Turkish Football in Turmoil: Betting Scandal Rocks Super Lig

A Turkish court has jailed 20 individuals in a football betting investigation, including players from top clubs. The probe, which results from allegations of insider betting, has seen numerous arrests and suspensions in Turkey's professional leagues. Key figures deny involvement, and a trial date is pending.

A Turkish court has taken significant action by jailing 20 suspects, including prominent players from the Super Lig, amid a rapidly expanding football betting scandal. As reported by state-owned Anadolu news agency, this move comes as part of a broader investigation into insider betting within Turkey's professional leagues.

The crackdown includes notable figures such as Galatasaray's Metehan Baltaci and Fenerbahce's Mert Hakan Yandas, alongside former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak. Baltaci admitted to betting during his youth team years but claimed to have ceased after joining the Galatasaray first team, while Yandas and Sancak have formally denied any involvement in gambling activities.

The investigation has already led to the suspension of 149 referees and assistants, with allegations that league officials placed bets on games. The scandal expanded as eight more individuals, including a chairman from a top-tier club, faced arrest. Despite the sweeping actions, no trial date has been announced.