According to T24, the Prosecutor’s Office has taken the president’s statements as an official notice and will delve deeper into the matter, including the possibility of illegal betting operations. Meanwhile, TFF has been conducting a separate internal inquiry in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, focusing on legal betting platforms. The dual investigations highlight the seriousness of the allegations and the potential for long-term consequences for Turkish football.
The scandal first surfaced after an unusual match in the TFF 2nd League White Group during the 2023–2024 season. The week 37 fixture between Sincan Belediyesi Ankaraspor and Nazilli Belediyespor ended in a 0-0 draw without a single shot on goal. The result secured Nazilli’s place in the league while relegating Zonguldak Kömürspor. Subsequent reviews led to multiple disciplinary actions, including bans for 23 players, team officials such as Nazilli President Şahin Kaya, head coach Volkan Erten, and even the team masseur.
Hacıosmanoğlu’s detailed announcement painted a troubling picture of widespread misconduct. Out of 571 active referees across professional leagues, 371 were found to have betting accounts, and 152 were actively placing bets. Among them were seven top-tier referees and 15 top-tier assistant referees. Some referees had placed thousands of wagers, with one individual reportedly participating in 18,227 separate bets. Forty-two referees had bet on over 1,000 football matches each.
Under Article 57 of the TFF’s Football Disciplinary Regulations, referees and other officials are strictly prohibited from participating in football-related betting or holding any vested interest in betting operations. Violations can result in suspensions or bans ranging from three months to one year. As the TFF’s Disciplinary Committee prepares to process these cases, the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the integrity of the sport.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is expected to expand its inquiry to include both legal and illegal betting platforms, aiming to trace financial flows and potential match-fixing activities. Meanwhile, the TFF will continue its internal investigation and coordinate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to enforce disciplinary measures. As the story develops, football fans and stakeholders across the country are awaiting further announcements on the fate of the implicated referees and the future credibility of Turkish football.