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Turkish football is in turmoil after one of the largest gambling scandals in its history. More than 1,000 players and referees have been suspended for illegal betting activity, forcing officials to halt matches across several divisions and sparking what the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) called a “moral crisis.”
Good to Know
The TFF’s announcement on Monday confirmed suspensions for 1,024 players, including defenders from Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, after uncovering widespread illegal gambling. The federation said 27 players from the Süper Lig were among those referred to disciplinary review.
The shockwaves have reached deep into the sport. Matches in the country’s third and fourth divisions have been suspended indefinitely, as officials scramble to assess the damage. The Süper Lig, home to champions Galatasaray and other elite clubs, will continue under heightened scrutiny.
One of those suspended, Eren Elmali, admitted on Instagram to betting on a game five years ago that did not involve his team. The 25-year-old, recently called up to the Turkish national squad, was removed from World Cup qualifying duty following the revelation.
His teammate Metehan Baltaci, 23, also appeared on the TFF’s suspension list. Baltaci joined Galatasaray in 2021 and spent several seasons on loan in lower leagues before returning to the club.
The crisis widened last week when it was revealed that more than one-fourth of active referees in Turkey had gambling accounts. According to the TFF, 371 of 571 active officials were found linked to betting operators, with 152 of them placing wagers on soccer matches — including games they officiated.
That group reportedly includes seven head referees and 15 assistants from Süper Lig fixtures. So far, 149 referees and assistants have been suspended, while three remain under investigation.
TFF president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu called the scandal a betrayal of Turkish football’s core values. He said:
“The reputation of Turkish soccer is built on the sanctity of the effort on the field and the unwavering integrity of justice. Any act that betrays these values is not merely a violation of the rules, but a breach of trust.”
The scope of the scandal has left clubs scrambling to fill rosters. To help teams cope, the TFF has begun discussions with FIFA about extending the upcoming January transfer window by 15 days.
Hacıosmanoğlu described the situation as a “moral crisis in Turkish football” and said the federation would do whatever it takes to restore trust. “Our duty is to elevate Turkish football to its rightful place and to purge it of all its filth,” he said during a press briefing.
The issue of integrity in Turkish soccer has simmered for years, with high-profile managers and players questioning officiating standards and transparency. In January, legendary coach Jose Mourinho, then managing Fenerbahce, accused referees of corruption and threatened to withdraw from the Turkish Cup. His comments, dismissed at the time as frustration, now seem prophetic.
Analysts say the combination of growing gambling access, weak enforcement, and economic pressure on lower-league players has created the perfect storm for widespread misconduct.
As of now, top-flight matches remain scheduled to resume on November 22, though fans and officials alike are questioning what kind of sport will return once the dust settles.
1,024 players and 149 referees were suspended, with others still under investigation.
The third and fourth divisions are on hold. The Süper Lig and second division will continue for now.
Yes. Galatasaray confirmed that two defenders, Eren Elmali and Metehan Baltaci, are among those suspended.
The TFF is cooperating with FIFA and domestic law enforcement. Disciplinary hearings are underway, and new regulations on gambling are expected.