Turkish betting scandal escalates: 27 Super Lig players suspended including Galatasaray & Besiktas stars

The Turkish Super Lig has been rocked by explosive betting scandal that has led to the suspension of 27 player across multiple clubs according to bombshell report published by Milliyet.

Among the high-profile names caught in the investigation are Eren Elmalı defender for Galatasaray and the Turkish national team and Ersin Destanoglu, the first-choice goalkeeper of Besiktas.

His teammate Necip Uysal, another former international was also listed among those provisionally banned.

Clubs implicated across the league

The scandal has engulfed wide range of Super Lig sides including Alanyaspor, Rizespor, Gaziantep FK, Goztepe, Antalyaspor, Eyupspor, Kasımpaşa, Fatih Karagumruk, Samsunspor, Trabzonspor, Konyaspor and Kayserispor with investigations uncovering evidence of illegal betting activity among players & staff.

The Turkish Football Federation TFF has yet to issue final verdicts but confirmed that disciplinary measures are already underway with punishments expected to vary depending on each player’s level of involvement.

From referees to players

The revelation follows another wave of suspensions last week when 149 referee were sanctioned after being found to have participated in similar betting activities.

Earlier this month, 17 referee were arrested in coordinated raids across Istanbul and 11 other province as part of sweeping anti-corruption campaign targeting illegal gambling in sports.

According to the TFF’s official statement, referees received bans ranging from eight to twelve months while further disciplinary action against players is expected "in the coming days".

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Galatasaray

Besiktas