Major Arrests in Turkish Football Betting Scandal

A significant investigation into illegal betting in Turkish football has led to the arrest of 46 individuals, including 29 players. The scandal has raised concerns about match integrity, with players suspected of betting on their own teams. Notably, Metehan Baltaci from Galatasaray is among those arrested. The Turkish Football Federation has already suspended over 1,000 players and referees, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. This article delves into the details of the arrests, the ongoing investigation, and the implications for Turkish football.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 18:45 IST

Istanbul Prosecutors Crack Down on Illegal Betting

In Istanbul, prosecutors have initiated the arrest of 46 individuals, including 29 football players, as part of an extensive investigation into unlawful betting practices related to Turkish football matches.

The public prosecutor's office revealed that 27 of the detained players are suspected of wagering on games involving their own teams.

Among those arrested is Metehan Baltaci, a player for the current Turkish champions, Galatasaray, who was previously suspended for nine months due to the betting controversy.

This investigation has sent shockwaves through Turkish football, leading to the pre-trial detention of six referees on November 10, along with the president of Eyupspor, a team competing in Turkey's top Super Lig.

While the identities of the other 26 players involved in betting on their own teams remain undisclosed, it was noted that Mert Hakan Yandas, a player for Fenerbahce, placed bets using another person's account.

According to the prosecutor's office, police have apprehended 35 of the 46 individuals named in the arrest warrant, with five currently located abroad.

The arrest order also targeted two club presidents for allegedly attempting to manipulate the outcome of a match between their respective third-division teams during the 2023-2024 season.

This particular match drew scrutiny from investigators as neither team made a single attempt to score, which reportedly sparked the entire investigation.

To date, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended over 1,000 players, including 25 from the Super Lig, with penalties ranging from 45 days to a full year.

Only one of those suspended is a foreign player: Alassane Ndao, a Senegalese winger for Konyaspor, who received a 12-month suspension.

The majority of suspensions, exceeding 900, involve players from the third and fourth divisions.

In October, the TFF also suspended nearly 150 referees for betting on matches, all of whom have since been dismissed.