Referees Investigated in Turkish Betting Scandal

By James Farquharson

Hundreds of referees who actively work in Turkish professional football are currently being investigated after thousands of bets were found to be placed on football matches.  

The Turkish Football Federation announced that 371 of 571 professional referees who are active across the country have been found to have at least one betting account, including 152 who were betting on football matches. It was announced that many of these bets were placed on foreign matches and nothing has yet been released on what was placed on domestic games. 

President Ibrahim Haciosmanoğlu announced the news, emphasising that they need to act quickly and “Clean our shadow from any type of corruption.”  

TFF President Ibrahim Haciosmanoğlu {Getty Images}

He revealed that 22 Super League officials are involved, with the rest officiating in the lower levels of Turkish football. The data from the investigation states that 10 referees have each bet on over 10,000 football matches. One referee in particular placed bets on 18,227 games, however the identity of this individual has not been released. 

Referee Zorbay Küçük has denied allegations that he was involved in the scandal. Küçük was named in the investigation but has come out to clear his name of any wrongdoing.  

Zorbay Küçük refereeing Trabzonspor v Sipay Bodrum FK {Getty Images}

He said: “I have never opened an account on any betting site and have never placed a bet on football or any sport.”  

Küçük’s lawyer has blamed the allegations on fraudulent accounts which may have been used from Küçük’s personal data which was stolen. He said: “This is a clear case of identity theft, and we will pursue those responsible.” 

This isn’t the first time Turkey has been involved in controversy. In 2011 there was a scandal where players and officials were involved in match-fixing. The president now has a big job and must rebuild faith and credibility of Turkish football. 

The investigation will continue for months upon months until a final verdict is found. The suspected penalties could range from three months to one year of suspension from officiating. However, the severity of the case could provide harsher punishments for anyone found guilty.