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Turkish Football in Turmoil After Massive Referee Betting Scandal
Turkish football has been hit by one of its most damaging scandals in recent memory. An internal probe has uncovered widespread betting activity among referees, sparking outrage and raising urgent questions about integrity within the nation’s most popular sport.
A Shocking Blow to Turkish Football’s Integrity
Turkish football has been plunged into chaos following revelations that hundreds of referees have been involved in betting activities. The scandal, described as one of the biggest in the nation’s sporting history, has shaken public trust in the country’s football governance.
According to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), 371 of 571 active referees were found to have betting accounts, with 152 confirmed to have placed wagers. The findings emerged from an extensive investigation supported by national data agencies and state institutions.
Referees Under Scrutiny
TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu revealed that the list includes seven top-tier referees, 15 elite assistants, 36 lower-division officials, and 94 assistant referees. Shockingly, ten individuals placed over 10,000 bets each, while one referee recorded an astonishing 18,227 wagers spanning several years.
Disciplinary proceedings are now underway under Law No. 6222, which governs sports integrity offences. Reports have been submitted to both FIFA and UEFA, who will be briefed on the ongoing disciplinary actions.
Restoring Faith in the Game
Hacıosmanoğlu called the revelations a turning point for Turkish football, pledging to “clean what is dirty and restore integrity to our game.” He urged club presidents to conduct their own internal reviews to root out malpractice across all levels.
To rebuild trust, the federation will roll out a nationwide referee training programme across all 81 provinces, focusing on professionalism and ethical conduct.
A Deepening Investigation
Authorities are continuing to analyse betting records and disciplinary histories to uncover any links between the betting activity and potential match manipulation. As investigations progress, the scandal stands as a sobering reminder of the fragile nature of trust in professional sport.
