By Martin Graham
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended 149 referees and assistant referees following a major investigation into illegal betting activity among match officials.
The disciplinary process, which uncovered widespread gambling within the profession, imposed suspensions ranging from eight to 12 months depending on the seriousness of each case. Three additional officials remain under review as inquiries continue.
A complete list of those disciplined has been made public on the federation’s official website.
Scale of the investigation and findings
The sanctions stem from a five-year inquiry that examined 571 referees and assistants across various levels of Turkish football.
Investigators discovered that 371 officials had opened betting accounts, and 152 of them were actively wagering on matches. While a small number placed only a single bet, others were found to have engaged in gambling on a massive scale. One referee reportedly placed 18,227 separate bets, while 42 others each wagered on more than 1,000 football games.
According to disciplinary regulations set by the TFF, as well as those of FIFA and UEFA, all referees, players, and coaches are prohibited from betting on sporting events.
The violations uncovered have prompted strong criticism of the country’s football governance and ethical standards.
Federation response and president’s statement
TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu described the situation as evidence of a deep-rooted moral issue within Turkish football. Speaking to CNN, he said, “There is a moral crisis in Turkish football. There is no such thing as structure. The fundamental problem at the core of Turkish football is an ethical one.”
He also rejected claims that financial disputes may have contributed to the problem, insisting that referees were paid promptly and had received salary increases in consecutive years.
No further details were released about individual cases or the three ongoing investigations, though the TFF indicated that it would continue its disciplinary review process.
Reactions from Turkish clubs
Leading Turkish clubs have reacted strongly to the revelations, with many calling for reform and greater transparency.
Besiktas said the incident “could mark a new beginning for clean football,” while Trabzonspor described it as “an historic opportunity to rebuild justice in Turkish football.”
Fenerbahçe president Sadettin Saran expressed both disappointment and cautious optimism, stating that while the findings were “shocking and deeply saddening,” exposing the truth offered “a hopeful development” for the future.
