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The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has taken drastic action after uncovering widespread betting among referees, announcing the suspension of 149 officials connected to illegal gambling. The federation confirmed that both head and assistant referees were among those sanctioned, with penalties ranging from eight to twelve months.
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The TFF said the investigation uncovered a culture of gambling that had crept deep into the sport, tarnishing public trust. While the officials weren’t formally accused of match-fixing, the scope of their betting activity shocked fans and football authorities alike.
TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu delivered a stern statement, calling the revelations a betrayal of football’s core values:
“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.
Recent investigations have revealed that some referees were involved in betting activities in a manner completely incompatible with the spirit of football. This is not merely a violation – it is an abuse that wounds consciences and poisons justice.”
Hacıosmanoğlu confirmed that 10 referees placed wagers on more than 10,000 matches each over five years, while one official placed bets on 18,227 games—an average of 10 per day. Another 42 referees placed wagers exceeding 1,000 matches, and several others placed bets less frequently, sometimes on just one game.
According to the TFF’s internal review, 371 of the 571 active referees in Turkey had betting accounts with various operators. Of that total, 152 wagered on football matches, including seven head referees and 15 assistants from the top-tier Süper Lig. Some of them even bet on games they officiated, an act that directly breaches both TFF and FIFA integrity regulations.
The investigation also widened beyond referees. Turkish outlet Habertürk reported that the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened inquiries into about 3,700 players and club officials. If the ongoing probe confirms match-fixing, those involved could face prison terms of 1.5 to 4.5 years, along with lifetime bans from the sport under Turkish law.
To prevent future scandals, the TFF plans to establish a financial monitoring system that tracks referee transactions and betting activity. Officials found guilty of gambling on matches will face lifetime bans. The federation also confirmed that new referees will be appointed for the remainder of the season, which is roughly one-quarter complete.
Sports lawyer Mert Yaşar commented that while the findings caused public outrage, revisiting past matches isn’t legally or practically possible:
“Despite public outcry, it’s impossible to replay past matches and to refund losing wagers from games of suspected involvement.”
Complaints about officiating in Turkey were already growing before the scandal broke. Earlier this year, former Fenerbahçe head coach Jose Mourinho blasted the quality of refereeing, calling it “a scandal” and even threatening to boycott the Turkish Cup.
Now, with hundreds of referees suspended and criminal investigations underway, Hacıosmanoğlu’s administration faces a monumental task—rebuilding public confidence in one of the country’s most popular sports.
The federation didn’t directly accuse officials of manipulating results, but several referees placed bets on matches they managed, raising serious concerns.
Those charged face suspensions of up to 12 months. If any are convicted of match-fixing, they could receive prison sentences of up to 4.5 years and lifetime bans.
A total of 149 referees were suspended, while investigations continue into three more.
New referees will take charge for the rest of the season, and the TFF plans to introduce strict financial monitoring to deter gambling activity.