The President of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), Ibrahim Hadzhiosmanoğlu, commented on a number of arrests of representatives of Turkish football as part of the ongoing investigation into illegal betting. He stressed that the fight against this phenomenon is “reaching a new level.”
“As the operations deepen, I see an atmosphere of real panic in Turkish football,” said Hadzhiosmanoglu, congratulating Istanbul prosecutor Akin Gurlek for his “courage in trying to save the national sport from corruption.”
The TFF President stressed that the Federation “acts transparently” and “no force will be able to interfere with the investigation.” “Don’t confuse us with previous administrations, no one will be able to influence our management style,” he said. Hadzhiosmanoğlu also noted the support of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his efforts to “cleanse” Turkish football.
As part of the investigation, according to TFF, the cases of 22 referees and 27 players, including four referees from the top league, have been sent to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK).
On Monday, the court examined the cases of 39 suspects, of whom 20 were arrested. Among those arrested are Galatasaray footballers Metehan Baltaci and Fenerbahce Mert Hakan Yandas, as well as former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sandzak. In addition, Konyaspor footballer Alassane Ndao and Ankaraspor owners Ahmet Okatan and Mehmet Emin Katipoglu were arrested.
The players were charged with betting on their teams’ matches. 19 people, including judge Zorbay Kyuchyuk, received judicial supervision in the form of house arrest.
Former judge and sports commentator Ahmet Çakar, who suffered stress during detention, is undergoing treatment after an angiography. Due to Chakar’s health condition, his arrest was canceled. Zorbay Kyuchyuk and Murat Sandzak also remain under investigation on suspicion of financial fraud after checking their bank accounts.
Metehan Baltaci stated in court that he made bets only as a youth academy player, unaware of the criminal nature of his actions, and denied the accusations of betting on matches of the main team. Mert Hakan Jandas also denied betting on his matches, claiming that he lent the money to a man who then used it to bet without his knowledge.
Istanbul Prosecutor Akin Gürlek said on November 20 that the operation to combat illegal betting will continue and be expanded.
