Turkish betting scandal: ‘Big decisions’ and ‘very strict’ sanctions needed, says Galatasaray assistant boss

In November, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended 1,024 players from its professional leagues as part of an investigation into betting.

It then handed out bans to 102 players from its top two divisions for “betting-related activities”.

Among those detained by prosecutors was 23-year-old Galatasaray player Metehan Baltaci, who has admitted placing bets as a youth player, claiming he did not know it was illegal, but denies betting on his club’s matches after joining the senior squad.

Garcia Gomez did not speak directly about Baltaci, but he said of Galatasaray: “In the club, people are against this situation, and people must start learning from mistakes, this is the way.”

The Spanish coach, who has worked in Turkish football for four years, said he had been called by acquaintances from all over Europe about the scandal and that answers are needed quickly to begin restoring the country’s reputation.

“I have to value a quick answer, and we hope in future Turkey is known for the talent of its players, as the national team could go to the World Cup and teams are doing fantastic in Europe,” he said.

The betting scandal first erupted on 27 October and focused on referees. A five-year TFF investigation found 371 of 571 match officials in Turkey held betting accounts, with 152 of those actively gambling.

It fuelled conspiracies about refereeing in Turkish football – former Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho regularly made claims about bias during his time in the Super Lig.

However, Garcia Gomez said he was sure there is “no conspiracy against any club”, and that Turkish football will be able to put its house in order.

“In Turkey, they will learn, I am confident,” he said. “It does not help, but as an insider I want to see change.”