The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has banned 102 players from the country’s top two divisions as part of an investigation into betting.
The list of suspended footballers includes 25 players from the top-flight Super Lig and 77 from the second-tier first division.
The federation’s Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) confirmed “denial of rights” sanctions ranging from 45 days to 12 months following a meeting on Thursday.
Among the 102 players sanctioned are Galatasaray defender Eren Elmali, who was pulled from Turkey’s squad preparing to play World Cup qualifying games against Spain and Bulgaria this month due to his alleged involvement in the case. He has been given a 45-day ban, while team-mate Metehan Baltaci has been handed a nine-month ban.
Celin Yuksel, a 27-year-old midfielder who progressed through Galatasaray’s academy but now plays for Samsunspor, has also been banned for 45 days.
The TFF announced on Monday 1,024 players had been suspended as part of a betting investigation. A TFF statement on Monday detailed players who had been identified as having bet on football and were referred to the PFDK.
Elmali posted on his Instagram stories on Monday night: “I want to make it clear that my name is included in this file because of a betting transaction made about five years ago involving someone other than my own team. Since then, I have neither bet nor had any connection to this matter.”
Elmali, 25, has featured 15 times in all competitions this season, scoring three goals, while Baltaci, 23, has made two substitute appearances.
A statement from Galatasaray on Tuesday said they were “meticulously monitoring this sensitive process”.
Yuksel wrote on Instagram “I have full faith that Turkish justice will prevail. The accusations made against me are unlawful, and I deeply regret that my career has been affected in this way. I would like to state that I will pursue my right of defence through all legal means available.”
Matches across the top two divisions have continued despite the suspensions, although the third and fourth tiers have been suspended for two weeks.
The TFF has requested to FIFA, world football’s governing body, to grant its club an additional 15-day transfer and registration period, in addition to the upcoming winter transfer window, to enable clubs to address their squad shortages. UEFA is also in contact with the TFF on the matter.
In October, the TFF suspended 149 match officials following their alleged involvement in a betting scandal. Suspensions between eight and 12 months had been imposed on 149 officials, while investigations continue into three referees.
Galatasaray are the defending Turkish champions and top the Super Lig after 12 games.
Turkey will co-host the men’s 2032 European Championship with Italy, the national team reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, while capital Istanbul has been picked by UEFA to stage several finals in European club competitions.