Turkey’s Football Integrity Scandal: 371 Referees Linked to Betting Accounts, 152 Actively Placed Bets

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has uncovered one of the biggest integrity scandals in the country’s football history, revealing that hundreds of referees were linked to betting platforms — and many of them were actively placing wagers.

TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu confirmed that of the 571 referees working across professional leagues in Türkiye, 371 held accounts on betting sites, while 152 were found to have placed bets over the past five years. One referee allegedly placed over 18,000 bets, and 42 others wagered on more than 1,000 matches each.

The findings came after a comprehensive review of referees’ digital and financial records, part of an integrity audit initiated earlier this year. The cases have now been referred to the Professional Football Discipline Board, which will determine sanctions in line with Article 57 of the TFF’s disciplinary code. Referees found guilty could face suspensions ranging from three months to one year — and possibly permanent bans if match manipulation is proven.

According to the TFF, seven Süper Lig referees, 15 assistant referees, and dozens from lower divisions are under active investigation. Prosecutors have also been asked to review betting transaction records and cross-check match data.

Hacıosmanoğlu called the discovery “a defining moment for Turkish football,” stressing that the Federation “will take whatever action is necessary to protect the integrity of the game.”

The scandal has sent shockwaves through the football community. Major clubs including Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and Trabzonspor issued public statements supporting the inquiry, noting that the revelations confirm long-standing suspicions of compromised officiating.

Under FIFA and UEFA regulations, all match officials are strictly prohibited from betting on football or engaging with gambling companies. Industry analysts say the scale of the scandal could lead to lifelong bans, criminal charges, and increased oversight of financial links between referees and betting platforms.

The incident underscores a growing concern in international sports: the blurred boundary between professional officiating and online gambling. For Türkiye, it represents both a reputational crisis and a chance to rebuild trust in its football governance.