Match-fixing, Incentive Bonus and Illegal Betting Crimes in Turkey 2025: Penal and Administrative Sanctions within the Scope of Law No. 6222 and TFF Disciplinary Instructions
- Bosphorus Law Firm
- Nov 11
- 4 min read
Entrance
In Turkey, match-fixing , incentive bonuses , and illegal betting are considered legal and ethical violations that directly impact the credibility of sports, the integrity of competition, and the perception of justice in society. Therefore, they are subject to comprehensive sanctions under both criminal law and sports federation disciplinary law .
These crimes and violations not only affect the outcome on the field, but also:
Brand value of clubs,
Sponsorship and financial agreements,
Broadcasting revenues,
Fan trust,
It directly affects the overall stability of the sports economy.
This area poses a critical risk, especially for sports managers, football players, members of the technical staff, managers, referees, data analytics companies, betting companies, and third parties affiliated with betting organizations. The most frequently used types of evidence in investigations are:
Phone and message records
Social media and app correspondence
Bank and crypto asset movements
Intra-club information flow records
Match analysis reports
It should be noted that match-fixing or incitement need not be implemented; merely reaching an agreement is sufficient to constitute the crime.
⟡ General Overview: Match-fixing offences and disciplinary breaches are handled in the broadest possible context in order to maintain the trust in sport and may be subject to sanctions even at an early stage.
Match-Fixing and Incentive Bonus Crimes Under Law No. 6222
ARTICLE 11 of Law No. 6222 clearly criminalizes providing, offering or accepting benefits to influence the outcome of a match through match-fixing, incentive bonuses and illegal betting.
Basic Penalty:
1 to 3 years in prison
Judicial fine up to 20,000 days
If benefit is provided, penalties are increased.
Even Agreement Constitutes Crime
The fact that an agreement has been made to provide benefit is sufficient for the crime to be considered completed, even if no result is produced.
Everyone Who Participates in a Crime Is a Co-Perpetrator
The athlete, technical staff, manager, administrator or any third party is considered a joint perpetrator .
Enterprise Status
If the benefit is offered but not reciprocated:
The act is punished as an attempt .
Circumstances That Increase the Penalty
The penalty is increased by half in the following cases:
If the action was taken under the influence of the authority provided by public duty
If it was committed by the club president, manager, coach or agent
If it was committed within the scope of a criminal organization
If it was made for betting income
Incentive Bonus Discount
In case of an incentive bonus action taken to ensure that a team plays better, the penalty can be reduced by up to half.
Bonuses That Are Not Considered a Crime
National Team success bonuses
The performance bonuses given by the club to its own athletes are within the legal framework.
Administrative Penalty for Legal Entities
If it is committed in favor of the club:
Administrative fine equal to the match-fixing/incentive amount
The penalty cannot be less than 100,000 TL.
It is not possible to postpone the sentences.
In these crimes:
HAGB is not applicable.
The penalty cannot be suspended or converted into an alternative sanction.
Ban on Sports Activities
In case of conviction, the person cannot be a manager or official in clubs and federations.
⟡ Point to be Considered: Law No. 6222 aims to deter both the amount of the penalty and the "prohibition of postponement of the penalty".
Match-fixing and Incentives According to TFF Disciplinary Instructions
The TFF Disciplinary Directive operates independently of criminal cases. Acquittal in criminal court does not prevent the TFF from imposing sanctions.
Match-fixing and Incentive Action
It is forbidden to influence the outcome or process of the competition in a way that is against the law/sports ethics. Incentive bonuses are included in this scope.
Sanctions for Violation:
Persons who committed the act → Permanent deprivation of rights
Violation committed by a club manager → Club relegation to a lower league
Additionally, fines may apply.
Attempt
Persons → 1–3 years of deprivation of rights or ban
Penalty according to the severity of the violation, with a minimum of 12 points deduction for a serious violation.
From the Referees' Perspective
If carried out by the referee:
Permanent disenfranchisement is mandatory.
Notification Obligation
Anyone who learns of a match-fixing attempt must immediately report it to the TFF .
Prohibition on Use of Confidential Information
Using non-public information for personal gain is also subject to sanctions.
⟡ Highlight Note: The TFF's disciplinary mechanism is activated when suspicion exceeds a certain threshold ; it is independent of the criminal law standard of proof.
Betting Ban According to TFF Disciplinary Instructions
People covered by TFF:
Cannot bet on football matches
Cannot establish a conflict of interest with betting organizations
Violation Sanctions
Ban or deprivation of rights from 3 months to 1 year
Unlicensed betting advertising → Fine + -3 points deletion depending on league level
⟡ Short Conclusion: The betting ban covers not only “playing” but also advertising, sponsorship, intermediation and profiteering.
Legal Support Offered by Bosphorus Law Firm
Criminal investigation and prosecution defense
Representation of suspects, defendants, victims, clubs and managers
Conducting TFF Disciplinary and Arbitration processes
Review of MASAK and communication detection reports
Establishing match-fixing and betting compliance policies in clubs
⟡ Practical Evaluation: Since these processes require expertise in both criminal law and sports law, professional legal support is important.
Conclusion
Match-fixing, incentive bonuses, and illegal betting offenses and violations are subject to both severe criminal sanctions and sports disciplinary action in the Turkish legal system. Because investigations conducted in this area involve technical evidence analysis, having the process overseen by a specialist lawyer prevents loss of rights.
Communication
Legal Notice
This text is for general informational purposes only. Professional legal advice should be sought for specific disputes. Content may not be copied without permission.
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