The Turkish Football Federation announced on Monday that 152 referees from Turkish professional football had officiated matches while involved in betting activities. This gambling scandal has sparked significant outrage in Turkey, where referees are often under scrutiny.
Out of the 152 referees, 149 have received suspensions ranging from eight to twelve months. The disciplinary committee of the Turkish Football Federation determined these penalties. It remains unclear whether the referees placed bets on their own matches.
“Being a referee is an honorable duty,” stated Turkish Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu in response to the sanctions. “Anyone who tarnishes that honor will never again be involved in Turkish football.”
This situation involves 22 officials who were active at the highest level of Turkish football. Over the past five years, ten referees placed more than ten thousand bets. One referee notably went overboard, placing a staggering 18,227 bets.
