Turkish football is currently facing one of its most severe crises in decades. Prosecutors in Istanbul have issued arrest warrants for 46 individuals. Among these are 29 professional football players. This action is part of a broad investigation into illegal betting on domestic matches.

Players Accused of Betting on Own Matches

On Friday, the Istanbul prosecutor’s office confirmed details of the probe. Twenty-seven of the targeted players are suspected of placing bets on games involving their own teams. Some allegedly wagered on matches in which they were actively playing. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the sport.

The scandal first came to light in early November. Investigators initially detained 18 people. These initial arrests involved claims that referees were betting on matches they officiated. Just a week prior, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended 149 match officials over similar allegations.

Referees Under Scrutiny

The TFF has since concluded disciplinary hearings for several referees. These officials were accused of breaching betting rules. Their suspensions range from eight to twelve months. The federation stated that its inquiry remains active. Three more officials are still undergoing scrutiny.

TFF findings have revealed the scale of the issue. A review covered 571 referees across Turkey’s professional leagues. It showed that 371 had opened betting accounts. A total of 152 were found to have actively placed wagers. Metehan Baltacı, from reigning champions Galatasaray, is one of the named individuals. He received a nine-month ban earlier in November.

High-Profile Individuals Implicated

The affair created significant alarm on November 10. Six referees were placed in pre-trial detention. The president of Eyüpspor, a Super Lig club, was also detained. Prosecutors have not released the names of all 26 other players accused of betting on their own clubs. However, Fenerbahçe midfielder Mert Hakan Yandaş is specifically mentioned. He allegedly used a third party’s account for betting.

Authorities report that 35 of the 46 named suspects have been apprehended so far. Five suspects are believed to have fled the country. The list of targets also includes two club presidents. They are accused of attempting to influence the outcome of a third-division match last season. Suspicion around this fixture arose when it ended without either side registering a single shot on goal. This unusual detail reportedly triggered the wider investigation.

Widespread Sanctions and Ongoing Investigation

The full extent of this issue is still unfolding. To date, the TFF has suspended over 1,000 players nationwide. This includes 25 players from the top-tier Super Lig. Punishments vary significantly. Some bans are for 45 days, while others stretch across an entire season. Only one foreign player has been implicated thus far: Alassane Ndao, a Senegalese winger for Konyaspor. He received a twelve-month ban. The vast majority of those sanctioned, over 900 players, compete in Turkey’s lower leagues.

The investigation is ongoing. Further sanctions are expected. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the full scope of the betting network. This network is believed to be deeply entrenched within Turkish football. The scandal highlights a critical need for integrity in sports.