Endless scandal in football: Arrests, betting, and big names

Another major judicial development has struck Turkish football, deepening the crisis that has been shaking the league for months. Under the order of the Istanbul Prosecutor’s Office, a wide-ranging operation was conducted against a suspected illegal betting network, resulting in the arrest of 29 individuals.

Investigations revealed that among those detained are 14 active footballers participating in various leagues. They are accused of influencing match results to profit financially through bets placed on opposing teams. Authorities have secured evidence related to suspicious financial transactions in the bank accounts of the individuals involved.

The operation also affected leadership levels within Turkish football. Among the arrested is Erden Timur, former vice president of Galatasaray, a well-known figure in the club’s structure. His arrest has drawn significant public and media attention, while the club has yet to issue an official response.

The data so far indicate the alarming scale of the scandal. Around 1,500 people are involved in the investigation file, and disciplinary measures have impacted hundreds of matches and football figures, including nearly 1,000 players and about 150 referees.

Tensions have increased further following another parallel development. Sadettin Saran, the current president of Fenerbahçe, elected only a few months ago, has been arrested in a separate investigation. Authorities state that this case is not directly related to football but concerns a broader anti-drug operation in the entertainment industry.

These recent events have raised maximum alarms in Turkish football, questioning the credibility of competitions and signaling serious consequences for the future of the sport in the country.

"KORCA BOOM"