The Turkish Football Federation has suspended 149 referees for periods of eight to twelve months following a widespread betting investigation that uncovered gambling activities among hundreds of officials. This disciplinary action, announced on October 31, 2025, aims to safeguard the integrity of Turkish football after an internal audit revealed extensive betting among referees.
The suspensions were imposed by the TFF’s disciplinary board after it found that 371 out of 571 referees in professional leagues had betting accounts, with 152 referred for disciplinary action. Penalties ranged from eight to twelve months based on the intensity of the betting activities, targeting both referees and assistant referees across various levels. This move comes as part of a broader effort to address corruption and uphold ethical standards in the sport, following the federation’s October 28 announcement of the referrals.
Among those suspended are seven senior referees and fifteen senior assistant referees, including officials from the top-tier Süper Lig. One high-profile case involves Zorbay Küçük, a prominent referee, who is under ongoing investigation. Küçük has denied any wrongdoing, claiming his personal information was stolen and that he filed a criminal complaint for identity theft. Investigations into referees Melih Kurt and Mertcan Tubay are also continuing, with their cases pending additional evidence and evaluations.
TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that refereeing is a “profession of honor” and that those who tarnish it will be permanently excluded from Turkish football. He revealed that the investigation uncovered some referees placing thousands of bets, with one official betting on over 18,000 matches. The federation’s stance is clear: to protect the sport’s integrity and restore public trust through strict disciplinary measures.
The scandal has sent shockwaves through Turkish football, raising concerns about match integrity and the credibility of officiating. It represents one of the largest disciplinary actions in recent history, highlighting systemic issues within the refereeing community. The TFF’s proactive response includes not only suspensions but also collaboration with authorities, such as the İstanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office, which has launched its own investigation into the matter.
Contextually, the betting probe began with an internal audit that identified the scale of the problem, leading to the October 31 suspensions. The federation’s actions are seen as a necessary step to combat corruption, but they also underscore the challenges in monitoring and regulating officials in professional sports. The involvement of senior referees has amplified the scandal’s impact, drawing attention from fans and stakeholders alike.
Looking ahead, the ongoing investigations may result in further suspensions or legal actions, depending on the findings. The TFF is expected to implement reforms, such as enhanced monitoring and training for referees, to prevent future incidents. This event could lead to long-term changes in how Turkish football manages integrity, ensuring that such breaches do not recur and that the sport remains fair and transparent for all involved.