Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek Exempted from Illegal Betting Probe

The controversy surrounding Galatasaray’s alleged involvement with an illegal betting site (Meritking) has deepened, after new documents revealed that club president Dursun Özbek was among the signatories of the disputed sponsorship agreement. Despite this, Özbek has not been included in the ongoing criminal investigation, raising questions about selective accountability.

Exclusive Document Revealed by FenerTalks

In March 2025, the sports news platform FenerTalks published a leaked document linked to the sponsorship deal between Galatasaray SK and Serwin Global Solutions SDN BHD, a company reportedly operating the illegal betting site MeritKing.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office formally requested the names of the individuals who signed the contract on behalf of the club. Galatasaray’s official reply, dated March 24, 2025, and sent on club letterhead, explicitly stated:

“The persons who signed the contracts on behalf of Galatasaray Sportif Sınai Ticari Yatırımlar A.Ş. and Galatasaray Sports Club with Serwin Global Solutions SDN BHD are our Board Chairman Dursun Özbek and General Secretary & Board Member Eray Yazgan.”

Why Only Yazgan?

Despite both names being listed as official signatories, only General Secretary Eray Yazgan has been charged. Prosecutors have requested up to three years in prison for Yazgan on the grounds of “promoting illegal betting” after the MeritKing logo was displayed during the Galatasaray–Çaykur Rizespor match in 2024.

In his defense, Yazgan stated:

“It is unacceptable to associate Galatasaray, a 119-year-old institution, with illegal betting. It was never our intention to deliberately advertise any illegal activity.”

However, questions remain as to why President Dursun Özbek—whose signature appears alongside Yazgan’s—has not faced similar charges.

A Selective Investigation?

The situation has sparked intense debate in Turkish sports and legal circles. Critics argue that the investigation appears inconsistent, with some suggesting that political and institutional pressures may have shielded Özbek from prosecution.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray’s association with MeritKing continues to damage the club’s reputation. The sponsorship, which was signed and promoted, never should have taken place, as the betting site operated without a license in Turkey.

The scandal underscores a broader issue in Turkish football: the blurred lines between sponsorship deals, financial pressures on clubs, and compliance with gambling laws.