The match that exposed the betting scandal has been identified: 'Played with extraordinary odds'
As the Turkish Football Federation President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu's statement regarding 371 referees having betting accounts continues to be debated, a striking claim has emerged.
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Journalist Tahir Kum revealed the match at the center of the scandal. Kum stated, "The match that ignited this incident was the Ankaraspor – Nazillispor game.
An investigation was launched after it was determined that extraordinary odds were placed on this match," he said.
During the process, which lasted approximately 2 years, the testimonies of club presidents, executives, and football players were taken; some were given severe disciplinary penalties.
Kum emphasized that the process was not limited to referees: "In the football community, 3,700 people were investigated in connection with national and international betting companies. The first results have just started to come in."
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MATCH?
The match at the center of the scandal was the Ankaraspor – Nazillispor game played in the TFF 2nd League White Group in April 2024.
The fact that neither team took a shot, only two corners were used, and the referee did not show any cards created great suspicion. Nazillispor had secured its place in the league after the match.
In the subsequent process, Nazillispor President Şahin Kaya, 25 football players, 1 technical director, and 2 masseurs were referred to the PFDK on the grounds of betting.
With the TFF's decision, two club presidents and 18 football players were given bans. Thus, the biggest betting scandal in Turkish football in recent years was officially revealed.