted that the long-standing complaints about injustice in Turkish football had now been substantiated by this investigation and that a historic opportunity had emerged to restore justice.

Başakşehir, Samsunspor, Antalyaspor, Eyüpspor, Kocaelispor, Kayserispor, Göztepe, and Ümraniyespor also expressed their support for the process through similar statements, emphasizing the need to preserve fair competition.

Some clubs, particularly Kocaelispor and Ümraniyespor, stressed that the matter must not be covered up and demanded that the names of those involved be made public. Ümraniyespor’s statement adopted a firm stance, declaring, “If this filth is covered up once again, the future of football will be completely destroyed.”

The Federation’s Future Planning

At the conclusion of his speech, TFF President Hacıosmanoğlu announced that Turkish refereeing would be restructured, that young referees would undergo mandatory ethical training, and that courses would be opened in all 81 provinces. It was stated that candidates graduating from these courses would undergo a licensed training process before being appointed to officiate.

Additionally, it was announced that collaboration with universities would provide academic support for the refereeing profession, and that psychological counseling and mandatory ethical education programs would be introduced to raise moral standards. Among the federation’s long-term goals is ensuring accountability for all stakeholders in Turkish football.

Significance and Impact of the Investigation

The 2025 Football Referees Betting Investigation has given concrete form to long-standing ethical crises in Turkish football. The process, carried out through the collaboration of the TFF’s internal audit system and judicial authorities, is regarded as a significant development for transparency and accountability in sports governance in Türkiye.

The outcome of the investigation aims to establish stronger control mechanisms within football’s management structures, rebuild trust in the referee institution, and embed a regulatory framework grounded in sports ethics.

This incident has gone beyond a mere disciplinary violation; it has become a historical process that lays the groundwork for the redefinition of ethical governance in Turkish football. Once the investigations conducted by the Disciplinary Board, the TFF Ethics Board, and the public prosecutor’s offices are completed, the findings will be shared with the public.

Formalization of the Disciplinary Process and Disclosure of Referee Names

The Legal Advisory Office of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), following investigations conducted on 28 October 2025, has referred 152 referees to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) on the grounds of “match-fixing through betting”. The referrals were carried out in accordance with Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Regulations, which explicitly prohibits all individuals involved in football activities from participating in any form of betting or chance-based games.

The referral files include 7 top-tier referees, 15 top-tier assistant referees, 36 class referees, and 94 class assistant referees. This constitutes one of the largest-scale disciplinary referrals in Turkish football history.

Top-Tier Referees

According to the TFF announcement, the 7 top-tier referees referred to the PFDK are:

Egemen Artun, Mehmet Ali Özer, Melih Kurt, Muhammed Selim Özbek, Seyfettin Alper Yılmaz, Yunus Dursun, and Zorbay Küçük.

These individuals are active referees in the top divisions and have been referred for disciplinary action on the grounds of having placed bets on football matches.

Top-Tier Assistant Referees

The 15 top-tier assistant referees referred to the PFDK are:

Ahmet Türkeş, Azem Zorlu, Baykal Tuna, Eren Öksüzler, Eyup Özer, Faruk Yağlı, Göktuğ Hazar Erel, Hasan Erdoğan, Mehmet Akıncık, Mehmet Sıraç Akpınar, Rıdvan Çevik, Rüştü Muhammed Orcan, Selami Dursun, Serdar Soydan, and Şenol Bektaş.

Some of these individuals have served for many years in the Süper Lig, while others have held FIFA badges. Disciplinary measures have been applied to all of them.

Class Referees

The category of 36 class referees includes the following names:

Abdullah Murat Yoldaş, Abdulsamet Şenoğlu, Abdülselam Koçak, Ali Bilen, Ali Emir Yolcu, Alirıza Altunbakır, Bedirhan Efeakdoğan, Berat Osmancıklı, Berk Sipahi, Berkan Çetin, Burak Doğru, Ceyhun Elmas, Eren Gökmen, Göktan Demeli, Hakan Yurtseven, Halim Kolancı, Hikmet Ayberk Han Tiryaki, Mehmet Alperen Güçyetmez, Mehmet Can Koç, Mertcan Erölmez, Mertcan Tubay, Miraç Yıldırım, Muammer Sarıdağ, Muhammed Burak Tufan, Muhammed Mehmetcan Söylemez, Muhammed Seyda Demirel, Nevzat Okat, Nurullah Kırbaş, Osman Can Açıklar, Ömer Şivka, Sait Tuzcu, Süleyman Soyutürk, Tayfun Güz, Turhan Beyke, Umut Yalçınkaya, and Yunus Emre Çiftçi.

All these individuals have been referred for disciplinary action under Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Regulations due to involvement in betting on football matches.

Class Assistant Referees

The largest group included in the disciplinary process consists of 94 class assistant referees. The full list is as follows:

Abdullah Yakçınkaya, Adem Mazlum, Ahmet Emre Demirci, Ahmet Kıvanç Kader, Ahmet Tolga Tomar, Ali Mert Beyde, Arif Taşkın, Atahan Kandır, Atakan Yüzlü, Aykut Yılmaz, Baran Karaman, Baran Can Durmuş, Batuhan Topçu, Berk Tezcan, Buğra Doğhan, Burak Yanardağ, Cem Harman, Cihad Buyurgan, Cihan Ahmet Göre, Cihat Sevi, Coşkun Yalçın, Çağrı Ateş, Emre Kaya, Eray Görgün, Erdoğan Sertan Akman, Erkan Arslan, Fatih Yüzbaşı, Fatih Tizci, Furkan Yıldız, Furkan Çıraklar, Furkan Kocayıldız, Furkan Genç, Furkan Şekerci, Hakan Tunç, Hakan Erkan, Hakan Şahin, Hakan Can Yılmaz, Hüseyin Sağlık, İbrahim Bayram, İbrahim Alaka, İbrahim Zengin, İlyas Samet Yelen, Kerem Yıldız, Melih Eser, Melih Sayın, Merdani Mert Çölgeçen, Mert Öztürk, Mert Baykal, Mert Şahin, Mertcan Tezcan, Metin Yalçın, Muhammet Cafer Algül, Muhammet Mahmut Delimazı, Mustafa Özel, Mustafa Sert, Mustafa Boylu, Mustafa Başol Sorgunlu, Mustafa Soner Yüce, Mücahit Değermenci, Necmi Akıncı, Nuri Miski, Nurullah Bayram, Ogün Keleş, Oğuzhan Anıl, Okan Taşköprü, Onur Han, Onur Tomak, Onur Akıncı, Osman Arslan, Ömer Mutlu, Ömer İnci, Ömer Faruk Büyükeken, Ömer Faruk Topcu, Önder Demir, Recep Güneş, Recep Tayyip Keleş, Sabri Emre Tekin, Sadık Eren Ulusoy, Satılmış Furkan Demir, Selçuk Gökgöz, Semih Kurtuluş, Süleyman Oral, Taha Berke El, Tolga Düyüncü, Ufuk Tatlıcan, Ufuk Çelebi, Ufuk Osman Solmaz, Ulaş Kaçmaz, Umut Kaptan, Umut İkisivri, Yakup Yapıcı, Yasin Şen, and Yasin Emre Ceylan.

Disciplinary measures have been applied to all these individuals effective 28 October 2025, and their duties have been temporarily suspended. The cases are currently under review by the Professional Football Disciplinary Board.

Official Announcement and Public Disclosure

The Turkish Football Federation has publicly released the complete list of referred referees, confirming that the process has now entered the formal disciplinary phase. All individuals listed have been referred to the PFDK on the grounds of “betting on football matches.”

Following the TFF announcement, the administrative investigation initiated on 27 October has now transitioned into a judicial disciplinary process. Sanctions against the referees will be announced after the Board completes its evaluation and the referees’ defenses have been fully reviewed.

Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) Sanction Decisions

The Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) within the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced its decisions regarding the investigation into betting activities.

According to the statement, disciplinary sanctions of between 8 and 12 months’ suspension from officiating have been imposed on a total of 149 referees.

Investigations into senior league referee Zorbay Küçük, league referee Melih Kurt, and league referee Mertcan Tubay are ongoing. It was stated that the licenses of the 149 referees who received suspension penalties will be revoked under Article 40 of the MHK Regulations due to penalties exceeding 45 days. Final decisions regarding the other three referees are expected to be announced at a later stage.

According to the decisions adopted at the PFDK’s 31st October 2025, Meeting No. 22:

1. Assistant League Referee Abdullah Yalçınkaya has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

2. League Referee Abdullah Murat Yoldaş has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

3. League Referee Abdulsamet Şenoğlu has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

4. League Referee Abdülselam Koçak has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

5. Assistant League Referee Adem Mazlum has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

6. Senior League Assistant Referee Ahmet Türkeş has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

7. Assistant League Referee Ahmet Emre Demirci has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

8. Assistant League Referee Ahmet Kıvanç Kader has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

9. Assistant League Referee Ahmet Tolga Tomar has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

10. League Referee Ali Bilen has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

11. League Referee Ali Emir Yolcu has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

12. Assistant League Referee Ali Mert Beyde has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

13. League Referee Alirıza Altunbakır has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

14. Assistant League Referee Arif Taşkın has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

15. Assistant League Referee Atahan Kandır has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

16. Assistant League Referee Atakan Yüzlü has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

17. Assistant League Referee Aykut Yılmaz has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

18. Senior League Assistant Referee Azem Zorlu has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

19. Assistant League Referee Baran Karaman has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

20. Assistant League Referee Baran Can Durmuş has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

21. Assistant League Referee Batuhan Topçu has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

22. Senior League Assistant Referee Baykal Tuna has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

23. League Referee Bedirhan Efeakdoğan has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

24. League Referee Berat Osmancıklı has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

25. League Referee Berk Sipahi has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

26. Assistant League Referee Berk Tezcan has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

27. League Referee Berkan Çetin has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

28. Assistant League Referee Buğra Doğhan has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

29. League Referee Burak Doğru has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

30. Assistant League Referee Burak Yanardağ has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

31. Assistant League Referee Cem Harman has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

32. League Referee Ceyhun Elmas has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

33. Assistant League Referee Cihad Buyurgan has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

34. Assistant League Referee Cihan Ahmet Göre has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

35. Assistant League Referee Cihat Sevi has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

36. Assistant League Referee Coşkun Yalçın has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

37. Assistant League Referee Çağrı Ateş has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

38. Senior League Referee Egemen Artun has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

39. Assistant League Referee Emre Kaya has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

40. Assistant League Referee Eray Görgün has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

41. Assistant League Referee Erdoğan Sertan Akman has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

42. League Referee Eren Gökmen has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

43. Senior League Assistant Referee Eren Öksüzler has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

44. Assistant League Referee Erkan Arslan has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

45. Senior League Assistant Referee Eyup Özer has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

46. Senior League Assistant Referee Faruk Yağlı has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

47. Assistant League Referee Fatih Yüzbaşı has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

48. Assistant League Referee Fatih Tizci has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

49. Assistant League Referee Furkan Yıldız has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

50. Assistant League Referee Furkan Çıraklar has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

51. Assistant League Referee Furkan Kocayıldız has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

52. Assistant League Referee Furkan Genç has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

53. Assistant League Referee Furkan Şekerci has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

54. League Referee Göktan Demeli has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

55. Senior League Assistant Referee Göktuğ Hazar Erel has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

56. Assistant League Referee Hakan Tunç has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

57. League Referee Hakan Yurtseven has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

58. Assistant League Referee Hakan Erkan has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

59. Assistant League Referee Hakan Şahin has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

60. Assistant League Referee Hakan Can Yılmaz has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

61. League Referee Halim Kolancı has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

62. Senior League Assistant Referee Hasan Erdoğan has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

63. League Referee Hikmet Ayberk Han Tiryaki has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

64. Assistant League Referee Hüseyin Sağlık has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

65. Assistant League Referee İbrahim Bayram has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

66. Assistant League Referee İbrahim Alaka has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

67. Assistant League Referee İbrahim Zengin has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

68. Assistant League Referee İlyas Samet Yelen has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

69. Assistant League Referee Kerem Yıldız has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

70. Senior League Assistant Referee Mehmet Akıncık has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

71. Senior League Referee Mehmet Ali Özer has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

72. Assistant League Referee Mehmet Ali Yılmaz has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

73. League Referee Mehmet Alperen Güçyetmez has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

74. League Referee Mehmet Can Koç has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

75. Senior League Assistant Referee Mehmet Sıraç Akpınar has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

76. Regarding Senior League Referee Melih Kurt, the investigation under Article 57 of the FDT regarding betting activity is ongoing;

77. Assistant League Referee Melih Eser has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense (by majority vote);

78. Assistant League Referee Melih Sayın has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

79. Assistant League Referee Recep Güneş has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

80. Assistant League Referee Merdani Mert Gölgeçen has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

81. Assistant League Referee Mert Öztürk has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

82. Assistant League Referee Mert Baykal has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

83. Assistant League Referee Mert Şahin has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

84. Assistant League Referee Mertcan Tezcan has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

85. League Referee Mertcan Erölmez has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

86. Regarding League Referee Mertcan Tubay, the investigation under Article 57 of the FDT regarding betting activity is ongoing;

87. Assistant League Referee Metin Yalçın has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

88. League Referee Miraç Yıldırım has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

89. League Referee Muammer Sarıdağ has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

90. League Referee Muhammed Burak Tufan has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

91. League Referee Muhammed Mehmetcan Söylemez has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

92. Senior League Referee Muhammed Selim Özbek has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

93. League Referee Muhammed Seyda Demirel has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

94. Assistant League Referee Muhammet Cafer Algül has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

95. Assistant League Referee Muhammet Mahmut Delımazı has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

96. Assistant League Referee Mustafa Özel has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

97. Assistant League Referee Mustafa Sert has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

98. Assistant League Referee Mustafa Boylu has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

99. Assistant League Referee Mustafa Başol Sorgunlu has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

100. Assistant League Referee Mustafa Soner Yüce has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

101. Assistant League Referee Mücahit Değermenci has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

102. Assistant League Referee Necmi Akıncı has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

103. League Referee Nevzat Okat has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

104. Assistant League Referee Nuri Miski has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

105. Assistant League Referee Nurullah Bayram has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

106. League Referee Nurullah Kırbaş has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

107. Assistant League Referee Ogün Keleş has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

108. Assistant League Referee Oğuzhan Anıl has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

109. Assistant League Referee Okan Taşköprü has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

110. Assistant League Referee Onur Han has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

111. Assistant League Referee Onur Tomak has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

112. Assistant League Referee Onur Akıncı has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

113. Assistant League Referee Osman Arslan has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

114. League Referee Osman Can Açıklar has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense (by majority vote);

115. Assistant League Referee Ömer Mutlu has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

116. Assistant League Referee Ömer İnci has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

117. League Referee Ömer Şivka has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

118. Assistant League Referee Ömer Faruk Büyükenen has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

119. Assistant League Referee Ömer Faruk Topcu has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

120. Assistant League Referee Önder Demir has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

121. Assistant League Referee Recep Tayyip Keleş has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

122. Senior League Assistant Referee Rıdvan Çevik has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

123. Senior League Assistant Referee Rüştü Muhammed Orcan has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

124. Assistant League Referee Sabri Emre Tekin has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

125. Assistant League Referee Sadık Eren Ulusoy has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

126. League Referee Sait Tuzcu has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

127. Assistant League Referee Satılmış Furkan Demir has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

128. Senior League Assistant Referee Selami Dursun has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

129. Assistant League Referee Selçuk Gökgöz has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

130. Assistant League Referee Semih Kurtuluş has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

131. Senior League Assistant Referee Serdar Soydan has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

132. Senior League Assistant Referee Seyfettin Alper Yılmaz has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

133. Assistant League Referee Süleyman Oral has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

134. League Referee Süleyman Soyütürk has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

135. Senior League Assistant Referee Şenol Bektaş has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

136. Assistant League Referee Taha Berke El has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

137. League Referee Tayfun Güz has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

138. Assistant League Referee Tolga Düyüncü has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

139. Assistant League Referee Turhan Beyke has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

140. Assistant League Referee Ufuk Tatlıcan has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

141. Assistant League Referee Ufuk Çelebi has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

142. Assistant League Referee Ufuk Osman Solmaz has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

143. Assistant League Referee Ulaş Kaçmaz has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

144. Assistant League Referee Umut Kaptan has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

145. League Referee Umut Yalçınkaya has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

146. Assistant League Referee Umut İkisivri has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

147. Assistant League Referee Yakup Yapıcı has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

148. Assistant League Referee Yasin Şen has been sanctioned with a 12-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

149. Assistant League Referee Yasin Emre Ceylan has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

150. Senior League Referee Yunus Dursun has been sanctioned with a 10-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

151. League Referee Yunus Emre Çiftçi has been sanctioned with an 8-month suspension from officiating under Article 57 of the FDT, taking into account the severity of the offense;

152. Regarding Senior League Referee Zorbay Küçük, it has been decided that the investigation under Article 57 of the FDT regarding betting activity is ongoing.

On 10 November 2025, the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office ordered the detention of eight suspects, including Eyüpspor Club President Murat Özkaya and six referees, in connection with the investigation into “referees’ membership in betting websites.” The statement indicated that, as a result of the investigation, detention orders were issued in the initial phase against 17 referees for “abuse of duty” and 6222 Law violations concerning “manipulation of match results.” According to another statement from the TFF, the Board decided to lift the administrative measure against Zorbay Küçük and to continue the judicial proceedings without administrative restrictions. Zorbay Küçük may be assigned to officiate matches.

1024 Footballers Referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board Under Betting Investigation

As a result of a comprehensive betting investigation conducted by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), it was decided on 10 November 2025 to refer a total of 1024 footballers provisionally to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK). This decision was made in accordance with Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Regulations and was announced to the public on the same day via the TFF’s official website.

Scope of the Investigation and Distribution of Referenced Footballers

According to statements issued by the TFF, the footballers referred to the PFDK include 27 from the Trendyol Süper Lig, 77 from the Trendyol 1. Lig, 282 from the Nesine 2. Lig, 629 from the Nesine 3. Lig, and 9 professional players. As a result, players from numerous clubs across different league levels have been referred for disciplinary review.

The following footballers from the Süper Lig are among those referred:

Beşiktaş: Ersin Destanoğlu, Necip Uysal.

Corendon Alanyaspor: İzzet Çelik, Enes Keskin, Yusuf Özdemir, Bedirhan Özyurt.

Çaykur Rizespor: Efe Doğan, Furkan Orak.

Galatasaray: Metehan Baltacı, Eren Elmalı.

Gaziantep FK: Muhammet Taha Güneş, Nazım Sangare.

Göztepe: İzzet Furkan Malak, Uğur Kaan Yıldız.

Hesap.com Antalyaspor: Kerem Kayaarası.

ikas Eyüpspor: Mükremin Arda Türköz.

Kasımpaşa: Ege Albayrak, Ali Emre Yanar.

Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük: Furkan Bekleviç, Kerem Yusuf Sirkeci.

Samsunspor: Celil Yüksel.

Trabzonspor: Boran Başkan, Salih Malkoçoğlu.

TÜMOSAN Konyaspor: Adil Demirbağ, Alassane Ndao.

Zecorner Kayserispor: Berkan Aslan, Abdulsamet Burak.

TFF Statements and Additional Measures Taken

In its statement, the Federation indicated that to address potential squad shortages caused by the provisional referrals, it has initiated urgent consultations with FIFA to grant an additional 15-day period for transfers and registrations during the 2025-2026 winter transfer window, applicable exclusively at the national level.

Additionally, the status of 47 footballers found to have engaged in betting activity only once will be reassessed based on new information and documentation received from relevant authorities. The TFF has stated that a cautious approach will be adopted in the disciplinary proceedings concerning these individuals to prevent irreparable harm. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) also announced that footballer Eren Elmalı has been removed from the Turkey National Team candidate roster as part of the betting investigation.

The Federation confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that correspondence with official institutions continues. The process is planned to be expanded based on future responses.

FIFA’s Response to TFF’s Request

FIFA did not approve the TFF’s request for an additional 15-day transfer and registration period. In its 17 November statement, the TFF confirmed that professional leagues would proceed according to the previously announced schedule and provided the following details:

"Meanwhile, the transfer period for amateur players continues until 27 November 2025. In accordance with the current regulations, TFF 3. Lig clubs are entitled to register and field players born on or after 1 January 2005 until this date. Under the TFF 2. Lig regulations, amateur footballers born on 1 January 2005 and registered with their club for at least six months may be included in matchday squads without being listed in the A-team roster. Similarly to the 3. Lig, amateur footballers born on or after 1 January 2005 who have completed a transfer may be fielded in the TFF 2. Lig without the six-month waiting period."

Adjustments to League Schedules

Due to the extensive impact of the betting investigation on professional leagues, the TFF Management Board decided on 10 November 2025 to postpone the fixtures of the TFF 2. Lig and TFF 3. Lig by two weeks. Matches in the Trendyol Süper Lig and Trendyol 1. Lig will continue as scheduled according to the previously established calendar.

This adjustment aims to allow teams in the lower divisions sufficient time to restructure their squads following the large number of players referred for disciplinary review.

Statements by the Footballers

Beşiktaş players Necip Uysal and Ersin Destanoğlu have issued personal statements in response to the allegations against them. Necip Uysal stated: "I have never had any connection with betting in my life. I have never placed a bet and I have never held a betting account. I will pursue all legal avenues to defend my name, which I have carefully preserved through years of hard work and integrity."

Ersin Destanoğlu, in his statement regarding his inclusion on the TFF’s referral list, said: "The allegations made against me are completely unfounded and contrary to the truth. Throughout my professional career, I have acted in accordance with the ethical values of football. I have full confidence that justice will prevail."

Administrative and Legal Dimensions of the Process

The betting investigation is being conducted by the Legal Advisory Office of the Turkish Football Federation. The provisional referrals of the footballers were carried out under Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Regulations, confirming that the process is grounded in legal provisions. This article prohibits footballers and other members of the football community from participating in betting activities and prescribes disciplinary sanctions upon verification of such conduct.

The TFF has stated that the scope of the investigation will be expanded and that information exchange with official institutions is ongoing. In this regard, the process represents an important example not only in terms of football discipline but also in terms of inter-institutional cooperation.

According to official announcements, this is the first time in Turkish football history that such a large-scale disciplinary referral has been carried out. The provisional referral of 1024 footballers to the PFDK has led to significant changes in league operations and season planning. Throughout this process, steps have been taken to preserve the integrity of professional football in accordance with decisions made by disciplinary boards and the TFF Management Board. The status of the referred footballers is expected to become clearer in the coming period based on disciplinary board rulings and newly obtained evidence.

On 12 November 2025, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Professional Football Disciplinary Board decided to lift the administrative measure and proceed with the trial without precautionary measures against Ersin Destanoğlu and Necip Uysal, who were referred to disciplinary proceedings as part of a betting investigation. The statement issued read: "Based on the combined evaluation of the information and documents in the file and the evidence submitted with the petition, it has been decided to lift the administrative measure and proceed with the trial without precautionary measures."

Disciplinary Sanctions Imposed by the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) on Football Players

The decisions issued by the Turkish Football Federation’s Professional Football Disciplinary Board on 13 November 2025 encompass the outcomes of a comprehensive disciplinary process. These rulings were made following investigations conducted in accordance with the relevant articles of the Football Disciplinary Regulations and were officially announced by the TFF as well as through press sources. The investigation covered a large number of players at the Süper Lig and 1. Lig levels, resulting in disciplinary sanctions being applied to 102 players in the final list.

Scope of the Investigation

The betting investigation was initiated as part of the disciplinary process carried out by the Turkish Football Federation. A total of 1024 players were referred to the PFDK for review. Following the evaluation, disciplinary sanctions in the form of suspensions of varying durations were imposed on 102 of them.

The scope of the investigation was not limited to players in the Süper Lig but also included players from the Trendyol 1. Lig. The decisions were rendered under Article 57/2 of the Football Disciplinary Regulations, in conjunction with Article 13 in certain cases, resulting in suspensions of different lengths.

Decisions at the Süper Lig Level

The following are the suspension decisions imposed on players from Süper Lig clubs:

• Corendon Alanyaspor players İzzet Çelik, Enes Keskin, and Bedirhan Özyurt received 3-month suspensions. A 9-month suspension was imposed on Yusuf Özdemir.
• Çaykur Rizespor player Efe Doğan received a 45-day suspension, while Furkan Orak received a 3-month suspension.
• Galatasaray players Metehan Baltacı and Eren Elmalı received suspensions of 9 months and 45 days respectively.
• Gaziantep FK players Muhammet Taha Güneş and Nazım Sangare received 45-day suspensions.
• Göztepe players İzzet Furkan Malak and Uğur Kaan Yıldız received 45-day suspensions.
• Hesap.com Antalyaspor player Kerem Kayaarası received a 45-day suspension.
• ikas Eyüpspor player Mükremin Arda Türköz was sanctioned with a 45-day suspension.
• Kasımpaşa players Ege Albayrak and Ali Emre Yanar received 45-day suspensions.
• Mısırlı.com.tr Fatih Karagümrük player Furkan Bekleviç received a 45-day suspension, while Kerem Yusuf Sirkeci received a 3-month suspension.
• Samsunspor player Celil Yüksel received a 45-day suspension.
• Trabzonspor players Boran Başkan and Salih Malkoçoğlu received 3-month and 45-day suspensions respectively.
• TÜMOSAN Konyaspor players Adil Demirbağ received a 45-day suspension, while Alassane Ndao received a 12-month suspension. He is reported in various sources as the only foreign player to receive a 12-month suspension.
• Zecorner Kayserispor players Berkan Aslan received a 3-month suspension, while Abdulsamet Burak received a 12-month suspension.

Detention Orders Issued for 46 Suspects in Football Betting Investigation

In Türkiye, a new wave of operations has been launched in December 2025 as part of the long-running football betting investigation, expanding the scope of the inquiry. In addition to previous investigations targeting referees, club officials, and various players, new findings have been made regarding both on-field and off-field activities, leading to detention orders against numerous individuals.

Expansion of the Investigation Scope

Background of Previous Phases

In the initial stages of the investigation, it was determined that hundreds of referees officiating in professional leagues had betting accounts, prompting a broad examination. As a result, administrative measures were applied to many referees, some had their duties suspended, and bans from officiating were imposed. Additionally, detention orders were issued against 21 individuals in the first phase, with several suspects detained.

During subsequent phases, it was announced that 1,024 players had been referred to the Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK), and over 1,000 players received various bans from participation. These developments demonstrated that the investigation had evolved into a structural probe, with disciplinary proceedings affecting a vast network of actors.

Launch of the New Operation

Evidence Analysis and Institutional Reviews

The new wave of operations was based on financial analyses provided by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), transaction records obtained from legal betting sites, open-source investigations, and assessments of 101 players who received bans from participation during the PFDK meeting on 13 November 2025. These data points were integrated to establish that the investigation was being conducted within a multidimensional analytical framework.

Findings Related to Betting Activities

Players Betting on Their Own Team’s Matches

According to the findings, a total of 27 players—including Galatasaray player Metehan Baltacı—were found to have placed bets on matches involving their own teams. Detention orders were issued against these players following the confirmation of these activities.

Indirect Betting Transactions

It was determined that Fenerbahçe player Mert Hakan Yandaş had placed bets through third parties on legal betting platforms. Searches were conducted at various locations, including his residence. This finding expanded the scope of the investigation to include both direct and indirect participation by athletes in betting activities.

Actions Aimed at Influencing Match Outcomes

Ankaraspor vs Nazilli Belediyespor Match

Efforts to influence the outcome of the match played on 28 April 2024 were identified. Proceedings were initiated against Ankaraspor club owner Ahmet Okatan, Ankaraspor president Mehmet Emin Katipoğlu, Nazilli Belediyespor president Şahin Kaya, and two coaches. Their actions indicated that organizational-level manipulation allegations had been incorporated into the investigation.

Ümraniyespor vs Giresunspor Match

An analysis of the match played on 24 December 2023 revealed agreements aimed at influencing the result. Detention orders were issued against six individuals, one of whom was a player. This decision demonstrated that previously examined high-risk matches were being re-evaluated and formally included in the legal process.

Financial Investigations and Suspicious Transaction Detection

Findings Based on Bank Transactions

Within the financial dimension of the investigation, detention orders were issued against seven individuals whose bank accounts showed suspicious deposits and withdrawals. These individuals include former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak, former referee and sports commentator Ahmet Çakar, and top-tier referee Zorbay Küçük. At this stage, financial analysis has become an integral component of the investigation, with intensive efforts focused on uncovering betting-related financial movements.

Implementation of the Operation: Intra- and Inter-Provincial Operations

In accordance with instructions from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, 16 simultaneous operations were carried out across Istanbul and beyond under Law No. 6222. The operations, initiated in the early morning hours, involved arrests, detentions, searches, and seizures targeting 46 suspects. A total of 35 individuals were detained, five suspects were identified as being abroad, and efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects continue.

Individuals Subject to Detention Orders: Players, Officials, and Referees

The 46 individuals subject to detention orders include players from various leagues, club officials, coaches, and both former and active referees. The list encompasses a broad range of players from the Süper Lig down to lower divisions, as well as individuals with financial ties to club management.

Positions of Key Individuals

Metehan Baltacı

Galatasaray player Metehan Baltacı, who previously received a ban from participation, was among those detained in the new operation due to betting-related findings. His prior disciplinary history demonstrates that the investigation is proceeding beyond sport-specific performance issues into broader disciplinary frameworks.

Mert Hakan Yandaş

The allegation that Fenerbahçe player Mert Hakan Yandaş placed bets on behalf of others reveals that the investigation extends to individual transaction patterns. It was noted that the player was under scrutiny following a match during which he received a disciplinary sanction in the same period.

Zorbay Küçük

The inclusion of referee Zorbay Küçük in the investigation represents a continuation of prior administrative measures taken against him. Küçük, who has previously issued public statements in response to multiple allegations, is now under investigation based on financial findings.

Ahmet Çakar

The detention of former referee and sports commentator Ahmet Çakar demonstrates that the investigation encompasses both current and former stakeholders in football. His financial transactions have been subjected to detailed examination.

Murat Sancak

Detention orders were issued against former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak following the detection of suspicious transactions in his bank accounts. Sancak, who was involved in various public controversies during his tenure as club president, is among those under financial review in the case.

Official Statements on the Process

Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç stated in his assessment of the investigation’s progress that public prosecutors have acted on reports of criminal activity and that the process is being monitored by judicial authorities. He also noted that a nationwide initiative has been launched to oversee judicial custody procedures.

Completion of Procedures for Suspects

The procedures for the 37 suspects detained under the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s investigation were completed on 8 December at the Istanbul Police Directorate.

Thirty-seven suspects, including Galatasaray player Metehan Baltacı, Fenerbahçe player Mert Hakan Yandaş, top-tier referee Zorbay Küçük, and former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak, were transferred to the Istanbul Courthouse after medical examinations.

It was reported that sports commentator and former referee Ahmet Çakar, who was detained in the investigation and fell ill yesterday, remains hospitalized. He was admitted to the Istanbul Education and Research Hospital in Samatya for an angiography.

Detentions and Details of the Judicial Process

As a result of proceedings conducted against the total of 39 suspects arrested in the "Betting in Football" investigation, 20 suspects were detained on 9 December 2025. Among those detained are professional footballers Metehan Baltacı and Mert Hakan Yandaş, as well as club presidents, executives and other players from various leagues. At this stage of the investigation carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, proceedings before the peace criminal courts have been completed and judicial assessments regarding the suspects have been detailed extensively.

The individuals for whom detention orders were issued by the peace criminal courts include Emrah Çelik, Yunus Emre Tekoğul, İzzet Furkan Malak, Bartu Kaya, Orkun Özdemir, Kadir Kaan Yurdakul, Faruk Can Genç, Ersen Dikmen, Kerem Yusuf Sirkeci, Emircan Çiçek, Gürhan Sünmez, Mehmet Emin Katipoğlu, Volkan Erten, Şahin Kaya, Ümit Kaya, Murat Sancak, Metehan Baltacı, Mert Hakan Yandaş, Ahmet Okatan and Alassane Ndao.

Within the same scope, judicial control measures have been imposed on Ahmet Abdullah Çakmak, Eren Karadağ, Uğur Adem Gezer, Arda Türken, Muhammed Furkan Özhan, Yusuf Özdemir, Ensar Bilir, Oktay Aydın and Yücel Gürol. It has been indicated that measures previously applied in earlier stages of the investigation against Abdulsamet Burak, Cengiz Demir, Erhan Çelenk, İsmail Kalburcu, Salih Malkoçoğlu, Samet Karabatak, Tolga Kalender, Uğur Kaan Yıldız, Gamze Neli Kaya and Zorbay Küçük remain in effect.

Details of Findings in the Prosecution Referral Reports

Mert Hakan Yandaş – Ersen Dikmen Money Transfers and Betting Activities

The prosecution referral reports established that between December 2021 and October 2025, Mert Hakan Yandaş sent a total of 4,453,062 TL to Ersen Dikmen; that Dikmen used these amounts shortly thereafter on legal betting websites and returned 2,060,974 TL to Yandaş.

It was noted that after the initiation of financial transfers with Yandaş, Dikmen placed a large number of betting slips on matches involving Fenerbahçe as well as other games. Digital examinations revealed that images of betting slips related to matches of Fenerbahçe, the club Yandaş played for, were found on his devices. Accordingly, Yandaş and Dikmen were assessed as having engaged in actions aimed at "influencing match outcomes".

Digital materials belonging to Dikmen contained messages regarding financial transactions with Yandaş, betting-related conversations and numerous betting slip images.

Findings Regarding Football Players

Ensar Bilir

Ensar Bilir, who was found to have an account on the legal betting site "Nesine", placed various bets on matches involving his own team, Boluspor, including "opponent team wins", "over/under 2.5 goals" and "draw". Web records indicated access to four illegal betting sites; however, in his statement Bilir claimed he had placed only a few low-value bets.

Oktay Aydın

Oktay Aydın, a player for Vanspor, placed bets on his own team’s match on the "Nesine" site, including "own team wins" and "over 2.5 goals". It was also determined that he accessed two illegal betting websites.

Yücel Gürol

Digital materials revealed betting slips related to matches of his own team, Adana Demirspor, as well as content related to illegal betting websites.

Kerem Yusuf Sirkeci

It was noted that Fatih Karagümrük AŞ player Sirkeci placed a bet of "over 1.5 goals" on the Fenerbahçe–Fatih Karagümrük match in 2025 and a bet of "opponent team wins" on the Samsunspor–Fatih Karagümrük match in 2021. Digital investigations uncovered message content supporting the allegations against him.

Emircan Çiçek

Pendikspor player Emircan Çiçek placed bets on his team’s matches indicating "opponent team wins". Betting-related correspondence was found in digital materials. In his statement, the suspect cited his young age and low stakes, but it was confirmed that all betting activities occurred after he turned 18.

Detailed Assessment Regarding Metehan Baltacı

The prosecution referral report stated that during his time playing for Galatasaray, Metehan Baltacı placed bets on 27 matches with outcomes such as "own team wins" and "over 2.5 goals". Digital examination revealed expressions such as "any solid bets?" and "both teams will score" in WhatsApp conversations from 2021, along with betting slip images from illegal betting websites.

In his statement, Baltacı:

• Claimed he placed bets only during his youth and exclusively on legal platforms,
• Denied placing bets on A-team matches,
• Asserted that messages in group chats were purely conversational,
• Rejected all allegations,
• Stated that the administrative sanction imposed by the Turkish Football Federation was unrelated to match-fixing.

Digital investigations also uncovered login records to illegal websites such as "tipo90", "totobo" and "holiganbet" using user names and passwords.

Findings in Digital Materials of Other Football Players

Ahmet Abdullah Çakmak

During his time playing for Serik Spor and Sancaktepe, Çakmak placed bets on some of his team’s matches indicating "team wins" and also placed bets on "both teams to score".

Eren Karadağ

During his contractual periods with Rizespor and other clubs, Karadağ placed bets on matches such as Fenerbahçe–Rizespor and Sivasspor–Rizespor indicating "opponent team wins". Digital materials confirmed access to the illegal betting site "restbet".

Uğur Adem Gezer

During his time at Trabzonspor, Gezer placed bets on victories by opposing teams, and these transactions were determined to be motivated by personal profit.

Findings Regarding Club Officials and Presidents

Emrah Çelik

It was indicated that data showed Emrah Çelik, second president of Antalyaspor AŞ, placed numerous bets on matches involving his club between 2019 and 2024.

Murat Sancak

The MASAK report recorded that Sancak transferred funds to 63 individuals assessed as involved in illegal betting and gambling, amounting to over 1.2 billion TL. High-value financial transactions between Sancak and Adana Demirspor were also under investigation.

Orkun Özdemir, Kadir Kaan Yurdakul and Faruk Genç

In the referral reports concerning these three players:

• Bets on matches against their own teams indicating "opponent team wins",
• Combined bets on goals and match outcomes,
• Records of access to illegal betting websites were identified.

Match-Fixing Allegation Involving Ankaraspor – Nazilli Belediyespor Match

The prosecution report stated that during the Ankaraspor–Nazilli Belediyespor match played on 28 April 2024, the presidents of both clubs agreed on a draw result. Telephone conversations between Ankaraspor President Mehmet Emin Katipoğlu and Nazilli Belediyespor President Şahin Kaya, along with digital materials and technical analyses, supported this assessment.

Digital examination revealed:

• Betting slips showing Kaya placed illegal bets on his own team’s match,
• A location share two days before the match,
• Findings that players did not attempt goals during the match.

Based on these findings, it was determined that a draw result would benefit both clubs’ league standings and that the club presidents likely conveyed this information to players through their technical staff.

Judicial Control Measure for Ahmet Çakar

As part of the investigation, suspect Ahmet Çakar appeared at the Istanbul Courthouse to provide a statement. After completing his statement at the prosecutor’s office, a judicial control measure prohibiting him from leaving the country was imposed. Upon leaving the courthouse, Çakar responded to questions from journalists, stating he had been released by the prosecutor, was with his children’s mother and would join them by the end of the month. The detention order for football commentator and former referee Ahmet Çakar, who was arrested in the "Betting in Football" investigation but hospitalized due to health concerns, was lifted on 8 December on medical grounds. The prosecutor issued instructions for his transfer from police custody to the courthouse after treatment, depending on his health condition.

New Decisions by the Professional Football Disciplinary Board Regarding the Betting Investigation

In a statement by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), it was announced that decisions were made regarding 197 amateur-status players eligible for professional matches, 27 players whose investigations were completed, and 24 referees.

The Board imposed suspension penalties ranging from 45 days to 12 months on a total of 218 footballers and 23 referees.

It was decided to continue investigations and administrative measures concerning assistant referee Faik Sancaktutan and footballers Ekrem Koçak and Mustafa Bilge Diyadin. However, for footballers Kemal Kaan Kılıç, Mahmut Emin Kabul, Mert Aydın and Osman Erol, who had previously been sanctioned for the same offenses, it was ruled that no penalty would be imposed as the elements of the alleged disciplinary violation were not established.

Referral of 108 Technical Directors and 104 Football Managers to the PFDK

As part of the ongoing betting investigation, decisions by the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) have been issued against technical directors and football managers who have served in professional leagues. As a result of the investigation conducted over a broad time period covering the last five years, disciplinary referrals have been initiated against numerous individuals due to findings of misconduct. The process has been shaped based on determinations regarding the involvement of individuals active in football activities with betting-related conduct.

Scope of the Betting Investigation

The investigation covered individuals who served as technical directors in professional leagues and football managers registered with the Turkish Football Federation. The investigation was based on the determination that betting activities occurred during the periods these individuals were in office. The inquiry was carried out to evaluate individual actions under the framework of football disciplinary law.

Under this scope, disciplinary referrals have been applied to 108 individuals who served as technical directors in professional leagues and 104 individuals holding the status of football manager. These referrals were carried out in accordance with Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Regulations.

Legal Basis and Referral Procedure

The disciplinary referrals were made under Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Regulations, which governs betting and similar activities. Under this article, participation in betting activities by individuals directly involved in football operations is considered a disciplinary violation. As of 07.01.2026, precautionary referrals have been applied to the individuals referred.

The precautionary referral decision is based on the temporary assessment of the status of the individuals during the disciplinary proceedings. This measure establishes a provisional legal status that remains in effect until the conclusion of the disciplinary process.

List of Referral of Technical Directors

The list of technical directors referred to the PFDK as part of the investigation consists of individuals who served in various periods across professional leagues.

The list encompasses a total of 108 technical directors, including individuals who held positions at various levels of professional leagues. All of these individuals were found to have engaged in betting during their respective periods of service and are therefore subject to disciplinary proceedings.

1. Savaş Yıldırım
2. Semih Tokatlı
3. Hakan Yılmaz
4. Serkan Ençetin
5. Tansu Yaan
6. Gökhan Ünal
7. Necdet Emre Özbayer
8. Aydemir Emrah Uzun
9. Harun Dişlitaş
10. Erhan Koç
11. İlker Erdem
12. İlker Avcıbay
13. Murat Parlak
14. Taner Gürsoy
15. Avni Okumuş
16. Tevfik Ata Tekin
17. Adem Çağlayan
18. Taner Gülleri
19. Erdoğan Sarıuşak
20. Ali Asım Balkaya
21. Ertürk Koray Balcıoğlu
22. Cevdet Uzunköprü
23. Murat Sönmez
24. Ahmet Yurtsever
25. Metin İlhan
26. Bülent Yenihayat
27. Sadullah Zehir
28. Mehmet Seçkin
29. Sercan Yıldırım
30. Muzaffer Taşkın
31. Serdar Göçerler
32. Muzaffer Bilazer
33. Murat Özkan
34. Can Güçer
35. Nuri Çolak
36. Coşkun Öz
37. Mete Işık
38. Ergün Işık
39. Mehmet Erol
40. Sait Taş
41. İlhan Özbay
42. Volkan Erten
43. Mustafa Alper Avcı
44. Orhan Kosulu
45. Özgür Ergün
46. Ayhan Tuna Üzümcü
47. Gürkan Ferhatoğlu
48. Şenol Demir
49. Görkem Öncü
50. Enver Şen
51. Cüneyt Dumlupınar
52. Ayhan Bahar
53. Muhammet Yılmaz
54. Aslan Toklu
55. Bayram Toysal
56. Ali Beykoz
57. Engin Dursun
58. Gökhan Beklemiş
59. Ahmet Duman
60. Murat Hacıoğlu
61. Rızvan Şahin
62. Uğur Kulaksız
63. İsmail Ertekin
64. Aykut Erdoğan
65. Semih Özü
66. Ahmet Taşyürek
67. Sinan Durmuş
68. Erhan Çelik
69. Adil Tozlu
70. Fuat Erarslan
71. Özgür Çetiner
72. Egemen Urhan
73. Mehmet Birinci
74. Hasan Uğur Kardal
75. Gürkan Aslan
76. Bayram Sevindik
77. Mustafa Çapanoğlu
78. Selahaddin Dinçel
79. Serhat Güller
80. Ramazan Kurşunlu
81. İbrahim Raif Albay
82. Onur Yeniyurt
83. Evren Şenel
84. Sertaç Gezer
85. Hasan Yüksel
86. Hayati Palancı
87. Ümit Metin Yıldız
88. Hakan Çobanoğlu
89. Kemal Dulda
90. Selçuk Akçay
91. Kadir Kar
92. Cahit Erçevik
93. Mithat Çulcuoğlu
94. Fatih Serkan Albayrak
95. Özden Töraydın
96. Eray Gülay
97. Nazım Gülay
98. Mehmet Altıparmak
99. İbrahim Tolgay Kerimoğlu
100. Cafer Elek
101. Hakan Keleş
102. Ufuk Sarı
103. Bahaddin Güneş
104. Ufuk Uysal
105. İbrahim Yıldırım
106. Serdar Uygun
107. Erkan Bölükbaşı
108. Cemil Aktaş

List of Referral of Football Managers

Another dimension of the betting investigation involved football managers. Disciplinary referrals have also been applied to 104 football managers registered with the Turkish Football Federation who were found to have engaged in betting during their active periods, under the same disciplinary article.

The list includes individuals who were actively serving as managers and were officially registered with the federation.

1. Abdul Samet Süner
2. Abdullah Eş
3. Ahmet Can
4. Ahmet Veysel Ünal
5. Ali Sünnetçioğlu
6. Alicansun Begeçarslan
7. Aras Şener
8. Aşkın Aytaç Sümercan
9. Ayhan Dündar
10. Barbaros Kılınç
11. Barış Güçlü
12. Basri Gökhan Keçeci
13. Berk Ağanoğlu
14. Berkay Türkmen
15. Buğra Beykoz
16. Burak Karaduman
17. Caner Özkan
18. Cem Deda
19. Cenk Ergün
20. Ceyhun Yaman
21. Cihan Ercüment
22. Çağatay Çatalkaya
23. Deniz Gelberi
24. Deniz Doğan
25. Emin Koç
26. Emrah Akçaay
27. Enes Küçük
28. Ercan Kugu
29. Erdal Ferin
30. Eren Açıldı
31. Erkan Afacan
32. Erkan Gümüşbaş
33. Erkan Yetişmiş
34. Ertan Coşkun Öğen
35. Faruk Cömert
36. Fatih Yalçın
37. Fatih İpek
38. Fatih Babaç
39. Fatih Şahinoğlu
40. Ferhat Pazarbaşı
41. Furkan Şenol
42. Furkan Talha Yağcı
43. Gökalp Demir
44. Gökçe Berk Akça
45. Gökhan Eser
46. Gökhan Tabakcıoğlu
47. Gökhan Engin
48. Guy Marc Gahourou
49. Gürcan Alpaslan
50. Gürel Bergen
51. Hayrettin Kılıç
52. Hürriyet Ravallı
53. Hüseyin Bayrak
54. Hüseyin Ok
55. İbrahim İşen
56. İsa Özüdüz
57. İskender Çam
58. İsmet Biter
59. Mehmet Kaya
60. Mehmet Mustafaoğlu
61. Mehmet Taşkın
62. Mehmet Gökmen Özdemir
63. Merter Ortaç
64. Mesut Vatansever
65. Muhammet Emre Erkan
66. Murat Uzunmehmet
67. Murat Kazancı
68. Murat Şenay
69. Murat Edis
70. Mustafa Kurt
71. Mustafa Can Gezgin
72. Mustafa Erdem Karagöl
73. Mücahit Avcu
74. Necdet Ergezen
75. Okan Karabulut
76. Olgay Kızılkaplan
77. Onur Paker
78. Onur Alp Yağcıoğlu
79. Orçun Yücel
80. Orhan Kırkpınar
81. Orhanmert Bilginan
82. Osman Artün
83. Ömer Kızılkoca
84. Özcan Üstüntaş
85. Raif Kaan Sezer
86. Semih Albayrak
87. Serdar Meriç
88. Serdar Yoloğlu
89. Serhan Serbest
90. Sertan Vardar
91. Sezer Sezgin
92. Sezer Bravo
93. Şevki Tekeli
94. Tarık Tekin
95. Tarık Özaslan
96. Tevfik Efe Gülümser
97. Tolga Çağala
98. Tolga Altıncı
99. Utku Ataç
100. Yalçın Fatih İlek
101. Yalçın Umut Çınar
102. Yavuzcan Bakacak
103. Yiğit Özen
104. Yiğit Temizkanoğlu

Institutional Structure of the Disciplinary Process

The disciplinary referrals were carried out following an investigation conducted by the Turkish Football Federation. The referred cases have been reviewed by the Professional Football Disciplinary Board, the body responsible for football disciplinary adjudication.

The Board has the authority to examine and adjudicate each referred case in accordance with the provisions of the Football Disciplinary Regulations. The review process was conducted individually for each person through separate case files.

510 Individuals Referred to the Professional Football Discipline Board in the Context of Football Betting Investigation

The Legal Advisory Office of the Turkish Football Federation has referred 510 individuals who served in professional leagues over the past five years to the Professional Football Discipline Board as part of an ongoing betting investigation.

According to the federation’s official announcement, individuals identified as having placed bets and who served as physiotherapists, psychological performance consultants, masseurs, equipment managers, interpreters, physicians, and nutrition experts were referred to the Professional Football Discipline Board on a precautionary basis in accordance with Article 57 of the Football Discipline Regulations, effective 13 February 2026.

Among those referred to the discipline board are Galatasaray club physician Abdullah Yener İnce and Fenerbahçe interpreter Saruhan Karaman.