Turkish prosecutors have ordered the arrest of 46 individuals, including 29 players, in a sweeping illegal betting and match-fixing probe spanning multiple clubs and football officials.

Among those named are Metehan Baltacı of Galatasaray and Mert Hakan Yandaş of Fenerbahçe, along with a former referee, a sports commentator, and various club officials.

The inquiry initially targeted more than 150 referees for betting on matches and has broadened to include players, administrators, and media figures.

Under FIFA and European rules, betting on games by players, referees, and club officials is prohibited at any level.

The Turkish Football Federation said it is committed to cleansing the sport and shielding Turkish football from scandal, decay, and corrupt relationships, with the federation president leading the effort.

President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu reiterated the federation’s pledge to clean up Turkish football and protect it from corruption.

The federation vowed a cleanup drive, aiming to shield Turkish football from scandal, decay, and corrupt influences.

In the Turkish Super Lig after 14 rounds, Galatasaray leads while Fenerbahçe trails by one point, with both clubs facing varying positions in UEFA competition standings.

Baltacı allegedly bet on his own team’s games, while Yandaş is accused of placing bets through a third party.

Prosecutors say Baltacı personally bet on Galatasaray matches, and Yandaş bet via another person.

The arrests are carried out under a law designed to prevent disorder in sport, criminalizing manipulation of competitions and potentially increasing penalties when betting markets are involved.

The legal framework used can heighten penalties if betting markets, officials, or professional leagues are implicated.

Notable individuals linked to alleged 2023-2024 match-fixing attempts include Ankaraspor owner Ahmet Okatan, Ankaraspor president Mehmet Emin Katipoğlu, Nazilli Belediyespor president Şahin Kaya, and former Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak.

The crackdown has already led to the November detention of six referees and the president of Eyüpspor, highlighting the scale of the investigation.