On Tuesday, a number of key figures were announced to have been arrested in a scandalous case involving betting on football matches in Turkey. A Turkish court took into custody 20 suspects, including players from leading Super League clubs. This occurred before the start of a trial that promises to be one of the loudest in football history.
The head of the Turkish Football Federation acknowledged the systemic level problem of bribery and influence on match results in the country. Noting the seriousness of the situation, he supported the investigation that could be expanded with additional data from the state sports betting organization Spor Toto.
- Metin Baltacı, central defender of Galatasaray, stated he placed bets without realizing their illegality;
- Mert Hakan Yandaş, captain of Fenerbahçe, is suspected not only of betting but also of influencing match results;
- Murat Sancak, former president of Adana Demirspor, denies his guilt and the absence of betting accounts.
No trial date has yet been set for the arrested individuals. Last month, it should be noted, 17 referees were detained in this same case, suspected of abuse and influence on match results.