The extensive investigation into illegal betting in Turkish football has reached the highest levels of club management, with Galatasaray General Secretary Eray Yazgan receiving a 10-month prison sentence.
An Istanbul court convicted Yazgan of promoting illegal gambling after he signed a sponsorship deal that placed a betting site’s advertisements on player jerseys and stadium boards during a September 2024 match against Çaykur Rizespor.
Verdict Suspended Amid Broader Scandal
The court suspended the announcement of the verdict, meaning Yazgan will avoid prison time unless he reoffends. However, the ruling underscores the severity of the “largest scandal in Turkish football’s history,” which has already implicated referees, players, and former club officials like Erden Timur.
“The deal broke Turkey’s rules on gambling tied to football,” the court concluded, linking the illegal promotion directly to Yazgan’s signature.
A League Under Scrutiny
The probe has had a destabilizing effect across the Turkish leagues. The Turkish Football Federation has suspended over 150 referees, and authorities have issued arrest warrants for dozens of suspects, ranging from Super Lig executives to lower-division players.
The investigation and with that, the sentencing of the General Secretary of Galatasaray, aims to restore the sport’s credibility, with prosecutors enforcing strict penalties for anyone found enabling the illegal betting market.
