19.05.2026 10:40
It has been claimed that MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli sent a message to Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, calling for "not to register the leagues." Bahçeli's message reportedly cited the 'match-fixing and betting' operations conducted this year, recommending that relegation be abolished for this season and that the Süper Lig be played with 21 teams next year.
Following the matches played last weekend, the last team relegated from the Süper Lig was Antalyaspor. Fatih Karagümrük SK, Kayserispor, and Antalyaspor will compete in the Trendyol 1. Lig next year. Journalist Sinan Burhan announced on the tv100 live broadcast that MHP leader Bahçeli sent a message to TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, saying 'do not register the leagues.'
"PLAY WITH 21 TEAMS"
Burhan said, "Devlet Bey says the league should continue with 21 clubs. He had also expressed this situation to TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu. He said, 'In an environment with so much suspicion, match-fixing, and betting, these 3 teams should not be relegated.'"
BAHÇELI HAD SUPPORTED HACIOSMANOĞLU
Meanwhile, in recent days, Bahçeli had given support from the podium to TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, who faced calls for resignation. In his party's Group Meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly on February 24, Bahçeli said, "I want to emphasize how important the investigation into betting and match-fixing in football is. The rights of our clubs experiencing grievances must be protected. The president of the Turkish Football Federation has taken a very sound step; he is brave, he is upright, and he should continue on his path."