Testimonies of those arrested in betting investigation revealed: 'My career could end, my family is devastated'
The testimonies given to the judges by Mert Hakan Yandaş, Metehan Baltacı, and other suspects arrested as part of the football betting investigation have been revealed.
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The judicial testimonies of those arrested in the investigation into betting allegations in football have been shared with the public. As part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, many individuals, including Fenerbahçe's Mert Hakan Yandaş and Galatasaray's Metehan Baltacı, were sent to prison.
SUSPECTS DENIED THE ACCUSATIONS
According to information reported by TRT Haber, all of the suspects arrested as part of the investigation denied the accusations against them. Individual defenses stood out in the testimonies.
The players' statements are as follows:
Galatasaray's Metehan Baltacı:
“I did not engage in match-fixing. I worked hard to get here. It was a youthful mistake, I regret it. My career could end, my family is devastated.”
Ankaraspor President Ahmet Okatan:
“For years, we have advocated for clean and honest football. We do not take money from the youth academy. I am embarrassed by the accusation. When I heard about the investigation, I turned myself in.”
Fenerbahçe's Mert Hakan Yandaş:
“Fenerbahçe plays to win every match it enters. The club's name was not mentioned in my conversations. I do not accept the accusations.”
Fenerbahçe Congress Member Ersen Dikmen:
“Betting is not a crime. I have been playing since legal betting was introduced. I am not a sports figure; I am an ordinary citizen.”
Former Adana Demirspor President Murat Sancak:
“I have no connection to these crimes. Let MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) investigate. I do not deserve to be here, but one does not complain about the state's justice.”
Pendikspor U19 player Emircan Çiçek:
“I am 18 years old. I do not have the social circle to commit such a crime. I play football and go home. I don't even have a financial income.”
Manisaspor's Kaan Yurdakul:
“I did not engage in match-fixing. It was childishness and ignorance. Prison is a very heavy penalty.”
Adana Demirspor's Yücel Gürol:
“I was only training with the U19 team. I have no income other than legal betting. I am trying to support my mother, who is a heart patient, and my sibling.”