Ankara, Türkiye – The Turkish sports scene was shaken by a resounding scandal in the world of football, after the Financial Crimes Enforcement Directorate (MASAK) revealed
Regarding the details of a massive investigation involving a number of referees and officials, most notably referee Nevzat Okat,
It turned out that his accounts had seen financial transfers amounting to 50 million Turkish lira in just four years.
Okat Financial Activities
According to what was reported by the newspaper Türkiye Gazetesi, the authorities began investigating Okat’s financial activities from 2021 until 2025.
Suspicious transactions were detected, some through legitimate betting agencies.
Others were accessed through illegal betting sites.
Through the login credentials saved on his mobile phone.
Shocking details
The report showed that Okat conducted approximately 1.64 million Turkish lira
in transactions through licensed betting agencies within Türkiye.
The remaining funds are believed to be linked
to illegal offshore betting activities.
The investigations indicated the possible involvement of club presidents
and other officials in an organized betting network.
It aims to manipulate match results in the Turkish Super League and lower division leagues.
A massive campaign of arrests
Following the investigations, the Turkish court issued arrest warrants for a number of sports and media figures, including:
Murat Ozkaya, president of the “Eyüpspor” club,
Referees: Erkan Arslan, Nevzat Okat, Yakup Yapıcı, Ahmet Kıvanç Kadir, Nurullah Bayram, Baran Karaman,
And the sports journalist Umut Ekin.
Eleven other suspects, including Jihad Buyurgan and Mustafa Ozil, were also placed in custody.
Under judicial review pending the results of the final investigation.
A crisis threatens the reputation of Turkish football
Analysts said this scandal could cause an earthquake in Turkish football.
They stressed that the Turkish Football Federation may be forced to take decisive measures including
Cancel the results of suspicious matches and possibly suspend some clubs temporarily.
