Soccer:Turkish soccer was left reeling today by the detention of almost 60 people, including the chairman of champions Fenerbahce, in a major match-fixing investigation. Police launched raids across Turkey yesterday morning, searching club premises and detaining first division club players and administrators in connection with the allegations.
Fenerbahc chairman Aziz Yildirim was among those taken away by police while other detainees included footballers, trainers, managers and board members from top clubs Sivasspor, Eskisehirspor and Genclerbirligi. Police also searched runner-up Trabzonspor's premises.
News channels reported that among matches being investigated were two Fenerbahce games, both of which they won against Eskisehirspor and Sivasspor last season.
The Turkish Football Federation said it closely monitored the developments regarding the wide-scale investigation, adding that necessary statements would be delivered once accurate information was obtained from relevant authorities.
Fenerbahce were crowned league champions last term, pipping Trabzonspor to the Super Lig title with a dramatic 4-3 win at Sivasspor on the final day.
