15.11.2025 22:32
In the context of the betting investigation, Zonguldakspor's club official Harun Demir stated, "We have received information about which matches our 9 players placed bets on. They played in 2020. We are happy that our players did not engage in match-fixing. They have never bet on their own matches."
At TCH Group Zonguldakspor, one of the teams in the 3rd League, club official Harun Demir held a press conference following the referral of 9 football players to the PFDK due to a betting investigation. Demir stated that the betting investigation was initiated upon the complaint of their club after the match between Ankaraspor and Nazilli Belediyespor played on April 28, 2024, during a press conference held at a restaurant in the city.
Stating that Zonguldakspor is closely following the process, Demir said, "Our complaint, which started at the Ankara West Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, has been transferred to Istanbul, and the beginning of the current situation is Zonguldakspor."
"WE ARE HAPPY THAT THEY DID NOT FIX MATCHES"
Demir reported that it was determined that 9 players in the team had placed bets, saying, "We have received information about which matches our 9 football players placed bets on. They played in 2020. Betting and match-fixing are not the same thing. Betting is a game of chance aimed at entertainment and making money, but it is prohibited for professional football players to participate. Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Regulation clearly states this. Our contract with the players also states that 'if any betting is placed as mentioned in Article 57, the contract will be unilaterally terminated, and the entire seasonal fee will be refunded.' We could have immediately terminated the contracts under the pressure of the audience, but we maintained our composure and waited for the federation, our letters arrived, and our lawyers made the necessary defenses. Our players will definitely receive penalties. This is clearly stated in the federation's regulations. We are happy that our players did not fix matches. They have never played in their own matches," he said.
Demir also emphasized that they will be more sensitive in player selections from now on, stating, "Since our players have not played in their own matches, we have nothing else to do but support them, but we will react according to the upcoming penalties."