Turkiye arrests refereeing body chief in probe into alleged interference
Justice Minister Akin Gurlek says the investigation covers referee classifications, assignments, scoring, appointments and examinations. Seven people have been arrested.
Turkish authorities have arrested Ferhat Gundogdu, president of Turkiye’s football refereeing body, his deputy and five others in an investigation into alleged interference in refereeing procedures, Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said.
Gurlek said the inquiry concerns the formation of referee classifications, assignments, scoring and appointment processes, as well as examinations. He said searches were carried out at the suspects’ homes, workplaces and offices.
The supplied report does not name the other five people arrested or detail the evidence behind the allegations. The arrests do not establish that any of the suspects committed an offence.
Gurlek said the investigation aims to clarify claims that have undermined trust in Turkish football and hold those responsible accountable under the law.
The inquiry comes after a separate illegal betting scandal last year, when the Turkish Football Federation suspended referees and authorities arrested 29 people. Gurlek did not link that case to the current investigation.
