28.10.2025 14:40
The investigation initiated following TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu's statement that "active referees are betting" is expanding. In the examination conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, not only referees but also 3,700 football players are being investigated along with MASAK reports.
After the statement by the President of the Turkish Football Federation, İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, claiming that 'active referees are betting', the investigation is expanding. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has started to examine 571 referees and 3,700 football players working in professional leagues along with MASAK reports. The process, named 'Clean Football Operation', focuses on the betting connections of players, match-fixing relationships, and money laundering suspicions.
DEEP INVESTIGATION INTO "DIRTY FOOTBALL" ALLEGATIONS
The statements of İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, President of the Turkish Football Federation, that "371 of the 571 referees working in professional leagues have betting accounts, and 152 are actively betting" shook the football agenda. Following this development, attention turned to the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The prosecutor's office expanded the case by scrutinizing the allegations of "dirty football structures".
It has been claimed that not only referees but also 3,700 football players are under investigation in the process named "Clean Football Operation" by the prosecutor's office.
MASAK REPORTS AND 5-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE EXAMINATION
As part of the investigation, MASAK reports, HTS records, and betting account activities are being examined. According to the prosecutor's office, a retrospective examination of at least 5 years is being conducted in the case.
It has also emerged that the file opened after complaints about the Central Referee Board (MHK) in Antalya has been merged with the main investigation in Istanbul. With this merger, the scope of the investigation has expanded, and the number of individuals under examination has increased.
PLAYERS, TECHNICAL TEAMS, AND CLUB MANAGERS ALSO ON THE LIST
According to journalist Emrullah Erdinc, the prosecutor's office is not limited to referees. Currently, 3,700 football players are under investigation, and it is stated that this number may increase in the future. The examination is focused on the betting connections of players, match-fixing relationships, and money laundering suspicions. It has also been learned that technical directors and some club managers may be included in the case.
PREPARATIONS FOR A HISTORIC CLEANING IN TURKISH FOOTBALL
This extensive investigation conducted by the prosecutor's office is considered to be the largest audit operation in the history of Turkish football. It is reported that the investigation, carried out under the name "Clean Football", will include new names in the coming days, and new evidence related to betting and financial connections is about to enter the case.
While the football community eagerly awaits the results of the investigation, the sports public is searching for an answer to the question, "Is a profound cleaning starting in Turkish football?"