Football Referees Chief Arrested In Corruption Investigation

The head of Turkey's refereeing body, Ferhat Gundogdu, has been arrested as part of a police investigation into alleged corruption within the country's football officiating system. Read Also: Real Madrid Receive Double Injury Boost As Duo Step Up Recovery Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek confirmed that Gundogdu, his vice-president and five other people had been detained as investigators examine allegations surrounding the referee appointment process.

According to Gurlek, the investigation concerns claims of interference in referee classifications, assignments, scoring, appointments and examination procedures. Police also searched several homes, workplaces and offices as part of the investigation.

Turkish Authorities Launch Refereeing Investigation Gurlek said the authorities were determined to investigate allegations that could damage public confidence in Turkish football. "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.

The latest investigation comes less than a year after Turkish football was hit by a major betting scandal involving match officials. In November 2025, the Turkish Football Federation suspended 149 referees and assistant referees after an investigation found that hundreds of professional officials had betting accounts.

The wider investigation resulted in 29 arrests, including 14 footballers, reports BBC Sports. However, Gurlek did not establish a connection between that betting scandal and the latest investigation involving Gundogdu and the six other detainees.

The current case remains under investigation, with authorities yet to establish whether any of those arrested will face charges or further legal action.