A new wave of investigations into betting in Turkish football has led to 35 arrests.

Footballers from Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have come under investigation.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office carried out the second phase of a large-scale operation in a football betting case, during which 35 people were detained.

The investigation is based on MASAK materials, data from legal bookmaker websites, and analytical reports. Investigators established the involvement of 27 footballers, including Galatasaray player Metehan Baltacı, who placed bets on his team’s matches, and Fenerbahçe player Mert Hakan Yandaş, who bet through a third party.

Attempts to influence the result of the Ankara Spor – Nazilli Belediyespor match on April 28, 2024 were also identified on the part of club management and coaches, as well as a conspiracy regarding the Ümraniyespor – Giresunspor game. Former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak was found to be involved in suspicious financial transactions.

Searches and detentions were carried out in 16 provinces. Five suspects are abroad, and the search for others continues.

The head of the Turkish Football Federation acknowledged a systemic problem of bribery and influence on match results in the country. Noting the seriousness of the situation, he supported the investigation, which may be expanded with additional data from the state sports betting organization Spor Toto.

• Metehan Baltacı, a central defender for "Galatasaray", said he placed bets without realizing they were prohibited;
• Mert Hakan Yandaş, captain of "Fenerbahçe", is suspected not only of betting but also of influencing match results;
• Murat Sancak, former president of "Adana Demirspor", denies guilt and says he has no betting accounts.

Last month, it should be noted, 17 referees were detained in the same case, suspected of abuse and influence on match results.