Key Moments:
- 371 of 571 active Turkish football referees have been found to hold betting accounts
- Disciplinary actions have commenced under Law No. 6222, with international bodies informed
- The Turkish Football Federation is preparing a nationwide referee training initiative across 81 provinces
Revelations Uncover Widespread Gambling Among Officials
Turkey’s football sector is in turmoil following sensational revelations that have linked hundreds of current referees to sports betting activity. The consequences of the investigation have led to immediate disciplinary measures and have drawn scrutiny from global sports authorities.
Federation Details Scope of the Scandal
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) disclosed that, out of 571 referees currently active, 371 were connected to betting accounts, and 152 had placed bets. The findings surfaced after an internal review that utilized state-provided data, revealing what TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu described as “deep-rooted corruption.”
The TFF confirmed that those implicated include seven referees from the top league, 15 elite assistant referees, and 36 lower-division officials. Notably, ten referees each placed over 10,000 bets, and one referee is recorded as having made more than 18,000 wagers.
Kaveh Solhekol looks at the case which has stunned Turkish football, where disciplinary action has been launched due to 152 referees actively gambling on football 🇹🇷⚽️ pic.twitter.com/bTjhVgoBvV
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 27, 2025
| Category | Number of Referees |
|---|---|
| Active Referees Surveyed | 571 |
| Betting Account Holders | 371 |
| Placed Bets | 152 |
| Top-tier Referees Involved | 7 |
| Elite Assistants Involved | 15 |
| Lower-Division Officials Involved | 36 |
| Referees with 10,000+ Bets | 10 |
| Referee with 18,000+ Bets | 1 |
Regulatory Response and International Oversight
In direct response to these findings, the TFF has initiated disciplinary procedures using Law No. 6222, a statute that addresses offenses related to sports integrity. The implicated data has been formally communicated to both FIFA and UEFA, who are expected to scrutinize the disciplinary process.
Hacıosmanoğlu described the episode as a turning point for reform in Turkish football. He stated, “clean what is dirty and restore integrity to our game,” and called on clubs to conduct their own internal reviews in support of broader reforms.
Strategic Measures for Integrity and Reform
The TFF aims to restore confidence by rolling out a nationwide referee training program, reaching all 81 provinces. This initiative seeks to reinforce professional standards among referees and increase transparency in officiating.
Simultaneously, authorities are reviewing betting and disciplinary records for evidence of match-fixing or criminal involvement. This comprehensive integrity review is among the most extensive in the history of Turkish football.
Future Uncertainty for Turkish Football
The revelations have reignited discussions about corruption and oversight within Turkish football. As the probe continues, the governing bodies and fans face an urgent question: Can the sport reestablish trust before irreparable damage is done?
- Author
Daniel Williams
