Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe Players Arrested in Match-Betting Scandal

An Istanbul court on Monday ordered the temporary detention of eleven Turkish footballers from the first and second divisions as part of a wide-ranging investigation into illegal betting and match-fixing.

The accusations included Galatasaray defender Metehan Baltacı, Konyaspor winger Alassane Ndao, and Fenerbahçe midfielder Mert Hakan Yandaş.

Nine of the eleven detained players face charges of betting on their own teams' matches, while Mert Hakan Yandaş is accused of betting through a third party.

The investigations also led to the detention of nine other suspects, including two presidents of third-division clubs, for their alleged involvement in match-fixing during the 2023-2024 season.

These actions follow the detention of nearly 40 individuals last week, while nineteen other suspects, including four Turkish Super Lig players, were released on bail.

Previously, authorities had imprisoned six Turkish referees and the president of Eyüpspor club. The Turkish Football Federation also dismissed approximately 150 referees and suspended over a thousand players due to betting-related issues.