Turkey Suspends Inspectors Over Online Betting

In Turkey, 30 football inspectors were suspended and 26 people were detained in an online betting case, including club executives and football players.

Decision by the Turkish Football Federation

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) on December 25 suspended 30 football inspectors for betting on football matches and referred their cases to the disciplinary committee.

Five of the inspectors were assigned to matches in the country’s top division, the Süper Lig.

Violation of Disciplinary Rules

The inspectors were charged under Article 57 of the TFF Disciplinary Regulations, which prohibits betting on football matches for all participants in the football system.

The violations may result in lifetime bans from football-related activities.

Criminal Investigation by Prosecutors

The Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office carried out operations in 11 provinces on December 26 and detained 26 people.

The investigation is being conducted with the involvement of the financial intelligence unit MASAK and is based on the analysis of transactions, phone records, and digital materials.

Individuals Involved in the Case

Those detained include former vice president of Galatasaray’s managing company Erden Timur, vice president of Eyüpspor Fatih Kulaksız, and TFF Director of External Relations Buğra Cem İmamoğlulları.

Authorities also detained 14 current and former professional football players, some of whom are accused of betting against their own teams.

Scope of the Case and Possible Penalties

Earlier in the investigation, more than 150 referees and inspectors were subject to restrictions.

Under Turkish law, those involved may face prison sentences of up to 12 years.