Turkey Suspends Over 1,000 Players in Widening Betting Scandal

Turkey’s Football Federation (TFF) has suspended 1,024 players across professional leagues as authorities investigate widespread betting violations, including alleged involvement of 27 top-flight players. Matches in the third and fourth divisions have been paused for two weeks, while games in the top two tiers will continue. The TFF has requested FIFA extend the winter transfer window by 15 days to help clubs manage depleted squads.

The scandal has rapidly expanded, with local media reporting multiple arrests, including a club chairman. Besiktas confirmed two of its players have been referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) but expressed confidence in their innocence. The controversy first surfaced in late October when TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu revealed that hundreds of referees were linked to betting accounts.

According to Haciosmanoglu, 371 referees had betting accounts and 152 were actively wagering — a major breach of regulations that prohibit all match officials, players and coaches from gambling on football. Prosecutors have since issued detention orders for 21 individuals, including 17 referees and two club presidents, as the sweeping investigation into betting and potential match-fixing continues.

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