A widening criminal examination in Turkey is threatening the foundations of its professional football league, with Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç now facing scrutiny amid allegations of drug trafficking and match-fixing. The probe, which began earlier this month, has already led too the detention of over a dozen individuals outside of football, including figures in media and entertainment, and runs parallel to a separate inquiry into widespread betting irregularities involving players and referees. As of today, December 25, 2025, over 1,000 individuals connected to Turkish football are suspended pending investigation, raising serious questions about the sport’s integrity.
Fenerbahce president Ali Koç has submitted hair and blood samples as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged drug trafficking and match-fixing within Turkish football. Koç underwent questioning last week regarding suspected distribution of narcotics, but has since denied any drug use in a statement released on Wednesday.
The investigation, overseen by Istanbul prosecutors, has already led to the detention of over a dozen individuals since early December, including broadcasters, journalists, singers, actors, and social media personalities. They face charges related to the production and trade of illegal substances.
This probe comes as Fenerbahce is also embroiled in a separate, large-scale match-fixing scandal that has seen nearly two dozen people taken into custody. Fenerbahce midfielder Mert Hakan Yandaş is among those accused of placing bets on matches through a third party. The scandal erupted in late October, and the Turkish Football Federation recently revealed that over 150 referees, including those officiating in the Süper Lig, are suspected of involvement in betting on games.
Currently, 149 referees and over 1,000 players – including 27 from the top-flight league – are facing investigation and have had their activities suspended. The widespread nature of the allegations casts a shadow over the integrity of Turkish football as the season progresses.
Istanbul prosecutors are investigating Fenerbahce president Ali Koç amid a growing scandal that threatens to shake Turkish football. Koç voluntarily submitted hair and blood samples last week after being questioned regarding alleged narcotics distribution, but has vehemently denied any involvement with illegal drugs in a statement released Wednesday.
The probe, which began in early December, has already resulted in the detention of more than a dozen individuals, including prominent figures in Turkish media and entertainment. Authorities are investigating charges related to the production and trafficking of illegal substances, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
Separately, Fenerbahce is facing scrutiny in a massive match-fixing investigation that has already led to the arrest of nearly two dozen people. Midfielder Mert Hakan Yandaş is among those accused of illegally betting on matches through intermediaries. The Turkish Football Federation revealed in late October that over 150 referees, including officials in the Süper Lig, are under suspicion of betting on games.
As of now, 149 referees and more than 1,000 players – including 27 from the Turkish top flight – have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The sheer scale of the allegations raises serious concerns about the integrity of the league and could have significant repercussions for the remainder of the season.
