Dozens detained in Türkiye in connection with illegal betting

New arrests are underway in Türkiye in connection with a criminal investigation into illicit football betting, local media report.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has issued arrest warrants for 14 football players, among them former Galatasaray club administrator Erden Timur.

According to broadcaster TRT Haber, arrest warrants have been issued for a total of 29 suspects, 24 of whom have already been detained.

The Turkish Football Federation had previously suspended 149 professional referees for up to one year after discovering they held accounts used for betting on matches.

The scandal involves 571 active referees, 371 of whom are reported to have accounts with bookmakers. More than a thousand football players are also due to testify before the federation's disciplinary council.