07.01.2026 23:01
Gökhan Ünal, who is among the 108 technical officials referred to the PFDK by the TFF, admitted to placing bets. The young coach stated that he was not actively working during the period he placed bets, and that it occurred during times when he could not influence football and on legal platforms.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has referred 108 technical directors and 104 football agents to the Professional Football Discipline Board (PFDK) with precautionary measures, who have worked in professional leagues over the last 5 years and were found to have placed bets during their tenure.
STATEMENT FROM GÖKHAN ÜNAL REFERRED TO PFDK
Gökhan Ünal, who is among the 108 technical directors referred to the PFDK by the TFF, made a statement on social media regarding the issue. The young coach admitted to placing bets but stated that he was not actively working during the period he placed bets, saying, "I did not place bets during the periods when I was in charge of a team. The period I placed bets was when I was not actively involved in football."
Here is the statement made by Gökhan Ünal:
"It has become necessary to make this statement in order to accurately inform the public regarding the news and comments about myself, Gökhan Ünal, that have appeared in some media outlets and social media platforms today.
First of all, I would like to express clearly and unequivocally that the bets I placed through the betting platform are not related in any way to the periods when I actively managed a team or held any sporting position.
The bets in question;
• Were placed during periods when I was not managing a team,
• I had no direct or indirect influence on football matches,
• I had no organizational ties with any club, player, or match,
• Were all conducted through legal and official platforms.
This situation is clear and indisputable from both a factual and legal perspective. Nevertheless, the fact that bets were placed has been presented to the public as if it were related to my active periods, which is misleading and contrary to fairness.
In every period I have been involved in football, I have made it a principle to act in accordance with ethical rules and regulations. I have never engaged in any actions that would contradict my duties or undermine the integrity and reliability of football.
In this context, I would like to emphasize that the perception being created in the public does not reflect the truth, and that the incident is solely related to a time period outside of my calendar and duties. My legal rights regarding false, incomplete, or contextually distorted publications are reserved.
I respectfully submit this to the public's knowledge.'