Sport|FootballTurkiye jails footballers Baltaci, Yandas pending trial in betting probeFenerbahce’s Mert Hakan Yandas and Galatasaray’s Metehan Baltacı are the highest-profile players to be arrested following a betting investigation.
A Turkish court has detained 20 individuals, including Super Lig football players, as part of an ongoing investigation into football betting activities, as reported by Anadolu news agency on Tue, Dec 9, 2025.
A Turkish court has detained 20 individuals, including Super Lig football players, as part of an ongoing investigation into football betting activities, as reported by Anadolu news agency on Tue, Dec 9, 2025.
Prosecutors recently issued arrest orders for 46 individuals, comprising players, club presidents, commentators, and a referee, in connection with insider betting activities within Turkey's professional football leagues. Among those detained are Galatasaray player Metehan Baltaci, Fenerbahce player Mert Hakan Yandas, and former Adana Demirspor President Murat Sancak.
Baltaci admitted to placing bets during his time as a youth player but claimed he ceased this activity upon joining Galatasaray's first team. Yandas denied any involvement in gambling, while Sancak stated he neither had a gambling account nor placed any bets.
A Turkish court has detained 20 individuals, including Super Lig football players, as part of an ongoing investigation into football betting activities, as reported by Anadolu news agency on Tue, Dec 9, 2025.
In the previous month, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended 149 referees and assistants following an investigation that revealed betting activities by league officials. Subsequently, eight additional arrests were made, including a top-tier club chairman, and 1,024 players across all leagues faced suspensions and bans imposed by the TFF.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
