Alassane Ndao faces a major career setback after Konyaspor terminated his contract while he remains in pre-trial detention over a high-profile illegal betting scandal in Turkish football.
The 28-year-old Senegalese winger, who has played in Turkey since 2020, now finds himself clubless and embroiled in legal proceedings.
Ndao’s name appeared on a list implicating over 1,000 current and former league players in illegal sports betting activities, which have shaken the Turkish football scene.
Authorities have responded with suspensions, arrests, and contract terminations across multiple clubs, and Ndao is among the most high-profile players affected.
Last Monday, Turkish prosecutors placed eleven top-flight and second-division players in provisional detention, including Ndao, Galatasaray defender Metehan Baltaci, and Fenerbahçe midfielder Mert Hakan Yandas. The arrests reflect the scale and severity of the ongoing investigation.
Konyaspor confirmed the termination of Ndao’s contract on Thursday, citing the ongoing legal situation.
The winger previously played for Fatih Karagümrük, Antalyaspor, and Istanbulspor, building a solid reputation in Turkish football.
Over his career in the country, he accumulated 155 First Division appearances, scoring 24 goals and providing 19 assists, in addition to 16 matches in the Second Division.
The betting scandal continues to cast a shadow over Turkish football, with several clubs and players under scrutiny.
Ndao, once a rising star in the league, now faces uncertainty both professionally and personally, as authorities investigate the full extent of involvement by players and clubs.
As the legal process unfolds, Ndao’s career remains in jeopardy. Football authorities and clubs nationwide watch closely, highlighting the profound consequences that off-field controversies can have on players, teams, and the integrity of the sport.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about governance, transparency, and the risks of illegal betting in professional football.
