Is the TFF preparing for relegation penalties? The button has been pressed for severe sanctions

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) is preparing to impose severe penalties, including lifetime bans, relegation, and point deductions, following the second wave of a betting investigation.

Following the investigation conducted by the prosecutor's office, the potential penalties for prominent figures detained, such as Fenerbahçe's Mert Hakan Yandaş, Galatasaray's Metehan Baltacı, Trabzonspor's Salih Malkoçoğlu, referee Zorbay Küçük, and former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak, have already become a subject of curiosity.

TFF IS ACTIVATING ARTICLE 56

Following the detention orders issued by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office as part of the betting investigation, the penalties to be imposed by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) have caused a major stir in the community. The TFF plans to invoke Article 56 of the Football Competition Instruction regarding players and officials who engage in betting. This article provides for severe penalties against individuals who attempt to influence match results by betting.

Following the operation in question, the TFF is preparing to impose very harsh penalties, especially for players and club officials who bet on their own teams' matches. These penalties include lifetime bans, relegation, and 12-point deductions. Such penalties appear likely to significantly impact clubs. In particular, players such as Fenerbahçe's Mert Hakan Yandaş and Galatasaray's Metehan Baltacı are facing the risk of lifetime bans.

The penalties to be issued by the disciplinary board will not be limited to just betting. Among the penalties to be given to players who bet, monthly bans will now be replaced by lifetime bans. The TFF also plans to impose severe penalties on club officials. If the penalties for the mentioned club officials are finalized, it is likely that the clubs will be subject to 12-point deductions and relegation.

Article 56 of the Football Competition Instruction prohibits any interference intended to influence the results of matches. This article ensures that severe sanctions are applied against those who attempt to influence matches by betting. According to the relevant article, a lifetime ban from sports is envisioned for those who attempt to influence a match result. If club officials carry out such actions, their teams will face the penalty of being relegated to a lower league.

PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE 56

The article states that it is prohibited to influence match results in a manner contrary to law or sports ethics. Providing incentive bonuses for these actions also falls within this scope. The following penalties will be applied to those who commit the violation:

Permanent ban from sports

Relegation penalty for the teams of club officials

Fines

Additionally, those who attempt to bet will be given a ban from competitions or sports activities ranging from 1 to 3 years. In cases of severe violations, a 12-point deduction penalty will be applied to the clubs.