Football
Turkish referees' chief arrested in corruption investigation
The head of Turkey's referees' committee is detained along with six others as part of an investigation into corruption. head of Turkey’s referees committee, is among seven people detained in an investigation into alleged mobbing and document forgery
· 3 min read
Ferhat Gundogdu and six others have been detained
The head of the Turkish referees' body has been arrested as part of a police investigation into corruption.
Turkish justice minister Akin Gurlek said the investigation focused on "claims regarding interference in the formation of referee classifications, assignments, scoring and appointment processes, as well as rule examinations".
Ferhat Gundogdu, the president of the refereeing body, his vice-president and another five people are those arrested.
Gurlek said police also searched homes, workplaces and offices.
"We will resolutely continue our fight for clean football so that allegations damaging trust in Turkish football are brought to light, those responsible are held accountable before the law, and football is associated with the effort, competition and sportsmanship on the pitch," Gurlek said.
In November 2025 the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended 149 referees and assistant referees after an investigation found hundreds of professional match officials in the country had betting accounts.
Some 29 people were arrested in the sprawling scandal, including 14 footballers.
