Turkish Football Federation suspends 1024 players in betting scandal

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has confirmed it has initiated disciplinary action against over 1000 players in relation to the betting scandal that has rocked professional football in Turkey. 

The TFF’s Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK) has referred 1024 professional footballers who were allegedly involved in betting activities – and 27 of these players are from the top-tier Turkish Super Lig. 

All 1024 players have been suspended as part of the disciplinary investigation, effective from 10 November 2025 under Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Instruction. 

Due to the large number of suspended players, which will cause significant squad deficiencies, the TFF has immediately initiated discussions with FIFA with the goal of securing an emergency 15-day transfer and registration period at a national level. This period would be in addition to the 2025-26 winter transfer window. 

Fixtures in the TFF 2. Lig and TFF 3, Lig, the country’s third and fourth tiers, have been postponed by two weeks, while matches in the Süper Lig and TFF 1. Lig will continue to be played as previously announced. 

The disciplinary referral procedures for 47 players found to have engaged in a single betting transaction will be reviewed. Their cases will be evaluated based on new evidence and information obtained from official replies received from relevant institutions, in order to avoid irreparable damage. 

The investigation is ongoing, and the TFF continues to correspond with official institutions. The scope of the inquiry may be expanded based on the information received.