Galatasaray secretary sentenced as Turkey widens sweeping illegal football betting probe

A senior figure at Galatasaray has been handed a sentence as Turkey’s wide-ranging investigation into illegal football betting continues to grow, drawing in players, referees, and club executives.

Cumhuriyet reports that the club’s general secretary, Eray Yazgan, was sentenced by an Istanbul criminal court to 10 months in prison and fined 2,000 Turkish lira ($46). The charge related to promoting betting and games of chance through advertising. The court also ruled to suspend the announcement of the verdict, meaning the sentence will not be enforced unless Yazgan commits another offense.

Galatasaray kulübünün “sorumlusu” Eray Yazgan mı

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Galatasaray Sportif A.Ş, Galatasaray Spor Kulübü
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The case focuses on a match played in September 2024 between Galatasaray and Çaykur Rizespor. During that game, advertisements for a foreign-based betting website appeared on the upper backs of Galatasaray players’ jerseys as well as on digital LED boards inside the stadium. Prosecutors said the website offered online betting services and that the advertising agreement was arranged and signed by Yazgan on behalf of the club.

The court ultimately found him responsible for violating Turkey’s laws regulating betting and games of chance linked to football and other sporting competitions, pointing out how far the investigation has now reached.

Broader scandal tracing back to referees

The ruling comes as part of a much wider investigation that has rocked Turkish football since late 2024. Authorities initially began looking into betting activity involving match officials, and that early probe quickly escalated. More than 150 referees and assistant referees were suspended by the Turkish Football Federation after allegations surfaced that officials had placed bets on football matches, breaching both Turkish regulations and international football rules.

As the investigation gathered pace, prosecutors widened their scope beyond referees to include players and club officials as well. Detention orders and arrest warrants were issued for dozens of people across multiple leagues, ranging from Süper Lig players to lower-division professionals and former or current club executives. Courts later approved arrest warrants for at least 29 more suspects, all linked to alleged illegal betting and match-related activities.

Impact on leagues and integrity measures

The scandal has also started to disrupt domestic competitions, especially in the lower leagues. Suspensions and disciplinary actions have forced teams to adjust their squads and, in some cases, their match schedules. Reports say hundreds of players have been reviewed as part of disciplinary proceedings tied to betting violations, fueling growing concerns about sporting integrity and how closely the game is being monitored.

Authorities say the goal of the investigation is to safeguard the credibility of Turkish football and ensure tough anti-betting rules are properly enforced. Under Turkish law, taking part in illegal betting or promoting such services through sporting events can lead to prison sentences as well as heavy financial penalties.

Featured image: Galatasaray via YouTube

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