Illegal Betting in Turkey Reaches $52 Billion in 2024

In Turkey, illegal betting operators received $52 billion in 2024, stated the president of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu.

Call for Cleaning Up Turkish Football

At a press conference at the TFF headquarters in Riva, Hacıosmanoğlu emphasized that clubs need to conduct internal cleanups. All elements harming Turkish football must be removed. “The Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office and its team are working diligently. We handle this from a sporting perspective, and they continue the criminal investigation. Everything that harms Turkish football must be eliminated. Club presidents should respond to my call and conduct their own cleanup,” he stressed.

Starting with Referees and Players

Hacıosmanoğlu explained that the cleanup process began with referees and players. “Referees have already been checked, and everyone was satisfied. When it came to players, there were attempts to distract and slow down the process. Cleanup must cover all elements of football. This week we will receive data from the ministry about coaches, translators, medical staff, equipment managers, inspectors, and others. After analyzing this information, we will clear what falls under TFF’s responsibility. I hope clubs will also carry out their own cleanup,” he said.

Support for the Federation During Investigations

The president stressed the need to support the federation during operations against illegal betting. “Personal interests should be set aside. This is a public matter. The first one or two years might be challenging, but if we all work together to create a clean environment, Turkish football will be stronger,” stated Hacıosmanoğlu.

Goal — Clean Turkish Football for the Future

“Our goal is to leave clean Turkish football for children and young people. We started this mission knowing that some clubs and individuals might be affected. My colleagues and I are ready to serve to ensure honest football,” he noted.

Data Collection Process

Hacıosmanoğlu explained how the data is obtained from the government: “The data comes officially from the Ministry of Youth and Sports through Spor Toto Teşkilatı. Manipulation is impossible. The data is checked by our legal committee and, if there is reasonable suspicion, sent to the PFDK. If someone has not committed any violations, they can prove it in court.”

Transparency and Equality

The president emphasized that no one will have privileges: “We are investigating all participants in the football community. Decisions will be made fairly and transparently, with no exceptions.”

International Support and Investigations

Hacıosmanoğlu mentioned cooperation with foreign companies, Interpol, and UEFA to identify individuals placing bets through other entities. “The investigation is conducted not only on betting sites but also through banking and phone records of players and their relatives,” he said.

Opportunities for Young Players

The president noted that current measures create opportunities for young players: “In the third league, we have set an age limit of 25. Older players make way for the youth. This is a chance for new talents to continue their careers.”

Fighting Illegal Betting

Hacıosmanoğlu highlighted the importance of limiting illegal betting: “In the past, many issues were covered up, giving people the courage to break the rules. Now we are working to ensure every element of football is clean. The more we limit illegal betting, the greater the benefit to society.”