Turkish FA President Outlines Full Scope of Betting Scandal and Calls for Unified Cleanup
In a decisive and wide-ranging press conference, the President of the Turkish Football Federation addressed the extensive betting and match-fixing investigation currently reshaping Turkish football. He explained the legal process, defended the integrity of the data collection, and urged every stakeholder to support what he called a historic effort to restore the sport’s credibility.
Mission Focused on Integrity and Protection
The President stressed that the investigation aims to safeguard football, not to benefit individuals or institutions. İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu reminded the public that this effort began with a clear principle:
“This sacred duty must not become a field where individuals or institutions seek personal gain.”
He emphasized that he and the board entered this process fully aware of the resistance it might generate within clubs and the wider football ecosystem. Despite the risks, he said, they feel morally obligated to protect future generations and leave them a clean football environment.
Legal Obligations
Responding to criticism over how information was gathered, the President provided a detailed explanation of the workflow. All data, he reminded, was delivered formally through the Ministry of Sports. He rejected accusations of manipulation:
“How could anyone manipulate data given to us by the very institutions that licence these companies? If manipulation occurred, their licences would be revoked.”
He also revealed that throughout the 202-day investigation, there was not a single leak of confidential information – something he attributed to strict internal controls and the discipline of the four designated officials entrusted with the files. The President underlined that the federation cannot ignore suspicious cases.
The legal board must forward files with reasonable suspicion to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board, otherwise its members would commit a criminal offense. He emphasized that referral does not imply guilt and that players can clear their names by presenting evidence during the disciplinary process.
Scope of the Problem
Calling the scandal “an earthquake in Turkish football,” the President acknowledged the difficulties clubs face as key players become unavailable. However, he noted that the crisis also opens doors for young athletes.
He drew parallels with national crises such as earthquakes and the pandemic, arguing that football must also adapt and evolve during moments of disruption. The President criticized individuals who attempt to use the scandal for personal advantage. He warned:
“Those who try to extract personal or institutional benefit from this process are the ones who do not want clean football.”
He urged all clubs, executives, and players to stand behind the investigation even when it becomes uncomfortable for them personally. His message was clear – the pursuit of transparency must not be selective.
Cooperation
The criminal dimension of the scandal continues under the Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office, which investigates illegal betting networks, financial flows, and HTS records. The President confirmed cooperation with UEFA, Interpol, and European data providers.
He described the illegal betting component as the root cause of deeper structural problems and insisted that prosecutors must continue their work “with full depth and determination.”
He confirmed that additional lists from the Ministry will include coaches, assistant coaches, interpreters, medical staff, equipment managers, agents, observers, and referees. No role within the football ecosystem will be exempt from scrutiny. He repeated that no one – regardless of position – will receive preferential treatment.
Commitment to Completing the Cleanup
The President said that several European federations and major international figures have expressed admiration for Türkiye’s stance. Some foreign commentators even urged their own associations to show the same courage in confronting illegal betting.
Reaffirming his commitment to transparency, the President stated that the federation will complete a full internal review and expects clubs to do the same. He reiterated that the objective is not punishment, but rebuilding trust and leaving a better system for future generations. He closed with a strong appeal:
“If we truly want to leave clean football to our children, everyone must put their hand under the stone. This is a social responsibility, not a place for personal profit.”