17 PEOPLE DETAINED OVER MATCH-FIXING AND ILLEGAL BETTING

ANKARA, JULY 17 /SRNA/ - Turkish authorities detained 17 football club officials as part of an expanded investigation into alleged illegal betting and match-fixing, including four executives from Istanbul clubs "Galatasaray" and "Beşiktaş", Anadolu Agency reported.

The suspects were detained in simultaneous raids across Istanbul and nine other provinces after a review of data from legal betting platforms covering the period from 2020 to 2026 allegedly showed that they had placed bets while holding official positions.

In addition to the 17 people who were detained, detention orders were issued for two more suspects.

"We are continuing our fight against illegal betting, violence in sports, match-fixing and proceeds from crime," Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said on X.

He added that any suspicious structure, connection or act that undermines the spirit of sport and casts doubt on the credibility of football would be prosecuted decisively.

The illegal football betting scandal emerged in October, after the Turkish Football Federation launched an investigation into alleged widespread betting by referees on matches.

The investigation later expanded to players and officials, including those from the top-tier Super League. Hundreds of players were referred to the Federation's disciplinary board, while dozens of suspects are facing criminal charges.