Turkish FA Suspends 149 Referees in Major Turkish Football Betting Scandal

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has taken decisive disciplinary action by suspending 149 referees and assistant referees for a period of 8 to 12 months, following a major investigation into football betting activities. The move is being described as one of the largest integrity crises in Turkish football.

The probe revealed that, out of 571 active referees in Turkey’s professional leagues, 371 held accounts with betting companies, and 152 were found to have actively placed bets on football matches. Among the officials implicated were seven top-tier referees and 15 top-level assistants.

TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu described the situation as a “moral crisis” in Turkish football, noting that the issue is rooted not in financial hardship but in ethical failure. He stated, “There is no such thing as structure. The fundamental problem at the core of Turkish football is an ethical one.”

The investigation further uncovered that one referee had placed 18,227 bets, while 42 others had wagered on more than 1,000 matches each.

In its statement, the TFF emphasised that “Refereeing is a profession of honour. Anyone who tarnishes that honour will never again be involved in Turkish football.”

Additionally, the investigation has been referred to the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, indicating that criminal proceedings may follow alongside the disciplinary sanctions.