Senegalese Alassane Ndao Released After Over Three Months in Match-Fixing Detention

The betting and match-fixing scandal that has rocked Turkish football saw a significant development following the court's decision to release Senegalese player Alassane Ndao during his initial hearing.

Ndao had been held in detention since last December as part of a wide-ranging investigation involving several parties linked to the betting case.

During his first appearance before the judiciary, the court decided to release him, though he will continue to be monitored in connection with the case. He was initially arrested and placed in pre-trial detention on December 5, before his formal arrest on December 8.

The Konyaspor forward was accused of participating in betting on his team's matches, a crime punishable under Turkish law with a prison sentence of up to 13 years.

The indictment alleged, among other things, that the player placed bets on a match between Beşiktaş and his team, Konyaspor, which took place on October 20, 2024, and ended in a 2-0 victory for Beşiktaş.

During the investigation, Ndao denied any direct involvement, claiming that a betting account was opened in his name and that the disputed bets were placed by third parties without his knowledge. An Istanbul court ordered his release and set the next hearing for June 10, 2026, allowing him to remain free pending trial.