October 31 – In the wake of the referees betting scandal that has rocked Turkish football, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, as it confirmed that investigations have found evidence of some referees betting on matches.
TFF president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu (pictured) issued a powerful statement, declaring the scandal a “showdown” for the future of Turkish football.
On Monday the TFF announced that of the 571 active referees in the professional leagues, 371 have accounts with one or more of six different betting companies, with 152 of the referees having bet directly on football matches.
In a hard-hitting address on Wednesday, the TFF President condemned the actions of the referees, stating they are “completely incompatible with the spirit of football” and constitute “an abuse that wounds consciences and poisons justice.”
Hacıosmanoğlu stressed that the integrity of the sport is non-negotiable.
“The reputation of Turkish football is built on the sanctity of labor on the pitch and the unwavering commitment to justice. Any act that betrays these values is not just a violation of the rules, but a breach of trust,” he said.
The Federation has drawn a clear line, promising severe, non-negotiable penalties for those involved. “Football’s sacred ground is not a playground for someone’s personal gain! Refereeing is a profession of honour. Whoever tarnishes this honor, regardless of who stands behind it, will never again participate in Turkish football.”
The TFF’s Ethics Committee and Disciplinary Committee are investigating the betting rules breaches, whle all football stakeholders who have been issued disciplinary action for betting at any level will face sanctions as stipulated by the regulations. The TFF has also committed to providing support to the ongoing investigations being carried out by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office as part of its fight against legal and illegal betting.
Hacıosmanoğlu emphasised that this is a critical juncture for the sport: “No one can tarnish the clean face of Turkish football, and we will not allow it to be tarnished! This is a reckoning: a fight waged with justice and conscience for a clean future.”
The Federation also expressed disappointment in those attempting to capitalise on the crisis: “We are saddened to see them exploiting the problems faced by the refereeing community as opportunities to gain advantage for themselves or their community.”
The TFF reiterated its commitment to supporting honest officials and called for unity: “We will continue to manage our current leagues with our referee brothers who serve honorably… We stand firmly behind our referees who fulfill their duties diligently.”
The statement concluded with a call for solidarity, asking the entire football community to join the fight: “Consider this statement a turning point, not a warning… None of us will find peace until we cleanse Turkish football of its dubious dealings, corrupt dealings, and vested interests.”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at [email protected]