The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has referred 448 current and former club executives to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) over alleged betting activity. The list, published on September 30, includes officials from clubs in Turkey’s Super Lig and First League who reportedly placed bets while holding management positions during the past five years.
Widespread Involvement Across Turkish Football
The investigation implicates a broad swath of Turkish football leadership. Of the 448 individuals referred, 171 are connected to clubs currently competing in the Turkish Super Lig. Seventeen of the 18 clubs set for the 2026-27 Super Lig season have at least one executive named, with Kasimpasa the only exception. Genclerbirligi leads among current Super Lig teams with 25 executives referred, followed by Kocaelispor and Amed Sportif Faaliyetler.
Outside the top flight, Bodrum FK and Boluspor have the highest number of referrals overall, with 37 each. The investigation extends beyond the most prominent clubs, highlighting changes in management structures across a range of teams over the past five years.
High-Profile Names and Club Breakdown
Notable figures on the list include Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan, Besiktas vice-president Hakan Daltaban, Galatasaray Sportif AS deputy chairman Maruf Gunes, and current TFF board member Huseyin Ural Akuzum. Trabzonspor has the largest representation among the so-called “big four” clubs, with 13 executives named, including eight current board members. Besiktas has 10, Galatasaray five, and Fenerbahce three.
The list features both current and former officials, with some still holding senior roles at their respective clubs or within the TFF itself.
Next Steps in the Disciplinary Process
The referred executives face scrutiny under Article 57 of the TFF Football Disciplinary Regulations, which prohibits betting on football matches or related activities by club officials. Penalties for violations can include bans or deprivation of rights for three months to one year. The PFDK will assess each case individually, considering available records and statements from those involved before issuing decisions. The TFF has not disclosed details such as the number of bets, match specifics, or wager amounts.
Why This Matters for the Industry
This large-scale referral signals the TFF’s intent to enforce strict boundaries between club management and betting activity. For operators and affiliates, it underscores the importance of robust compliance measures and clear separation between regulated betting and those involved in sports governance. Suppliers and regulators may also see increased scrutiny of betting data and reporting practices as a result of such high-profile investigations.
Key takeaways
- 448 Turkish club executives referred to the disciplinary board for betting activity.
- Seventeen of 18 Super Lig clubs have at least one executive named.
- High-profile figures from Trabzonspor, Besiktas, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce included.
- The PFDK will assess each case under TFF regulations, with potential bans of up to one year.