New wave coming in betting investigation: That club could be relegated!

The “betting scandal” investigation that has shaken the agenda in Turkish football in recent weeks has moved to a new dimension that now includes club administrations.

Within the scope of the investigation initially launched against referees, 149 out of 152 referees determined to have been actively betting were given bans from football activities ranging from 8 to 12 months.

Following the referees, investigations into football players were deepened. A total of 1,024 players, including 27 from the Süper Lig, 77 from the 1. Lig, 282 from the 2. Lig, 629 from the 3. Lig, and 9 professional players, were referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) with precautionary measures.

According to a report by Sözcü newspaper, the third wave of the “Clean Hands” operation will cover club presidents, executives, coaches, and agents.

It has been learned that the bank accounts of these individuals are being examined in detail, and the direct connection of some names to betting activities is being investigated.

RELEGATION PENALTY ON THE AGENDA

Within the scope of the investigation, if it is proven that club presidents or executives have “engaged in actions aimed at influencing the outcome of a match,” severe sanctions will be applied.

According to Article 56 of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Disciplinary Instructions, if such acts are committed by executives, the relevant club is relegated to a lower league.

It has been reported that Eyüpspor President Murat Özkaya has been arrested on allegations of “engaging in actions aimed at influencing the outcome of a match.”

A possible sentence to be handed down against Özkaya, whose judicial process is ongoing, could lead to Eyüpspor facing the risk of relegation under the same article.