Turkish Refereeing Scandal Uncovered: Massive Investigation Launched

The Turkish Football Federation is investigating allegations that over 150 referees are involved in betting on matches. Evidence shows 371 referees have betting accounts, with 152 implicated in the scandal. The federation aims to purify and elevate Turkish football through a disciplinary probe.

Devdiscourse News Desk | Ankara | Updated: 27-10-2025 20:31 IST | Created: 27-10-2025 20:31 IST

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Country:
Turkey

The Turkish Football Federation announced an extensive investigation involving more than 150 referees suspected of betting on soccer matches. This shocking revelation has caused an uproar in professional leagues.

At a news conference, Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu stated that government agencies found 371 out of 571 active referees have accounts with betting companies. Among them, 152 referees, including seven top-tier referees and 15 assistants, have been pinpointed as participants in betting activities.

Some referees placed bets on over 10,000 matches, with one individual gambling on 18,227 games over five years. President Haciosmanoglu emphasized the need for reform, stating, 'Our duty is to elevate Turkish football to its rightful place and to purge it of all its filth.' The federation's disciplinary board is set to address these cases promptly.