Turkish Football Sees Massive Football Referee Scandal

The world of football in Turkey has been rocked after the Turkish Football Federation had to suspend 149 referees after it was found hundreds of professional match officials had betting accounts. At the end of October, it was revealed that a five-year probe had found that 371 of 571 match officials possessed a betting account with 152 of those actively gambling.

So, what does all this mean for football in Turkey when it comes to online sports betting and competition and fairness at all levels of football across the nation? This article will delve deeper into the story and explore how these developments could impact the game.

What are the Rules on Referees Placing Wagers?

Match officials in Turkey must adhere to the same rules as players and coaches who are all forbidden from participating in betting activities and predicting the outcome of games. This is part of TFF disciplinary regulations while FIFA, the world's football governing body and UEFA, European's governing body, also uphold the same rules.

Those found guilty of betting on football games can face bans of three months to one year from officiating or football-related betting activities. This falls under Article 57 of the Turkish Football Federation's disciplinary code.

The Story so Far

While some of the suspended referees had only bet on one occasion, the BBC reported that 42 had bet on more than 1,000 matches with one in particular wagering with a staggering 18,227 bets.

Bans are already being imposed it has been reported with some officials out of action for between eight and twelve months, depending on the severity of their rule breaking when it comes to betting. There are investigations into three more officials which were still ongoing at the start of November.

TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu spoke at a press conference and said: “As a federation, we started by cleaning up our own backyard. Among those found to have betting accounts were seven top-level referees, 15 top-level assistants, 36 classified referees, and 94 classified assistants.

"There is a moral crisis in Turkish football. There is no such thing as structure. The fundamental problem at the core of Turkish football is an ethical one.

"Ask any referee, if there is even one who has not received his pay, I will resign as federation president. In fact, we improved their salaries last year, and again this year."

What Turkey's Clubs have Said

When the findings came to light and the investigation was made public, it of course caused shockwaves across Turkish football with a number of clubs passing comment on the situation.

Fenerbahce president Sadettin Saran was quoted as saying: "This is both shocking and deeply saddening for Turkish football. But the fact that it is coming to light is a hopeful development."

Besiktas said the findings "could mark a new beginning for clean football". Trabzonspor, meanwhile, said the news offered "an historic opportunity to rebuild justice in Turkish football".

Players also Suspended

In November, reports also emerged that more than 1,000 players have been suspended by the Turkish Football Federation after a huge probe into betting discovered that a number of alleged wagers have been placed on games. All 1,024 individuals have bee referred to Turkey's Professional Football Disciplinary Board.

Of the players implicated in the ongoing investigation, 27 play in the Turkish Super Lig, the nation's top-flight. One of those is Galatasaray left-back Eren Elmali who helped the team win the league and cup in Turkey only last season. The defender, who signed from Trabzonspor in 2024, took to Instagram to write that he bet on a match around five years ago though not on his team. However, having been withdrawn from the Turkey squad for World Cup qualifying, Elmali was suspended for 45 days. 

Team-mate Metehan Baltaci has been suspended for nine months while Konyaspor winger Alassane Ndao who has previously represented Senegal has been banned for twelve months.

Besiktas also have two players involved and referred to the PFDK though the club insists they have 'full faith' the individuals, who remain unnamed, are innocent.

The impact of the suspensions following the fallout has affected the entire football pyramid in Turkey with the third and fourth tier postponed for two weeks.

With teams now set to be without players for an indefinite period of time, the Turkish Football Federation has requested FIFA allow a 15-day transfer and registration extension so that clubs can plug any gaps in their squad during the winter transfer window. 

What could this Mean for Turkish Football?

Well, in the short-term, it will lead to some fans and clubs having doubts around the fairness of the competition that has been played out so far in the league this season and other fixtures in campaigns previously. It could take a long while for confidence to be restored.

However, while the news could be seen as damaging to the brand, as Besiktas and Trabzonspor said in statements, the suspensions currently handed out could see a new beginning for a clean sport while there is an opportunity to 'rebuild justice' within the Turkish game.

According to the BBC, some sport commentators have called for games in Turkey to be suspended until the investigation is complete as even innocent referees are under suspicion which is unfair, particularly when matches are still going on.

For now though, there is sure to be a great deal of skepticism surrounding games for the foreseeable future.

What are the Rules on Fans Betting on Turkish Football?

Football followers can of course bet on Turkish football matches and it is a popular pastime among enthusiasts online and in sports wagering establishments. However, it's imperative players gamble responsibly so that betting remains a fun and enjoyable hobby and doesn't have a negative effect on people's home life, work life or social life.

Setting a budget is crucial for gamers so that they only bet what they can afford. By having a limit, this will ensure fans of the game in Turkey will not run into financial difficulties by chasing losses or placing wagers based on emotion rather than an educated guess.

Supporters can bet on games because they do not have a direct influence on the outcome of the game. Whether watching at home or sitting in the stadium, beyond backing the players with cheering and songs, they can not have an impact on the game. However, players and referees must not wager as they can directly affect the scoreline and outcome of the match.

Overall, this is an interesting time for Turkish football and the setback could actually see the game become more transparent and fair in the future.

- Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com