A betting and match-fixing scandal has engulfed Turkish football, leaving teams scrambling to cope with suspensions, investigations and fixture disruptions.
A betting and match-fixing scandal has unravelled Turkish football at the seams, implicating more than 1,000 players, 149 referees, and top-tier club executives.
On October 27, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced the results of an internal audit revealing widespread illegal betting activity among referees, players and club officials. Since then, the federation has worked with authorities to coordinate raids, make arrests and suspend players.
The TFF has suspended 1,024 players across all divisions, including 27 from the Super Lig, pending disciplinary hearings. The Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) will review each case, including 47 players found to have engaged in only a single betting incident.
The referrals are a precautionary measure under Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Directive, which allows the federation to take interim action to protect the integrity of competitions while investigations continue.
Among those detained are Murat Ozkaya, President of Super Lig side Eyüpspor, and Fatih Saraç, former owner of Kasımpaşa. Nationwide raids across 12 provinces led to at least 18 arrests, part of 21 detention warrants issued by prosecutors. A total of 149 referees, including 17 active officials, are also under investigation for abuse of office and attempts to influence match outcomes.
Disruption like never before
The scale of the scandal has put Turkish football under immense pressure. Player suspensions have left clubs struggling to field squads, while teams must manage concerns from supporters and operate as normally as possible.
On November 11, the TFF confirmed it is negotiating with FIFA to secure a 15-day extension to the 2025/26 winter transfer window, allowing clubs to address squad shortages.
Similar measures have been taken in other leagues, including the Premier League, which received an extra window to accommodate clubs participating in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year.
In terms of fixtures, the TFF confirmed on November 10 that Super Lig and 1st League matches will continue as scheduled, while 2nd and 3rd League games have been postponed for two weeks. The federation also warned that “the investigation will be expanded and continued.”
Clubs may face financial strain from lost sponsorships, reduced ticket revenue and legal costs tied to investigations and appeals. The TFF’s reputation will come under scrutiny, particularly as Turkey looks to qualify for next year’s World Cup and co-host UEFA Euro 2032 with Italy.
Additionally, the spotlight on sports betting is intensifying, with similar allegations surfacing recently in the NBA, UFC and MLB.
Giants affected too
As sports betting grows, clubs are increasingly having to navigate investigations involving players and staff. West Ham United recently managed a case with midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who was cleared of spot-fixing charges by the FA in July 2025.
In Turkey, some clubs face multiple players and executives under scrutiny. Beşiktaş JK, for example, has two players implicated. The club released a statement stressing the need to handle the situation with care.
“It is essential that the process related to this sensitive situation, which primarily concerns the personality rights of our footballers and their families as well as the community to which they belong, be advanced with great care, taking into account the presumption of innocence, which is a universal legal norm,” the statement read.
Beşiktaş added it will cooperate with the TFF and the players involved will file legal objections with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. The club expressed “full faith in the innocence of both of our footballers.”
