First statement from Eren Elmalı after being removed from the national team squad

Galatasaray footballer Eren Elmalı has made a statement regarding his inclusion among the names identified as having placed bets as part of the Turkish Football Federation's (TFF) betting investigation.

The 25-year-old footballer used the following expressions in a post on his social media account:

"In the news reflected to the public today, I saw that my name was mentioned in the disciplinary investigation conducted by the Turkish Football Federation.

First of all, I would like to state clearly that the reason my name is in this file is due to a betting transaction made about five years ago, unrelated to my own team.

Since that day, I have neither placed a bet nor had the slightest connection to this issue. Football is not just a profession for me, but a passion at the center of my life.

I have always lived this passion with honesty, my hard work, and the struggle I showed on the field. I reached the point I am at today with these values.

Throughout my career, I have never engaged in any behavior contrary to the ethical principles of football, sportsmanship, or the values of my club.

I have always been transparent so as not to feel the slightest embarrassment towards myself, my family, my club, and our fans, and I will continue to maintain the same stance from now on."

News Source: 12punto