Over 65% of Turkish football referees have betting accounts, sparking a major scandal and disciplinary crackdown by the Turkish Football Federation (T
Over 65% of Turkish football referees have betting accounts, sparking a major scandal and disciplinary crackdown by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
Turkish football has been rocked by revelations that 371 out of 571 active referees across professional leagues have registered accounts with betting platforms, and 152 of them are actively placing bets—some even on matches they officiate.
The scandal was unveiled by TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu during a press briefing in Istanbul, where he described the findings as “a moral crisis” threatening the integrity of the sport.
The investigation, conducted in collaboration with financial regulators and licensed betting platforms, uncovered staggering levels of gambling activity.
One referee alone placed over 18,000 bets, raising serious concerns about potential match-fixing and conflicts of interest.
The scandal spans all divisions, including the prestigious Süper Lig, where seven head referees and fifteen assistants were found to be involved.
In response, the TFF has announced immediate disciplinary actions. Referees found guilty of betting will face suspension, dismissal, and possible legal consequences under the federation’s disciplinary code.
Hacıosmanoğlu emphasised the need to “clean up Turkish football from within,” starting with the referee community.
The federation is also reviewing its vetting and monitoring systems to prevent future breaches.
This scandal has ignited public outrage and prompted calls for greater transparency and reform in Turkish football.
Clubs, fans, and sports analysts are demanding stricter oversight and independent audits to restore trust in the game.
As the TFF moves swiftly to contain the fallout, the long-term impact on Turkish football’s reputation remains to be seen.
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