The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has suspended 1,024 players pending disciplinary investigations in a widening betting scandal that has rocked Turkish football, with authorities arresting eight people including a top-tier club president.

The suspensions, announced on November 10, 2025, include 27 players from Turkey’s premier Super Lig, notably Galatasaray defender Eren Elmali, who represents the Turkish national team. The dramatic move follows the suspension of 149 referees and assistant referees late last month after investigations revealed widespread betting activity among match officials.

Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu described the situation as a “moral crisis in Turkish football” during a news conference in late October. He vowed to elevate Turkish football to its rightful place and purge the sport of all its problems, emphasizing zero tolerance for corruption.

The 1,024 suspended players span all divisions of Turkish professional football. According to the federation’s breakdown, 27 come from the Super Lig, 77 from the second division, 282 from the third tier, 629 from the fourth division, and nine from amateur leagues. All players have been referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board under Article 57 of the Football Disciplinary Instruction.

Matches in Turkey’s third and fourth divisions have been suspended for two weeks due to significant squad deficiencies caused by the mass suspensions. However, fixtures in the Super Lig, currently led by defending champions Galatasaray, and the second tier will continue as scheduled.