On Monday, Turkish police detained eight individuals, including Eyupspor Football Club chairman Murat Ozkaya, following an extensive investigation into illegal betting and match-fixing.
The crackdown, led by the Istanbul Cyber Crimes Division and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, has exposed the growing influence of underground gambling networks in professional football.
According to state broadcaster TRT, those arrested include club officials, referees, and individuals accused of manipulating matches for betting gains.
According to state broadcaster TRT, those arrested include club officials, referees, and individuals accused of manipulating matches for betting gains.
Authorities said the suspects have been presented before a court as investigations continue.
Police revealed that simultaneous raids were carried out across 13 provinces, among them Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Diyarbakir, Bolu, and Trabzon.
Police revealed that simultaneous raids were carried out across 13 provinces, among them Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, Diyarbakir, Bolu, and Trabzon.
A total of 21 people were detained during the coordinated operation, which followed weeks of surveillance and monitoring of suspicious betting activities linked to several clubs and players.
In a statement released on Monday, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) confirmed that it had suspended 1,024 players from various leagues across the country.
In a statement released on Monday, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) confirmed that it had suspended 1,024 players from various leagues across the country.
The move is part of ongoing disciplinary proceedings aimed at restoring integrity in Turkish football.
“In relation to the ongoing betting investigation, 1,024 players have been provisionally referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Council,” the TFF said, adding that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward gambling and corruption within the sport.
This is not the first time Turkish football has been hit by such a scandal. Earlier in the year, the TFF took disciplinary action against 149 referees and assistant referees for allegedly betting on matches they were officiating.
“In relation to the ongoing betting investigation, 1,024 players have been provisionally referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Council,” the TFF said, adding that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward gambling and corruption within the sport.
This is not the first time Turkish football has been hit by such a scandal. Earlier in the year, the TFF took disciplinary action against 149 referees and assistant referees for allegedly betting on matches they were officiating.
That wave of suspensions had already raised alarm about the growing infiltration of betting syndicates into the sport’s administrative and officiating structures.
The latest arrests, however, mark the most significant crackdown in the country’s football history.
The latest arrests, however, mark the most significant crackdown in the country’s football history.
Analysts say it reflects the government’s increasing determination to protect the credibility of one of the country’s most popular sports.
The TFF headquarters in Riva, Istanbul, is expected to host a series of disciplinary hearings over the coming weeks as investigators review evidence gathered from the raids.
The TFF headquarters in Riva, Istanbul, is expected to host a series of disciplinary hearings over the coming weeks as investigators review evidence gathered from the raids.
The federation has promised full transparency and pledged to impose lifetime bans on those found guilty.
Football fans across Turkey have reacted with shock, expressing disappointment over the revelations. Many have called for deeper reforms to ensure that the country’s leagues are shielded from criminal influence.
Observers believe that the scandal could have long-term implications for Turkish football, including potential sponsorship losses and reduced fan confidence.
Football fans across Turkey have reacted with shock, expressing disappointment over the revelations. Many have called for deeper reforms to ensure that the country’s leagues are shielded from criminal influence.
Observers believe that the scandal could have long-term implications for Turkish football, including potential sponsorship losses and reduced fan confidence.
However, officials insist that the ongoing cleanup effort will ultimately strengthen the sport and restore trust among supporters and stakeholders.
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