Turkish Super Lig Referee Yasin Kol Detained in Illegal Betting Investigation

Turkish Super Lig referee Yasin Kol has been detained as part of an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office into alleged misconduct within Turkish refereeing. Kol is being investigated over alleged violations of Law No. 7258, participation in document forgery and abuse of office.

Assistant referee Göktuğ Hazar Erel was also detained as part of the same investigation. Both officials were brought into the case after prosecutors reviewed new evidence collected during the first wave of the operation.

Yasin Kol Detained After Trabzonspor Match

Kol was detained in Trabzon on October 1, 2026, after officiating a friendly between Trabzonspor and Drogheda United. His detention came shortly after the match as part of the wider investigation into the Turkish Football Federation’s refereeing structure.

The operation had already led to several detentions before Kol was added to the case. Prosecutors expanded the investigation after examining financial records and digital material seized from earlier suspects.

Financial Records and Digital Evidence Expanded the Case

Authorities reviewed digital devices seized during the initial operation together with financial records obtained through Turkey’s Financial Crimes Investigation Board, known as MASAK. The findings from those reviews led investigators to extend the case to Kol and Erel.

Both referees are being investigated under Law No. 7258, alongside allegations of document forgery and abuse of office. The law covers unauthorised sports betting activity and related offences, including facilitating or handling transactions connected to illegal betting.

Investigation Began With Raids on September 29

The wider case moved into its operational phase on September 29, 2026, when police carried out coordinated raids in Istanbul, Ankara, Elazığ and Manisa. Seven people were initially detained, including Turkish Football Federation Central Referee Committee chairman Ferhat Gündoğdu.

Other current and former refereeing officials were also taken into custody during the first stage of the investigation. Prosecutors have used MASAK financial records, phone traffic data, witness statements, complainant testimony and expert reports while examining the case.

Investigation Reaches Active Referees

Further analysis of the material collected during the first operation brought Yasin Kol and Göktuğ Hazar Erel directly into the investigation. Their detention marked a new stage in a case that had initially focused on the management of refereeing and internal procedures.

The investigation now includes both alleged misconduct within the refereeing structure and potential offences linked to unauthorised betting activity. Legal proceedings involving Kol and Erel remain ongoing.