Source:REUTERS/Lee Smith
[Saba Sports News] Recently, Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Etem Haji Ottoman Oulu announced at a press conference that a list of referees involved in irregular betting had been verified. As the betting scandal develops, the investigation has expanded from referees to clubs and players. Ottoman Oulu stated clearly that the Turkish Football Federation has begun a thorough investigation… He revealed that among 571 professional league referees, 371 have betting accounts, with 152 actively placing bets. According to Turkish media, preliminary investigations have identified 3,700 players, with strong indications the number could rise further. The task force obtained data not only from domestic betting platforms but also requested user information from international operators; cross-border betting data will also be included. They are currently analyzing reports from the Financial Crime Investigation Board, communication records, and electronic traces. Insiders disclosed case files include multiple secret witnesses, some suspects show willingness to become cooperating witnesses, with some already inclined to confess voluntarily. The investigation covers not only direct participants but also all indirectly related parties. Assets of referees and football officials are under review. Unexplained asset growth among declarants and their family members will be treated as direct suspicious clues. Authorities have fully launched asset reviews, particularly focusing on fund flows among family members, which is now a core investigative direction.