Turkish authorities arrest head of soccer refereeing body and his deputy amid investigation

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish authorities have arrested the head of the country’s soccer refereeing body, his deputy and five other people amid efforts to “restore the public trust in football,” the country’s justice minister said on Tuesday.

Akın Gürlek said the investigation was based on “allegations of irregularity” such as “interference in referee classification, assignments, scoring, and appointment processes, as well as rule examinations.”

He didn’t offer more details.

Gürlek said the raids were conducted Tuesday morning in the suspects’ residences, workplaces, and offices.

“We will resolutely continue the fight for clean football to clarify allegations that undermine trust in Turkish football, ensure those responsible are held accountable before the law, and see football defined by the effort, struggle, and sportsmanship displayed on the pitch,” he said.

Last year, the Turkish Football Federation suspended 149 referees and assistant referees for their alleged involvement in a betting scandal involving professional soccer leagues.

In July, Turkish authorities detained 17 soccer club officials as part of a widening investigation into alleged illegal betting and match-fixing that has tainted Turkish soccer.

It is not immediately clear if Tuesday’s arrests are linked to to those scandals.

The country will co-host the men’s 2032 European Championship with Italy.