Turkish Sports Scandal: Fenerbahce Chairman Sentenced for Illegal Betting

Fenerbahce Chairman Sadettin Saran has been sentenced to 2.5 years for inciting illegal betting. This comes as Turkey intensifies its probe into match-fixing and betting in football. Former chairman Aziz Yildirim is running to lead the club amid these controversies.

A Turkish court has sentenced Fenerbahce’s Chairman, Sadettin Saran, to two and a half years in prison on charges related to illegal betting. The verdict was declared just days before a crucial club congress aimed at electing his successor.

Saran, who has continuously denied involvement in illegal activities, was briefly detained in connection with a separate drug-related investigation earlier this year. Despite his release, he later announced his intention to step down. The club subsequently arranged an extraordinary congress, scheduled for June 6-7, to address leadership issues.

This legal saga unfolds amidst a broader crackdown on illegal betting and match-fixing within Turkey’s football leagues. The Turkish Football Federation has already suspended multiple referees, while numerous officials and players face legal scrutiny. Meanwhile, Aziz Yildirim, a former chairman, has declared his candidacy for the top position at Fenerbahce.