32 club officials arrested in Turkey over alleged match fixing and betting scheme

Turkish authorities have arrested 32 officials linked to 13 football clubs as part of a major investigation into suspected match fixing.

According to Marca, citing Anadolu news agency, those detained are accused of placing bets on matches involving their own teams.

The Public Prosecution reportedly issued arrest warrants after evidence emerged suggesting that the suspects participated in betting activities related to match results or the number of goals scored in fixtures featuring their respective clubs against specific opponents.

Those taken into custody include around 10 board members occupying roles ranging from vice president to alternate member. Former executives and individuals no longer holding official positions were also among those arrested.

Six of the affected clubs currently compete in the Turkish Super League, namely Alanyaspor, Ankaragücü, Antalyaspor, Göztepe, Kocaelispor and Konyaspor.

The remaining seven clubs are currently competing in the second or third tiers of Turkish football, though many have featured in the top flight in recent years. These include Adana Demirspor, Yeni Malatyaspor, Bodrumspor, Giresunspor, Denizlispor, Gençlerbirliği and Sivasspor.

The arrests form part of a broader judicial crackdown on illegal betting activities within Turkish football. In recent months, the campaign has resulted in multiple detentions, license withdrawals, sanctions and resignations involving referees, players and match officials, particularly across the lower divisions.