Istanbul, Turkey – In a dramatic turn of events, a number of top-flight football players in Turkey have been jailed pending their trial in connection with a widening football betting scandal. The arrests, which include prominent names from Süper Lig clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, mark a significant escalation in the investigation that has sent shockwaves through Turkish football.
The probe, which began in October 2025, has already led to mass suspensions and nationwide raids, raising serious questions about the integrity of the sport in Turkey. Prosecutors allege that the case centers around "insider betting," with players, club executives, and referees suspected of wagering on matches, potentially including those involving their own teams.
A Turkish court has ordered the pre-trial detention of 20 suspects. Among those jailed are Galatasaray defender Metehan Baltacı, Fenerbahçe captain Mert Hakan Yandaş, and former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak. Nineteen other suspects were released under judicial control, while five remain abroad and are being sought.
Baltacı, who had already been suspended for nine months by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), admitted in court to placing "a few bets" during his youth-team days but insisted he stopped before playing professionally. Yandaş, on the other hand, denied any involvement in betting, despite prosecutors alleging he used a third-party account to place illegal wagers. Sancak claimed he doesn't have a gambling account and that all his financial transactions are tied to legitimate business ventures.
The investigation has widened to include individuals from across the Turkish football landscape. Last month, the TFF suspended 149 referees and assistant referees suspected of participating in insider betting. The federation also ordered the suspension of 1,024 players from all leagues as part of its investigation. Bans of varying lengths were issued to 102 players, with 25 from the Süper Lig and 77 from the second tier.
Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, Chairman of the Turkish Football Federation, addressed the crisis at a press conference. "For years, the problems of Turkish football have been swept under the carpet," he stated. "Such disgraceful decisions have been made, such crimes covered up, and the sole responsibility for our current situation is a lack of will". Haciosmanoglu indicated that the investigation might widen as the federation receives data from Turkey's state-run sports betting organization, Spor Toto.
The scale of the investigation is comparable to previous match-fixing scandals that have rocked football in other countries. The Turkish case highlights growing concerns about the infiltration of illicit betting practices that undermine the integrity of the sport. As the legal proceedings unfold, the future of many individuals involved in the scandal hangs in the balance. The trial date for the arrested parties is yet to be set.
