Ferhat Gundogdu, the president of Turkey's refereeing body, has been arrested as part of a police corruption investigation, along with six others. The investigation focuses on allegations of interference in referee classifications, assignments, scoring and appointment processes. This development underscores ongoing concerns about the integrity of Turkish football administration and officials' independence in match operations.

The arrests follow police searches of homes, workplaces and offices, with Turkey's justice minister pledging to hold those responsible accountable and restore trust in the sport. The investigation is distinct from a November 2025 betting scandal that resulted in 149 referees and assistant referees being suspended, with 29 people arrested including 14 footballers, though both cases reflect systemic concerns within Turkish football governance.