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The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has intensified its investigation into Turkish football, focusing on potential illegal activities.
According to Turkish journalist Emrullah Erdinc, authorities are currently reviewing the financial records of 3,700 footballers, including their official MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) reports.
It is not clear if there are any footballers playing in Türkiye's Super League among those who are investigated.
The investigation follows statements made on Monday by Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, who said that 371 of 571 registered referees have betting accounts, and 152 of them are actively placing bets. One referee reportedly made 18,227 bets, raising concerns about possible match-fixing in professional leagues.
The Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Haciosmanoglu’s remarks are being treated as a formal complaint, merged with a related case previously handled by the Antalya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The consolidated investigation now covers illegal betting, potential match-fixing, and money laundering, involving referees, players, coaches, and club officials.
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Major Turkish clubs, including Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Besiktas, have expressed support for the investigation, emphasizing the importance of transparency to restore public confidence in Turkish football.
The TFF has shared findings with FIFA and UEFA and is implementing ethics and integrity training programs for referees, alongside strengthened oversight measures.
Authorities stressed that illegal betting represents both a financial and societal problem.
Investigations will examine potential violations under the Law on the Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports (Law No. 6222), the Sports Clubs and Sports Federations Law (Law No. 7405), and the Law on Organizing Betting and Games of Chance in Sports Competitions (Law No. 7258).
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