CYPRUS TALKS: WHAT NEXT?
Based on his experience as the British government’s Cyprus coordinator, Lord David Hannay once said: “No one has ever lost money betting against a Cyprus settlement.”
Analysis
In-Depth Analysis
Smart, independent reporting on Turkey's politics, economy and foreign affairs.
CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTATOR ARRESTED IN ILLEGAL BETTING PROBE SAYS INVESTIGATION IS 'CORRECT'
Pro-government television commentator Rasim Ozan Kütahyalı was remanded in custody on May 18 as part of a wide illegal betting and money laundering investigation led by the Adana Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
BETTING SCANDAL IN FOOTBALL INVOLVES PLAYERS
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has provisionally referred 1,024 footballers to the Professional Football Disciplinary Committee on grounds of betting and has published a list of their names.
REFEREES DENY BETTING ALLEGATIONS
The 152 soccer referees accused of betting on matches have denied doing so.
BETTING SCANDAL ROCKS TURKISH FOOTBALL
President of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu revealed that 371 of the 571 referees officiating in professional matches had betting accounts, and 152 of them were actively placing bets.
KUMAR
Kumar (Gambling, noun) derives from Arabic and is forbidden in Islam, as spelled out in Surah al-Maidah of the Quran, where gambling is condemned alongside wine and idolatry. The aim? To incite enmity, foster distraction, and veer Muslims away from prayer. Fast forward to modern-day, secular Turkey, where gambling has made headlines once more. This time, TV personality Mehmet Ali Erbil and pop singer Serdar Ortaç, notorious for their sketchy reputations, were busted for illegal betting. The outcome? House arrest—a promising move for Erbil, an alleged serial harasser.