Fenerbahce Captain Detained As Turkish Police Raid Homes In Betting Scandal – Arise News

By Reporter Ben On Dec 7, 2025

Turkish police have raided the home of Fenerbahce captain Mert Hakan Yandas as part of a widening investigation into illegal betting and match fixing that has gripped the country’s football scene.

Prosecutors in Istanbul ordered the arrest of 46 people, including 29 footballers, on Friday morning. Yandas, 31, is accused of placing illegal bets through a third party and has reportedly been detained.

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Among those arrested is Metehan Baltaci, a 23 year old Galatasaray defender recently suspended for nine months by the Turkish FA for betting on matches involving his own club.

Footballers are prohibited from gambling on matches due to rules intended to protect sporting integrity. Officials say 27 of the players arrested are alleged to have bet on games involving their own teams.

The prosecutor’s office confirmed that 35 suspects had been detained, with five of the remaining 11 believed to be outside the country.

“Efforts to apprehend the other suspects are ongoing,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement naming all 46 accused. “Investigations will continue with meticulousness and determination.”

Those listed include Ankaraspor owner Ahmet Okatan and club president Mehmet Emin Katipoglu, as well as Nazilli Belediyespor president Sahin Kaya and two coaches, over allegations of fixing a match between their clubs in April 2024.

Six individuals, including one player, are accused of attempting to fix the outcome of the game between Umraniyespor and Giresunspor in December 2023.

Also named are former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak, ex referee and TV commentator Ahmet Çakar and his wife, alongside top flight referee Zorbay Küçük, accused of suspicious financial transactions.

In November, the Turkish FA suspended more than 1,000 players over alleged betting infractions. The probe intensified after FA president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu accused hundreds of referees of links to betting accounts in October.

Galatasaray currently lead the Turkish Super Lig, one point ahead of rivals Fenerbahce after 14 matches. The two giants are also competing in Europe, with Galatasaray 14th in the Uefa Champions League rankings and Fenerbahce 20th in the Europa League.

Faridah Abdulkadiri