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Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu warned clubs on Monday to take immediate action against individuals involved in illegal betting or face disciplinary consequences, stating that the probe will continue to expand to clarify every illicit network.
The warning comes amid a broadening investigation that now includes not only referees but also players, coaches, interpreters, health staff, equipment managers, and observers.
Speaking at a press conference at the federation’s headquarters in Riva, Haciosmanoglu stressed that the federation, in coordination with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, is committed to rooting out all elements undermining the integrity of Turkish football. He urged clubs to "clean house" voluntarily to avoid reputational damage when official findings are eventually made public.
"Cleaning can’t stop with referees. If this is to be done, every element of football must be cleaned," Haciosmanoglu said. "Tomorrow, if they encounter a negative situation as a result of our investigation or the prosecutor’s, they shouldn’t be upset. Let them carry out their own clean-up."
In addition to domestic probes, the federation is working with UEFA and Interpol to detect foreign-based betting activities and offshore money trails. A contracted company is assisting with data collection on illegal betting across Europe, while investigations into players’ financial activities are ongoing through Türkiye’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) and telecom records.
“This is where the real rot lies,” Haciosmanoglu noted, referring to illegal international gambling operations. He confirmed that two out of six targeted betting companies have provided partial data, and prosecutors have been notified about firms that failed to cooperate.
"Anyone who participated in illegal betting will be investigated. Some players placed a single bet—these are being reviewed further. But for others who repeatedly engaged, the process is underway," he said.
The campaign has drawn attention from foreign football authorities, Haciosmanoglu stated. He pointed out that commentators on major sports channels in the U.K. have urged their own federations to follow suit, and several international bodies have contacted the TFF to understand its methodology.
"Some say we’re being labeled as a betting nation. But this issue exists globally. Last year alone, $52 billion was sent abroad from Türkiye—betting is not centered here. The more we limit illegal betting, the more we serve the Turkish public," he said.
The TFF confirmed that domestic leagues will proceed as planned. Haciosmanoglu acknowledged concerns about teams losing players but stressed that this creates an opportunity for young talent to emerge. He highlighted that the federation had recently imposed a 25-year age limit for players in the third division, aiming to give academy players more opportunities.
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Haciosmanoglu concluded by reiterating that the federation’s goal is to leave a clean sport for future generations, stating, "We did not take these positions to protect careers. We carry a moral responsibility to serve the youth with integrity while we are in office."
Launched in late October after public statements by Haciosmanoglu, the federation’s internal probe has widened to include a broad network of individuals. Haciosmanoglu said 371 of 571 professional referees had betting accounts, with 152 actively placing bets. A total of 149 individuals were suspended for eight to 12 months.
The TFF also confirmed sanctions against 23 Super Lig players, including two from Galatasaray, with bans ranging from 45 days to one year for alleged betting activity.
Separately, eight individuals—among them Eyupspor President Murat Ozkaya and six referees—have been arrested as part of the prosecutors’ criminal investigation.
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