The betting scandal in Turkish soccer continues to spread. Now there have been further arrests. Among those arrested is a former top official from Galatasaray.
There have been further arrests in connection with the betting scandal in Turkish soccer. According to consistent Turkish media reports, arrest warrants have been issued for 29 people, including the former vice president of Galatasaray Istanbul, Erden Timur (44).
In a simultaneous operation in eleven provinces, 24 people have already been arrested, including Timur and 14 soccer players. One person is already in prison for another offense, and the search for the remaining four continues. According to media reports, the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office said that an examination of Timur’s bank accounts had revealed that he had made suspicious financial transactions and thus violated several laws. The soccer players had allegedly bet on the outcome of games.
Six suspects are alleged to have influenced the result of the match between Kasimpasa and Samsunspor on October 26, 2024. The players involved are said to have bet on the victory of their own team’s opponents. After leading 1-0, Kasimpasa ended up losing 1-4 to Samsun, coached by German coach Thomas Reis.
Well over 1,500 people affected
The betting scandal has been rocking Turkish soccer for several weeks. At the end of October, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced allegations that a total of 152 referees had actively placed bets.
Clubs and players are also under investigation: 149 referees and more than 1,000 players have been suspended for the duration of the investigation. Twenty-seven players from the Turkish top league, Süperlig, are affected, including professionals from the top clubs Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas from the metropolis of Istanbul, as well as Trabzonspor. Other club bosses are also among the suspects. A total of over 570 active referees are now said to be involved in the case.