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Turkey’s largest-ever probe into illegal football betting has now reached Galatasaray’s front office, again.
The club’s general secretary, Eray Yazgan, stood before an Istanbul court and received a 10‑month prison sentence along with a fine of 2,000 lira. The case centered on charges that he promoted gambling through advertising.
The court chose to suspend the announcement of the verdict, meaning Yazgan will not serve the sentence unless he reoffends. His conviction adds another name to the growing list of figures caught up in the investigation, which has already drawn in referees, players, and other club officials across Turkish football.
It also comes barely weeks after former Galatasaray Erden Timur was taken into custody, along with over 20 others, on suspicion of illegal betting and match manipulation.
Yazgan signed ad deal on behalf of club
Prosecutors traced the case back to a September 2024 league match against Çaykur Rizespor.
During that game, Galatasaray players wore jerseys carrying ads for a foreign betting site, and the same brand appeared on the stadium’s digital boards. Investigators said the agreement that allowed those promotions was signed by Eray Yazgan in his role as general secretary.
The court concluded that the deal broke Turkey’s rules on gambling tied to football and other sports. By linking the advertising directly to Yazgan’s signature, judges highlighted how far the wider betting investigation has now spread into the country’s top clubs.
Largest scandal in Turkish football’s history continues
What began with questions about referees betting on matches has turned into a sweeping case that now touches players, club staff, and multiple leagues.
The Turkish Football Federation suspended more than 150 referees and assistants after allegations surfaced, and prosecutors followed by issuing detention and arrest orders across the pyramid, from Super Lig squads to lower divisions and club executives.
Courts later approved warrants for at least 29 more suspects tied to illegal betting and match-related activity, showing how fast the investigation has expanded.
The fallout has been felt by competitions, especially below the top flight, where teams have had to change lineups and, at times, adjust schedules as suspensions and disciplinary actions continue to rise.
Authorities say the aim is to protect the game’s credibility and enforce strict anti-betting rules. Under Turkish law, taking part in illegal betting or promoting it through sport can bring prison time and heavy fines.
Source: ReadWrite
