Turkish authorities have escalated a major investigation into illegal football betting, resulting in the detention of 20 suspects, including several high-profile Super Lig players. The arrests, announced by the state-run Anadolu Agency, mark one of the most sweeping probes the country’s football system has faced in years.

The widening investigation has placed significant pressure on top clubs such as Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, whose players Mert Hakan Yandaş and Metehan Baltacı have now been jailed pending trial. The probe is part of a broader crackdown on insider wagering within Turkiye’s professional football leagues.

High-Profile Players Arrested

According to reports, the latest detentions stem from arrest orders issued last week for 46 individuals, which included footballers, club executives, referees, and television analysts. The suspects are accused of participating in or benefiting from insider betting involving professional league matches.

Among those now jailed are:

• Metehan Baltacı, a rising defender for Galatasaray
• Mert Hakan Yandaş, a midfielder for Fenerbahçe
• Murat Sancak, former president of Adana Demirspor

During his court appearance, Baltacı reportedly admitted to placing bets during his youth career but denied continuing the practice after joining Galatasaray’s senior squad. Yandaş, meanwhile, firmly rejected all accusations of match betting in his testimony. Sancak also denied any involvement, stating he had never owned a gambling account.

Representatives for the players and former club official have not yet provided public comments.

TFF’s Widespread Suspensions Shake Turkiye’s Football Community

The arrests follow a series of dramatic disciplinary moves by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). Just weeks earlier, the federation suspended 149 referees and assistant referees after an internal investigation concluded that some officials had been betting on league matches.

This initial round of suspensions triggered a deeper review, which soon led to:

• the arrest of eight more individuals, including a top-tier club chairman
• the suspension of 1,024 footballers across all levels of the sport
• long-term bans issued by the TFF to individuals connected to betting activities

The case has rocked the football world in Turkiye, prompting calls for stricter oversight, greater transparency, and more robust anti-gambling policies within the sport.

Trial Date Still Pending

Despite the arrests and ongoing investigations, a trial date has not yet been announced. Legal experts expect the proceedings to be extensive due to the number of defendants and the complexity of the alleged betting network.

As the case develops, clubs, fans, and officials across Turkiye are watching closely, waiting to see how the scandal will affect the future of the sport and the reputations of some of its biggest names.