Shock In Turkey As Hundreds Of Referees Found With Betting Accounts (Video)

Turkey’s football community has been thrown into crisis after 371 referees were found to have betting accounts, prompting the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) to begin disciplinary proceedings in what is being described as one of the biggest scandals in the nation’s sporting history.

According to findings presented by TFF president Ibrahim Ethem Haciosmanoglu during a press conference in Istanbul, the investigation revealed that 152 officials actively placed bets, including seven top-flight referees and 15 senior assistants. One of the referees reportedly placed over 18,000 bets.

“As a federation, we started by cleaning up our own backyard,” Haciosmanoglu said. “If we want to bring Turkish football to the place it deserves, we have to clean up whatever dirt there is.”

He confirmed that all referees found to have bet — whether on local or international games — would face disciplinary measures under both TFF and FIFA regulations. Penalties could range from three months to three years of suspension, or even fines up to 100,000 Swiss francs.

Public outrage and disbelief

The revelations have sparked intense reactions across the football world, with fans calling for transparency and wider investigations into global officiating.

@NicklasDegn wrote, “It’s a big case, but there’s a difference between betting on Turkish or foreign matches. Still, the damage is done.”

@Horlar_dele criticized the officials, saying, “It doesn’t matter if they didn’t bet on their own matches. They can still influence games for their colleagues.”

For @DaveBest07, the issue goes beyond Turkey: “Football has been ruined by betting companies. Ban them from sponsorships and ads. They control too much.”

Others linked the scandal to broader corruption in global football. “This isn’t just Turkish football,” @MukondiT commented. “Sports betting is everywhere — even FIFA officials are in on it. Good luck finding new refs with no accounts.”

@Hollumuyiwa1 recalled past corruption, saying, “This isn’t new. Remember the 2011 match-fixing scandal involving Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş? Turkey has a long history with this.”

Some fans drew comparisons with Europe’s top leagues. “If the Premier League was investigated properly, they’d have to pause the season,” @Anonsyntax posted. “Refereeing is that rotten.”

Another user, @The_Ghosted, simply wrote: “They called Mourinho crazy — now we see what he meant.”

Several fans demanded that betting-linked clubs also face scrutiny. @EarthWorld79692 said, “Please investigate all teams sponsored by betting companies. They shouldn’t be exempt.”

A sarcastic take came from @IoSonoInter, who quipped, “If you think this only happens in Turkey, I’ve got magic crystals to sell you.”

Others, like @prettycachy, expressed frustration with the impact on bettors: “No wonder our Turkish League slips never win. This is a disgrace to football and the league.”

@adahfact called for reform, writing, “The TFF is cleaning itself, but when will other leagues do the same to restore fans’ trust?”

And @KadMofor concluded, “Look at how Real Madrid and Liverpool get favored sometimes. You can’t tell me no one’s paying for that.”

Observers believe the case could have far-reaching effects on Turkish football’s reputation and governance. Fenerbahçe president Sadettin Saran described it as “deeply saddening but also a hopeful step toward transparency.”

As the disciplinary hearings begin, fans and analysts alike are demanding that the cleanup extend beyond Turkey — to ensure football everywhere remains free from the shadow of gambling influence.

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