Senegalese winger Alassane Ndao held in pre-trial detention over illegal betting case
Senegalese winger Alassane Ndao faces a deepening crisis as an Istanbul court placed him in pre-trial detention on Monday, December 8, 2025, in connection with an illegal betting investigation involving Turkish football.
The move comes weeks after the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended him for twelve months for betting on matches, raising serious questions about his professional future.
Turkish media report that eleven footballers from the first and second divisions are now implicated. Nine of them allegedly placed wagers on matches involving their own teams, violating fundamental sports ethics rules.
Ndao, playing for Konyaspor, was among five Süper Lig players cited, having already faced disciplinary action from the Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK) under Article 57/2 regarding sports betting.
The case has escalated into criminal proceedings. In addition to Ndao, Metehan Baltacı of Galatasaray and Mert Hakan Yandaş of Fenerbahçe are implicated, with Yandaş accused of placing bets via an intermediary.
Several club officials, including presidents of two third-division clubs suspected of match-fixing during the 2023-2024 season, also face detention.
Meanwhile, nineteen individuals, including four Süper Lig players, remain under judicial supervision as the investigation continues. Authorities may pursue further charges as evidence emerges.
For Ndao, this represents a critical and challenging stage. He was in Senegal when the TFF announced his suspension, and Konyaspor has appealed the disciplinary ruling.
The transition from a purely sporting sanction to criminal proceedings intensifies the uncertainty surrounding his career.
Legal experts indicate that pre-trial detention could influence both the timing and outcome of his case, potentially affecting his ability to return to professional football.
As Turkish authorities continue their investigation, Ndao’s situation highlights the growing scrutiny on integrity and ethics in football.
Fans and analysts await updates from the courts, knowing the decisions could reshape the futures of several players and officials involved in the high-profile scandal.
