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Turkish football officials arrested in corruption probe
A major corruption investigation in Turkish football, known as the ‘Referees File’, has led to the arrest of several high-ranking officials and the resignation of the Central Referee Board (MHK) Chairman, Ferhat Gündoğdu. The probe, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, targets allegations of match-fixing, illegal betting, forgery of official documents, and the unlawful acquisition of personal data.
Following raids in multiple provinces, Gündoğdu, Emre Kosif, Ferdi Karadoruk, Yunus Yıldırım, and Alican Sağlar were remanded in custody. Gündoğdu subsequently resigned from his position, effective October 3, 2026, to prevent further damage to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
The investigation has expanded to include active Super Lig referees. Yasin Kol and Göktuğ Hazar Erel were referred to the courthouse following their detention. Kol faces allegations of match-fixing and bribery; he has denied these claims, stating that large bank transfers identified by MASAK were merely loans to acquaintances. MASAK reports indicate Kol's accounts saw a total transaction volume of 135 million TL between 2012 and 2026.
The scandal has sparked intense debate regarding the integrity of the Turkish football system, with some club presidents suggesting a temporary suspension of the Super Lig to restore order and transparency.
Entities
Ahmet Şahin · Central Referee Board · Ferhat Gündoğdu · Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office · Merkez Hakem Kurulu · Sebahattin Şahin · Tugay Kaan Numanoğlu · Turkey · Turkish Football Federation · Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu · Yasin Kol · İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Taner Gizlenci alleged that several referees were excluded from classifications following the election of TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hüseyin Göçek claims he was removed from the list less than 24 hours after officiating the Gaziantep-Hatay match on March 7, 2022.
- [● 26 SOURCES] The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating allegations of mobbing, interference in referee appointments, and irregularities in classification lists. www.f5haber.com · www.gazetearena.com · gazeteyenisoz.com · www.mynet.com · www.borsaningundemi.com · +13 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] MHK Deputy Chairman Ahmet Şahin told Numanoğlu, ‘Your key is not with me, go to another door’ during a phone call regarding his lack of assignments.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Numanoğlu was assigned as a VAR referee for only two matches during the first four weeks of the 2024-2025 season.
- [● 12 SOURCES] The prosecutor's request for arrest regarding 'misconduct in office' and 'threat' was rejected. gazeteyenisoz.com · www.sivasirade.com · www.kocatepegazetesi.com · www.haberx.com · www.mynet.com · +3 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Ahmet Şahin and Sebahattin Şahin were released under judicial control with travel bans. www.f5haber.com · www.mynet.com · www.kocatepegazetesi.com · boldmedya.com · www.haberx.com · +2 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Ferhat Gündoğdu, Emre Kosif, Ferdi Karadoruk, Yunus Yıldırım, and Alican Sağlar were arrested. www.f5haber.com · www.mynet.com · www.borsaningundemi.com · www.haberaktuel.com · www.kocatepegazetesi.com · +3 more
- [● 18 SOURCES] Ferhat Gündoğdu resigned from his position as Central Referee Board (MHK) Chairman effective October 3, 2026. www.f5haber.com · gazeteyenisoz.com · www.mynet.com · www.borsaningundemi.com · www.sivasirade.com · +5 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] MHK member Sebahattin Şahin resigned from his position following his release under judicial control. gazeteyenisoz.com · www.borsaningundemi.com
- [● 17 SOURCES] Ferhat Gündoğdu was arrested specifically for the crime of ‘recording personal data’. gazeteyenisoz.com · www.borsaningundemi.com · www.f5haber.com · www.sivasirade.com · www.mynet.com · +5 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The TFF has initiated the process of forming a new Central Referee Board (MHK). www.kentgazetesi.com · www.haberaktuel.com