20.07.2026 09:22
In an Istanbul-based illegal betting investigation, 17 out of 19 executives working at football clubs have been referred to the courthouse. The suspects are accused of placing bets on their own clubs' matches in favor of the opposing team.
In an illegal gambling investigation based in Istanbul, 17 out of 19 managers from football clubs, who were detained after betting activities were identified, have been referred to the courthouse following police procedures.
Under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the Illegal Betting and Sports Crimes Investigation Bureau conducted identifications within the scope of an investigation carried out by the Istanbul Provincial Police Department regarding the crime of 'Violation of Law No. 6222 on the Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports' (match-fixing). In this context, betting data covering the years 2020-2026 related to referees, managers working in professional football clubs, and football players were analyzed.
THEY PLACED BETS AGAINST THEIR OWN CLUBS
Data were identified indicating that some club managers working in professional leagues affiliated with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) placed bets on their own clubs' matches during their tenure, including bets on outcomes favoring the opposing team, goal bets, and player-based betting options. Following the examination of financial data provided by the Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK), detention orders were issued for 19 suspects working at different clubs. A simultaneous operation centered in Istanbul was launched for the 19 suspects as of 6:00 AM on Friday.
MANAGERS FROM TWO MAJOR SPORTS CLUBS ARE AMONG THEM
It was stated that the 19 individuals, who are assessed to have placed bets on their own clubs' matches favoring the opposing team or on goal bets during their managerial tenure, are: Ali Sancak from Adana Demirspor A.Ş., Savaş Tatil from Adanaspor A.Ş., Hasan Turan Güven from Altay Spor Kulübü, Barış Orhunbilge from Altınordu Futbol Kulübü, Kemal Aydın from Balıkesirspor Kulübü, Ünsal Yamaner from Bandırmaspor Kulübü, Tolga Kırgız, Kerem Gürel, and Ahmet Akçelik from Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü, Hüseyin Gözütok from Bodrum Spor Faaliyetleri A.Ş., Murat Şabablı, Ali Şen, Halil İbrahim Yavaş, and Ali Gürsoy from Boluspor Kulübü, Avni Akdemir from Erzurumspor Futbol Kulübü, Maruf Güneş from Galatasaray A.Ş., Özgür Durşen and Sezgin Özkan from Gençlerbirliği Spor Kulübü, and Ömer Çetin from Karaman Futbol Kulübü.
17 SUSPECTS REFERRED TO COURTHOUSE
Of the 19 suspects detained in the operation, 17 were referred to the courthouse this morning.