A new chapter in the betting scandal... Were referees blackmailed?
Former referee Ahmet Çakar made striking statements regarding the betting scandal in Turkey. Claiming that referees were being blackmailed, Çakar argued that the championships of the last 10 years should be suspended.
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As the betting scandal in Turkey continues to expand with an investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, former referee Ahmet Çakar has made striking statements. Following the announcement by Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu that 152 referees had engaged in betting, Çakar alleged that the referees were subjected to blackmail. Çakar stated, "Ten years ago in Turkey, a mafia group found 3-4 very attractive escort women. They had them sleep with the referees, and they recorded them all in photos and videos. They pressured the referees and blackmailed them."
'CHAMPIONSHIPS SHOULD BE SUSPENDED'
While addressing the effects of the betting scandal on Turkish football, Ahmet Çakar said, "Whoever took illegal betting advertisements on their back, whoever brought the children of illegal betting barons to the ceremonies, they have benefited from this system." For this reason, Çakar said that the championships of the last 10 years should be suspended. Çakar's statements caused a great stir on social media and sparked a wide debate on the subject.
PENALTIES FOR REFEREES WHO BET ARE BECOMING CLEAR
Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu had announced the names of the 152 referees alleged to have engaged in betting one by one and stated that the investigation into this matter was ongoing. Hacıosmanoğlu expressed that the penalties for the referees who engaged in betting are becoming clear, but that investigations into some referees are still continuing. The scandal regarding betting among football players, referees, and managers in Turkey has been placed under extensive scrutiny.
FOOTBALLERS ARE ALSO BEING INVESTIGATED
TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu had announced that in addition to the referees who engaged in betting, 3,700 football players were also being investigated. It has emerged that the betting scandal is not limited to referees but also encompasses football players.