Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu made notable statements regarding the betting investigation in football. Speaking on an A Spor broadcast, Hacıosmanoğlu announced that individuals identified as having placed bets against their own teams will be referred to the Ethics Committee.
Hacıosmanoğlu stated that the investigation would not be limited to betting records alone, but would also examine whether these actions had any impact on the pitch. The TFF President pointed to the potential consequences of the process, saying, "If the betting issue is reflected on the pitch, even championships could change."
Sharing details regarding a bet placed by a Süper Lig executive within the scope of the investigation, Hacıosmanoğlu said that the person in question placed a bet on the opposing team to win in a match where their own team was leading 1-0. Hacıosmanoğlu stated that this bet was placed during the 2024-2025 season, with 4 thousand TL wagered and 16 thousand TL won.
The TFF President noted that such examples were not limited to just one person, and that there are individuals in some Süper Lig clubs who have placed bets against their own teams. Hacıosmanoğlu stated that the names have also been sent to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, adding that in addition to legal betting records, the illegal betting dimension would also be investigated.
Hacıosmanoğlu recalled that betting in favor of one's own team is considered a crime in some countries, but emphasized that betting against one's own team is "another dimension." The TFF President noted that they would look at the results and possible interventions, and that if the allegations are "substantiated," the process would move to a different point.
PENALTY DEBATE AND ETHICS PROCESS
Hacıosmanoğlu reported that there are also those who bet on their own teams in the 2nd and 3rd Leagues, and that all files would be sent to the Chief Public Prosecutor's Office together. Emphasizing that people within the football family cannot place bets, the TFF President also touched upon the public discomfort caused by the penalties.
Stating, "A 45-day ban for someone who bets on 100 thousand matches bothers everyone," Hacıosmanoğlu expressed that they are also checking what happened after the Ankara Belediyespor match and that they were disappointed by the situation.
Responding to criticisms regarding Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan being referred to the Professional Football Discipline Committee (PFDK) for betting, Hacıosmanoğlu said they were being declared "enemies of Trabzonspor." The TFF President stated, "No one can question my loyalty to Trabzonspor."
NATIONAL TEAM AND BROADCASTING TENDER STATEMENTS
Hacıosmanoğlu also made evaluations regarding Sergen Yalçın, who was brought to lead the A National Team. Stating that Vincenzo Montella was heavily criticized but did successful work, the TFF President noted that if a foreign coach were to be chosen, a very strong name would be necessary, and there was no time to spare.
Stating that Sergen Yalçın was not chosen from among a large number of candidates, Hacıosmanoğlu said that his words at the press conference were a "joke" and were misunderstood. Regarding the allegations that some players did not answer Yalçın's calls, he stated that everyone must do their duty under the umbrella of the National Team.
Touching on the refereeing system, Hacıosmanoğlu stated that Anthony Taylor is working on referee development in Turkey. He reported that Taylor's reports contain assessments that referees neglect to take the necessary positions on the pitch due to the pressure of large communities.
Providing information on the broadcasting tender, the TFF President said that the demands from the Union of Clubs are being evaluated and that the specifications will be released on Tuesday or Wednesday. Hacıosmanoğlu stated that the federation's expectation is around 400 million dollars, and that it is possible to exceed this figure.
News Source: 12punto
