GIANT BETTING OPERATION: TRABZONSPOR PRESIDENT ERTUGRUL IS IN PFDK

The Turkish Football Federation carried out a giant betting operation that went down in Turkish football history. Within the scope of the extensive investigation carried out, exactly 448 people who served as executives in the clubs competing in the Super Lig and TFF 1. Lig in the 2026-2027 football season within the last 5 years and who were determined to have placed bets during this period were referred to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board as a precaution. One of the most striking names mentioned in this giant operation was Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan. Appearing before the public on A Spor screens upon the allegations against him, Doğan explained the situation with an extremely transparent language. Stating that he spends his 9th year in his management career, the president said that such betting or sponsorship issues did not appear on the agenda before. Emphasizing that the TFF informed the football players, referees, and coaches in previous meetings but did not make a special warning for the executives, Doğan sincerely accepted that the executives should also know these rules. Stating that the events are not intentional, the experienced manager reminded that he has an old account that he closed a long time ago and that betting companies are also the official sponsors of the clubs at the same time. Expressing that nobody thought a problem would arise from this situation since they did not carry any malicious intent, the Trabzonspor President completed his defense with the words, "If we made a mistake, please forgive us. But there is no malicious intent." The final decisions the disciplinary board will make will create a great impact on Turkish football in the coming days. The football public awaits the results of this giant investigation with great curiosity.

IMAGE: NTV SPOR