The chairman of Turkey’s refereeing authority has been detained during a police inquiry into alleged corruption.
Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said investigators were examining allegations of manipulation involving referee rankings, assignments, evaluations, appointment procedures and rules-related assessments.
Those taken into custody include refereeing authority president Ferhat Gundogdu, the organisation’s vice-president and five other individuals.
According to Gurlek, officers also conducted searches at residential properties, businesses and offices.
Gurlek said authorities would remain committed to protecting the integrity of football by investigating accusations that undermine confidence in the Turkish game, ensuring anyone responsible faces legal consequences and keeping the sport centred on effort, competition and fair play.
In November 2025, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) banned 149 referees and assistant referees after an inquiry discovered that hundreds of professional match officials across the country held betting accounts.
A total of 29 individuals, including 14 players, were detained in connection with the wide-ranging scandal.
Gurlek did not, however, indicate that the previous year’s betting controversy was connected to the latest inquiry.
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