New Arrest Warrants Issued In Turkish Football Betting Probe

Former Galatasaray executive Erden Timur and Eyüpspor vice president Fatih Kulaksız have been remanded in custody as part of a wide-ranging investigation into illegal betting in Turkish football. Prosecutors say the case now also examines allegations of money laundering linked to betting-related funds.

Turkey’s Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has issued new detention decisions in its ongoing investigation into illegal betting in football. After questioning by prosecutors and a court hearing, Erden Timur—who previously served as a senior executive at Istanbul’s Galatasaray—along with Eyüpspor vice president Fatih Kulaksız, were sent to prison pending trial. In the same case, legal action was also taken against 14 footballers, with courts imposing a mix of pre-trial detention and judicial control measures.

The Case Has Expanded From Betting Allegations To Money Laundering

In the early stage of the investigation, prosecutors focused on claims of illegal betting activity connected to football matches, including allegations that certain games may have been manipulated. The case examined whether some individuals placed bets on matches—potentially including those involving their own teams—and whether any improper benefit was obtained through betting-related activity.

As the investigation progressed, the focus broadened to financial aspects of the suspected network. Prosecutors reviewed monetary movements, bank accounts and fund transfers, and the case file was strengthened with financial intelligence assessments. Authorities indicated that certain transactions were considered unusual and are being examined for possible links to proceeds generated through illegal betting.

Following these assessments, part of the file was separated from the initial betting and match-fixing allegations and is now being handled under the legal framework of laundering proceeds of crime. The relevant portion of the investigation was reportedly transferred to the specialised unit within the Istanbul prosecution service responsible for money laundering and terrorism financing cases.

Legal Action Taken Against 14 Footballers

As part of the same investigation, 14 footballers were also subjected to legal proceedings. All 14 were taken into custody, and after prosecutorial questioning and court hearings, some were remanded in custody while others were released under judicial control—a set of court-ordered measures that can include reporting obligations, travel restrictions and other conditions.

According to allegations cited in the case file, the players are suspected of placing bets on various matches, including matches they were involved in, and allegedly obtaining financial benefit through betting. Authorities are examining whether there is any connection between betting activity and match-related conduct, and whether the alleged betting patterns point to coordinated wrongdoing.

The names reported as being among the footballers subject to legal action are:

• Bahattin Berke Demircan

• Doğukan Çınar

• Ergün Nazlı

• Eyüp Can Temiz

• Furkan Demir

• Gökhan Payal

• Hamit Bayraktar

• Hüseyin Aybars Tüfekci

• İbrahim Yılmaz

• İlke Tankul

• İsmail Karakaş

• Mert Aktaş

• Mustafa Çeçenoğlu

• Tufan Kelleci

A Separate File Opened For Erden Timur

Investigators are also pursuing a separate line of inquiry regarding Erden Timur, whose file is understood to have been handled apart from the core betting-related allegations. Prosecutors’ assessment reportedly centres on financial transactions and money flows, with a particular focus on bank activity and transfers.

Based on those reviews, the allegations involving Timur were evaluated within the scope of laundering proceeds of crime, and he was referred to court with a request for detention. The court ordered that he be remanded in custody pending trial. Timur has reportedly denied wrongdoing and maintained that his financial transactions were lawful and not connected to illegal betting.

Fatih Kulaksız Also Remanded In Custody

Fatih Kulaksız, the vice president of Eyüpspor, was also taken into custody under the investigation and referred to court after giving a statement to prosecutors. The court ordered that Kulaksız be remanded in custody pending trial.

The allegations concerning Kulaksız are being handled within the broader framework of the betting investigation, and authorities indicate that the inquiry also reviews financial movements and transfers linked to suspected illegal betting proceeds. Prosecutors say they are continuing to examine evidence as part of the case.

Where The Investigation Stands

The inquiry has so far resulted in legal proceedings against multiple suspects, including footballers and figures from club management. While some suspects have been jailed pending trial, others have been released under judicial control measures.

Prosecutors say they are continuing to review financial records, bank data and transfer chains, and that the case now covers both illegal betting allegations and claims related to money laundering. Authorities caution that further decisions—including additional detentions or arrests—may follow as the investigation develops.