25.03.2026 12:41
Galatasaray football player Metehan Baltacı, who was tried with a request for up to 13 years in prison for betting and match-fixing allegations, has been released.
The trial of Galatasaray football player Metehan Baltacı, who is facing a request for up to 13 years in prison due to allegations of betting and match-fixing, has begun. The hearing at the Istanbul 3rd Criminal Court of First Instance was attended by the detained defendant Metehan Baltacı and the lawyers of the parties. Galatasaray's head coach Okan Buruk, along with players Kazım Karataş, Doğan Alemdar, and Bertuğ Yıldırım, also attended the hearing as spectators to support Baltacı.
"I WASN'T EVEN ON THE BENCH WHEN I PLACED BETS"
During the trial, Baltacı, who was identified, stated that he graduated from high school and that his monthly income is approximately 1.5 million lira. Later, in his defense, Baltacı indicated that he was part of Galatasaray's U19, or under-19 team, during the two actions in question, saying, "At that time, I was not in the A Team. I had a betting membership on a legal site. I had placed bets on those two matches, but since I was not in the A team, I wasn't even on the bench, let alone on the field. I was not in contact with anyone. I did not win any money from the bets I placed, and I was part of Galatasaray's A team roster in the 2023-2024 season. I also played my first official match this season. As far as I know, I did not have a membership with illegal betting sites. After being part of the A team, I did not place any bets. I did not bet on the matches I played myself," he said.
"I DID NOT AGREE WITH ANYONE TO FIX MATCHES"
Continuing his defense, Baltacı stated regarding the messages he was asked about, "The messages with my friends are conversations related to football; these conversations always happen. They are the kind of contents that everyone in the football community talks about. I did not agree with anyone to fix matches. There are no tickets mentioned in the messages, nor is there any money that has come into my account," he said.
"I AM VERY SORRY FOR FALLING INTO SUCH A SITUATION"
In the continuation of his defense, Baltacı said, "I am very surprised and do not accept the accusation of fraud. I did not know that placing bets was a crime. I did not deceive anyone with any fraudulent act. I have worked hard for years to get to this point. I joined Galatasaray at the age of 12, I have been interested in football since I was 12, and I have put in effort. I am very sorry for falling into such a situation, and I do not accept it. I have been in prison for 4 months, and I have also received a penalty of deprivation of rights from the TFF. I request my release and acquittal," he stated.
HE WAS RELEASED
Following this defense, football player Metehan Baltacı was released. After the decision, Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk made a statement, saying, "Metehan has been released, we are all very happy."