Turkish Football Federation Suspends 149 Referees in Widespread Betting Scandal

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended 149 referees and assistant referees for their alleged involvement in a betting scandal that affected professional football leagues.

The Turkish Football Federation (Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu – TFF) has suspended 149 referees and assistant referees amid an ongoing investigation into widespread betting account activity within its officiating ranks. The decision follows internal findings that revealed a significant number of referees held betting accounts — and many had been actively placing wagers on football matches.

The suspended officials have been banned from officiating for eight to 12 months, while disciplinary proceedings continue. The TFF confirmed that a further three referees are still under individual investigation.

Findings Suggest Deep-Rooted Problem

According to TFF president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, the inquiry uncovered betting accounts belonging to 371 out of 571 registered referees. Of those, 152 are believed to have actively placed bets — including officials operating in Turkey’s highest professional tiers.

One case reportedly revealed a referee who placed bets on over 18,000 matches across a five-year span, raising serious concerns about both oversight and potential influence on match outcomes.

Hacıosmanoğlu emphasized that such actions represent a direct threat to the integrity of the sport, stating that any breach of neutrality is “a violation of public trust” and fundamentally incompatible with officiating responsibilities.

Possible Further Expansions of Investigation

The scandal may not be limited to referees. Turkish media have reported that the scope of the investigation could broaden to include clubs and active players, with approximately 3,700 players believed to be under preliminary evaluation in parallel betting-related probes.

However, no disciplinary actions against players or clubs have yet been officially confirmed.

Integrity of Turkish Football at Stake

The scandal has sent shockwaves through Turkish football, where referees have already faced growing criticism in recent seasons. Confidence in officiating — both domestically and internationally — is now under severe pressure.

Key unresolved questions include:

• Whether or not bets were placed on matches officiated by those involved
• Whether or not match outcomes or disciplinary decisions were influenced
• Whether or not criminal investigations will follow sporting sanctions
• How the TFF plans to prevent similar breaches in the future

The federation hasn’t yet indicated whether any matches will be reviewed, annulled, or re-refereed.

Broader Implications for Global Game

The issue highlights a long-standing challenge facing football authorities worldwide: ensuring that referees remain insulated from betting influences. As online gambling markets expand — including the rise of regulated football gambling sites— exposure and integrity risks increase, making strong oversight more critical than ever.

International football bodies are expected to monitor developments closely, as the scale of this case may prompt other associations to audit their own officiating structures.

The suspension of 149 referees marks one of the largest betting-related integrity actions ever taken against match officials in professional football. While the TFF’s response signals seriousness, the decisive factor will be what comes next — whether reforms follow, whether accountability widens, and whether confidence in Turkish football can be restored.