**Title: Turkiye Arrests Football Refereeing Body President and Six Others Amid Investigation**
**Date: September 29, 2026**
In a significant development within Turkish football, the president of Turkiye’s refereeing body, Ferhat Gundogdu, along with six other individuals, has been arrested as part of an investigation into alleged interference in refereeing procedures. The announcement was made by Justice Minister Akin Gurlek, who provided details on the ongoing inquiry via a social media post.
The arrests come amidst serious allegations concerning the manipulation of referee classifications, assignments, scoring, and appointment processes, as well as examinations of the rules governing the sport. Minister Gurlek emphasized the commitment of authorities to ensure transparency and integrity in football, stating, “We will steadfastly continue the fight for clean football so that claims undermining trust in Turkish football are clarified, those responsible are held accountable before the law, and football is remembered for the effort, struggle, and sportsmanship on the field.”
Searches were conducted at the residences, workplaces, and offices of the suspects as part of the investigation. The arrested individuals include Gundogdu and his deputy, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations and the high-profile nature of those involved.
This investigation is not the first to shake the foundations of Turkish football. A year prior, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended 149 referees due to their involvement in an illegal betting scandal. The TFF's findings revealed that a significant number of referees—371 out of 571 officiating in professional leagues—held betting accounts, with 152 actively placing bets. This scandal led to the arrest of 29 individuals, including 14 football players, and the suspension of over 1,000 players, with 25 from the first division.
While the current investigation raises questions about the integrity of refereeing in Turkiye, Minister Gurlek did not indicate any direct connection between the recent arrests and last year's betting scandal. The focus remains on addressing the current allegations and restoring public confidence in the integrity of football officiating in the country.
As the investigation unfolds, it is expected to draw significant attention from both the media and the public, given the ongoing concerns about corruption and integrity in sports governance. The TFF and law enforcement agencies are under pressure to ensure that any wrongdoing is thoroughly investigated and addressed, as the future of Turkish football hangs in the balance.
The developments in this case will likely have implications not only for those directly involved but also for the broader landscape of football in Turkiye, where maintaining the integrity of the sport is crucial for its reputation and the trust of fans.