Senegalese international Alassane Ndao appeals one-year sentence in Turkish betting case

Senegalese international Alassane Ndao has lodged an appeal after being sentenced to one year in prison by Turkish authorities in connection with a sports betting scandal.

The 25-year-old forward, named among 1,024 players implicated, immediately rejected the ruling and is seeking to overturn the decision.

The controversy traces back to unusual activity detected on Ndao’s bank account over a year ago. “Alassane Ndao contacted the bank to understand what was really going on.

After receiving information from the bank, he decided to close the account. That was a little over a year ago now,” a source familiar with the case told Wiwsport.

Turkish investigators allege that Ndao placed a bet on a match involving his own team—a violation of Turkish law.

However, sources close to the player stress that he did not participate in the fixture, remaining on the bench for its entirety.

“During the match in question, Alassane didn’t even play. He had no way of influencing the game,” the source explained.

Despite these circumstances, the Disciplinary Committee issued a 12-month prison sentence this Thursday, prompting immediate backlash from Ndao and his legal team.

The player now has seven days to file an appeal, and his representatives have confirmed that they intend to pursue all available legal avenues to overturn the decision.

Supporters and observers of the case highlight the complexities involved, pointing out that the broader sports betting investigation has already ensnared over a thousand players across Turkey.

“The legal proceedings have thus been reignited in this case, which is undoubtedly far from over,” said the source, indicating that the matter could extend well beyond Ndao’s individual appeal.

The Senegalese international, who has made significant strides in his professional career, now faces a critical period as the legal process unfolds.

His appeal will focus on demonstrating that he had no ability to influence the outcome of the match in question, as well as contesting the Committee’s interpretation of Turkish betting regulations.

For Ndao, the stakes are high, both legally and professionally.

A conviction could impact his playing career and reputation, while a successful appeal would allow him to continue his career without further disruption.

The case has drawn attention across Europe and Africa, highlighting the increasing scrutiny on players’ involvement in betting activities.

As the appeal process begins, Ndao’s team is preparing a comprehensive legal argument.

Wiwsport has indicated it will continue to follow developments closely and provide updates as the situation evolves.