09.12.2025 07:00
The statement of Murat Sancak, the former president of Adana Demirspor, who was arrested as part of the "football betting" investigation, has emerged. Sancak stated that he "spent 153 million euros on Adana Demirspor" in September 2024, and he was asked about the fate of the mentioned money movement and where it was used. Sancak said, "I have invested money in Adana Demirspor. I made that statement, but I do not remember how much I invested."
39 suspects, including football players, club executives, and referees, who were detained as part of the 'Betting' and 'Match-Fixing' investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, were referred to the courthouse after a health check. Among the suspects, 29 people, including Metehan Baltacı, Murat Sancak, Alassane Ndao, Mert Hakan Yandaş, Ahmet Okatan, Mehmet Emin Katipoğlu, and Ümit Kaya, were referred to the Duty Magistrate's Court with a request for arrest. Meanwhile, 10 suspects were referred to the Magistrate's Court with a request for judicial control. The prosecutor's statement of former Adana Demirspor President Murat Sancak, who was referred for arrest, has emerged.
STRIKING DETAILS IN THE PROSECUTOR'S STATEMENT
In his statement to the prosecutor's office, former Adana Demirspor President Murat Sancak said, "I served as president of Adana Demirspor at various intervals between July 4, 2018, and 2024. During this process, I was the owner of Adana Demirspor Investments Inc. Although I do not remember the exact date, Adana Demirspor became a corporation in 2021 in accordance with the decision of the congress, and I was the owner at certain intervals. For the last year, my son has been serving as the owner of the company. Currently, I hold an 85% partnership in the KECTECH company. In the past, I have also served as the chairman of the board in dozens of companies. I know the individuals Abdussamet Burak, Tolga Kalender, and Yücel Gürol because they played for Adana Demirspor, and I know Zorbay Küçük because he is a referee. Metin Korkmaz was the vice president during my presidency at Adana Demirspor. He also served as the deputy chairman for one term," he stated.
"WE PURCHASED ONYEKURU IN INSTALLMENTS"
When asked about the transfer fee for Onyekuru, which is the most expensive transfer in the history of Adana Demirspor, and how this transfer fee was made through which individuals or companies, Sancak said, "If I remember correctly, we purchased Onyekuru in installments from the Olympiakos team. However, we did not make any payments to the Olympiakos club. The Olympiakos club applied to FIFA, but they did not request a transfer ban due to the nature of the application. They only requested payment. I do not know if they are currently requesting a transfer ban. It is quite common for football clubs to not pay transfer fees after selling players," he said.
"TRANSACTIONS ARE ONLY MADE WITH AUTHORIZED SIGNATORIES"
When asked about money transfers made with factoring companies, the appropriateness of the discount and interest rates in these contracts to market conditions, the guarantors, whether the pledge transactions were made by the board of directors' decision, and how the mentioned source was used, Sancak stated, "Factoring companies have been approached due to debts arising from transfers and player payments. Many clubs, like Adana Demirspor, also approach factoring companies. The reason for this is that state banks do not provide credit opportunities to Anatolian clubs. Private banks also do not lend to football clubs. The discount and interest rates are compatible with market conditions. As the owner, I was signing with the company's guarantee either for myself or on behalf of the company. The reason for doing transactions on behalf of the company is that we do not need a board of directors' decision. This transaction is only made with authorized signatory individuals. This is also a procedure compliant with the Turkish Commercial Code. As I mentioned above, the mentioned sources arise from transfers and player salary payments," he expressed.
"WE HAVE NO CONNECTION TO THE ADVERTISING IN QUESTION"
When asked about the illegal betting advertisement published on LED panels, which led to the club president's referral, whether he held a position in the club during this period, whether the advertising agreement was made with the club's knowledge, and whether any benefits were obtained in return, Sancak said, "I do not remember whether I was officially employed at Adana Demirspor A.Ş during this period. My son may have been in charge at the club during this time, but we were making decisions together after consulting with my son. In fact, I was the one who had the final say. Regarding the advertising panels, we were renting the Adana stadium from the Provincial Sports Directorate for both Adanaspor and Adana Demirspor per match. The advertising panels belonged to the Provincial Sports Directorate. We had absolutely no connection to the advertising in question. This referral was completely contrary to procedure. However, we were penalized despite this. When we went to arbitration, the penalty was lifted. I had spoken with the vice president of the TFF regarding this issue. I told him that they had no right to refer us. He also told me that we needed to go to arbitration," he said.
"153 MILLION EUROS" WAS ASKED
When asked about Sancak's statements in September 2024 that he spent '153 million euros on Adana Demirspor' and the fate of the mentioned money movement and where it was used, Sancak said, "I have invested money in Adana Demirspor. I made that statement, but I do not remember how much I invested," he stated.
"I HAVE NO LEGAL OR ILLEGAL BETTING ACCOUNT"
When asked about account movements with the cryptocurrency service provider 'Bitexen Teknoloji Anonim Şirketi' and where the account movements were used, Murat Sancak said, "It was agreed to buy and sell cryptocurrencies to generate income for the club. Many clubs, including Adana Demirspor, have done this through various companies. Bitexen was also our jersey and sock sponsor. Money transfers were made through company accounts against invoices. I do not have any legal or illegal betting accounts. I have never bet until today. I have not received or made any match-fixing offers. I do not accept the accusations against me. As can be understood from my press statements, I am against match-fixing. It is distressing to be in front of you in such an investigation," he concluded.