The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced an unprecedented decision: 1,024 players have been referred to the Professional Discipline Committee (PFDK) for their alleged involvement in betting related to domestic competitions. The measure, described as “preventive,” is part of a wide-ranging investigation aimed at eradicating links between professional football and illegal gambling.

Among those sanctioned are 27 players from the Süper Lig, Turkey’s top division, including two from Galatasaray, two from Beşiktaş, and one from Trabzonspor, according to the official list published by the federation. Of the clubs currently in the top ten of the league table, only Fenerbahçe has no players implicated.

The investigation also extends to other divisions: 77 players from the First League, 282 from the Second League, and 629 from the Third League, in addition to nine free agents. The TFF also confirmed that it is reviewing 47 additional cases of players who allegedly participated in betting only once, awaiting further evidence before making final decisions.

Unprecedented Scandal and Competition Suspensions

The scale of the investigation has forced the Turkish Football Federation to suspend all Second and Third League matches for two weeks, allowing affected clubs time to restructure their squads. In addition, the federation has begun talks with FIFA to extend the winter transfer window by an additional 15 days, aiming to reduce the sporting impact of the mass sanctions.

The scandal has also reached the refereeing community: 149 referees have been sanctioned and 45 match delegates have resigned after being implicated in the investigation. Meanwhile, a court in Istanbul has ordered pretrial detention for seven referees and Murat Özkaya, president of Eyüpspor, all accused of attempting to manipulate match results.

Despite the severity of the case, the TFF clarified that there is no evidence of systematic match-fixing, but rather “individual and scattered participation” in betting activities. The federation reaffirmed its commitment to “eradicate this issue at its roots.”

Official Statement from the Turkish Football Federation

“As part of the investigation into betting in professional football, 1,024 identified players have been referred to the Professional Discipline Committee (PFDK) in accordance with Article 57 of the Disciplinary Code.

Due to the volume of cases, urgent negotiations with FIFA have been initiated to authorize an additional 15-day extension of the national winter transfer window.

The TFF, in a decision dated November 10, 2025, has resolved to postpone for two weeks the matchdays of the Second and Third Leagues, while the Süper Lig and First League will continue their regular schedule.

The cases of 47 players with only one instance of betting participation will be re-evaluated to prevent irreparable harm. The Turkish Football Federation will continue its cooperation with official institutions and expand the investigation as new information emerges.”