Turkish Football Referees Face Betting Sanctions

The Turkish Football Federation has announced immediate sanctions against referees implicated in a widespread betting scandal. An internal investigation revealed that 371 out of 571 referees have betting accounts, with 42 actively wagering on over 1,000 matches each. The federation is determined to cleanse football of corruption.


Turkish Football Referees Face Betting Sanctions

The head of the Turkish Football Association, Ibrahim Hadji Oglu, announced strict measures against match-fixing. According to him, all violators will be punished with "a long day".

According to the results of 571 arbitrations, 371 were educational records for referees, of which 152 were actively involved in matches. "We are not exempt. Necessary sanctions will be applied without," said Oglu, the head of the committee, noting that the average number of matches per arbitrator has increased by more than 10 times, including one, 18 227 operations. Another 42 judges excluded the stakes for more than one match.

Of the 371 arbitrators, 22 work at the national level (the highest league), including as main judges and assistants. The same data about their involvement in matches or personal activities are not disclosed.

In response to previous accusations of Turkish referees, in early 2024, the football association introduced video assistant referee (VAR) technology in top matches. For example, in the final between Istanbul Basaksehir and Fenerbahce - a club that often receives preferences from the judges.

"We are determined to eliminate corruption in football," reaffirmed Oglu, confirming the integrity of the sport.