Turkish referee chief arrested over massive bribery scandal

Turkish Football Federation referee chief Ferhat Gündoğdu arrested over match-fixing and bribery scandal involving 149 suspended referees.

Ferhat Gündoğdu, head of Turkey's referee organization, has been remanded in custody following a major match-fixing and betting scandal that rocked Turkish football last year. He is accused of manipulating referee assignments in connection with illegal betting on matches, document forgery, breach of trust, and unlawful access to personal data. The scandal led to 149 referees being suspended on suspicion of illegal wagering, with players and staff from clubs including Besiktas and Galatasaray also arrested. Turkish Justice Minister confirmed ongoing raids at homes and offices of those involved.