The number of arrests in connection with the betting scandal in Turkish football has increased again. According to consistent Turkish media reports, arrest warrants were issued against 29 people. The former vice president of was also affected by this Galatasaray Istanbul, Erden Timur.
24 of those affected have already been arrested in a parallel operation in eleven provinces. In addition to Timur, there were also 14 football players. Another person against whom an arrest warrant has been issued is already in prison for another crime. The four remaining victims are still being searched for.
According to the General Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul, an examination of Timur’s bank accounts revealed that he had made suspicious financial transactions and thus violated several laws. The arrested footballers therefore bet on the outcome of games.
Allegations against 152 referees
At the end of October, the Turkish Football Association (TFF) announced allegations that a total of 152 referees were said to have actively placed bets. So far, 149 referees and more than 1,000 players have been suspended pending the investigation. 27 players from the Turkish Süper Lig are affected, including professionals from top clubs Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe and Besiktas Istanbulas well as Trabzonspor. Other club bosses are also among the suspects. In total, more than 570 active arbitrators are said to be involved in the case.
