17.07.2026 10:00
Turkish football has been shaken by a new illegal betting and match-fixing operation. In the simultaneous operation based in Istanbul, announced by Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, 17 of the 19 suspects for whom detention orders were issued were apprehended. As the identities of the 19 individuals on the detention list were revealed, it drew attention that executives of major clubs such as Beşiktaş and Galatasaray were also included.
A critical development has occurred in the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's Bureau for Illegal Betting and Sports Crimes, which covers violations of Law No. 6222 on the Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports and allegations of match-fixing.
MINISTER GÜRLEK: MUST NOT REMAIN IN THE SHADOW OF ANY DOUBT
In his statement regarding the operation's details, Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek indicated that the process was carried out under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.
Gürlek emphasized that football should be associated with justice and honest effort, using the following expressions:
"Any dubious structures, relationships, or actions that damage the spirit of sports and cast a shadow over the reliability of football will be pursued decisively. Legal processes are being meticulously conducted to establish clean football, protect the reliability of sports, and clarify incidents that wound the conscience of our nation."
17 PEOPLE APPREHENDED, 2 PEOPLE ABROAD
In a statement from the Financial Crimes Branch Directorate, it was reported that 17 individuals were apprehended, while 2 individuals are abroad.
THEY BET AGAINST THEIR OWN TEAMS!
The most striking aspect of the investigation was the betting methods of the suspected executives. According to the statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, a massive review covering the years 2020-2026 was conducted through legal betting platforms (Misli, Nesine, Oley, Tuttur, İddaa, Bilyoner, Birebin) and MASAK's financial analyses.
In the findings obtained, it was determined that during their active tenure, the suspected club executives placed coupons on matches involving their own clubs, betting on the opposing team's victory or goal bets (over/under, etc.).
HERE IS THE LIST OF NAMES AND THE BETS THEY PLACED
Following the examination of financial data obtained by MASAK, proceedings have been initiated against a total of 19 suspects, whose information is provided below:
- Ali Sancak (Adana Demirspor A.Ş.) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 7 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Savaş Tatil (Adanaspor A.Ş.) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 124 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Hasan Turan Güven (Altay Spor Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 78 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Barış Orhunbilge (Altınordu Futbol Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 14 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Kemal Aydın (Balıkesirspor Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 12 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Ünsal Yamaner (Bandırmaspor Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 144 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Tolga Kırgız (Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 1488 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Kerem Gürel (Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 996 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Ahmet Akçelik (Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 53 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Hüseyin Gözütok (Bodrum Spor Faaliyetleri A.Ş.) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 27 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Murat Şabablı (Boluspor Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 13 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Ali Şen (Boluspor Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 61 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Halil İbrahim Yavaş (Boluspor Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 28 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Ali Gürsoy (Boluspor Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 22 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Avni Akdemir (Erzurumspor Futbol Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 218 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Maruf Güneş (Galatasaray) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 48 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Özgür Durşen (Gençlerbirliği Spor Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 50 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Sezgin Özkan (Gençlerbirliği Spor Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 16 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.
- Ömer Çetin (Karaman Futbol Kulübü) – It is assessed that during his executive tenure, he placed 18 coupons on matches of his own club favoring the opposing team or goal bets.