Turkish referees detained in nationwide betting probe

The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office announced on Friday that 21 people were targeted in a sweeping investigation into illegal football betting, including 17 referees and the chairman of a top-flight club.

Eighteen suspects have already been detained, according to state news agency Anadolu Ajansı.

Nationwide operation across 12 cities

The probe follows the Turkish Football Federation (TFF)’s suspension of 149 referees and assistant referees last week after internal findings revealed that several officials were betting on football matches — some on games they themselves officiated.

Charges of match-fixing and abuse of duty

Prosecutors said the detained referees face charges of “abuse of duty” and “manipulating match results”.

In addition, the president of a Super Lig club, a former club owner, and a former association head were arrested for alleged match-fixing.

One other suspect was charged with spreading misleading information on social media as part of the multi-city operation.

TFF disciplinary action and “moral crisis” warning

In a separate investigation, the TFF’s disciplinary board imposed bans of eight to twelve months on 149 referees and assistants involved in betting activities.

TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu called the situation a “moral crisis in Turkish football.”

According to the TFF’s findings, 371 of the 571 active referees in professional leagues held betting accounts, and 152 were actively gambling.

One referee allegedly placed 18,227 bets, while 42 others bet on more than 1,000 football matches each.

Expanding scandal

The investigation has triggered what officials describe as one of the largest integrity crises in Turkish football history.

Authorities indicated that the probe could widen to include club executives, players, and betting operators, as efforts continue to clean up the sport’s image.