Eren Elmalı Faces Claims of Betting on His Own Match

Turkish national football player and Galatasaray footballer Eren Elmalı has become the subject of public debate following allegations that he placed a bet on a match involving his own team. The claims, raised in a recent opinion column by journalist Atilla Türker, sparked widespread discussion in Turkey’s sports community. Shortly after the allegations gained attention, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued an official statement addressing the broader betting investigation.

What Are the Allegations Raised by Atilla Türker?

In his column published by Ekonomim, journalist Atilla Türker claimed that Eren Elmalı allegedly placed a bet on a match played during the 2019 season, when the footballer was actively competing at the professional level. According to Türker, the alleged betting activity relates to a match played on 30 August 2019, during a period when Elmalı was registered as a player for Kasımpaşa.

Türker argued that the bet in question was allegedly placed on a match involving Elmalı’s own team, which, if proven, would constitute a serious violation of football regulations. In his article, the journalist stated that his claims were based on specific dates, match details, and alleged betting records, which he described as supporting documentation.

However, it is also emphasized that these claims remain allegations presented in a journalistic commentary and have not been confirmed by a court ruling or judicial decision. While the article intensified public scrutiny, it also led to increased focus on how authorities are handling the investigation.

Statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office

Following the public reaction to the allegations, the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office released an official statement regarding the ongoing betting investigation involving professional football in Turkey. The prosecutor’s office stressed that the investigation is broad in scope and does not target individuals based on media reports or social media claims.

The statement underlined that there is no final or confirmed judicial determination concerning the names circulating in the public domain. Authorities warned that drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed could be misleading and contrary to the principle of due process.

Prosecutors also highlighted that the investigation is part of a wider effort to combat illegal betting activities and that details cannot be disclosed due to the confidentiality of ongoing legal proceedings. The statement reaffirmed that the presumption of innocence applies to all individuals until legal processes are concluded.

Disciplinary Penalty and Elmalı’s Current Status

Separately from the ongoing judicial investigation, Eren Elmalı had previously been subject to a disciplinary sanction imposed by the Turkish Football Federation for a betting-related violation. As part of this disciplinary process, Elmalı received a 45-day ban from football activities, which was unrelated to the specific allegation of betting on his own match.

According to available information, this disciplinary suspension expired in recent days, allowing the player to resume his professional career. Officials have clarified that disciplinary penalties imposed by football authorities and criminal investigations conducted by prosecutors are distinct and independent processes.

While the disciplinary matter has been completed, the allegation raised by Atilla Türker concerning a potential bet on Elmalı’s own match continues to be examined within the framework of the broader betting investigation. Authorities have reiterated that no final conclusions have been reached and that further developments will be communicated through official channels if necessary.