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Turkey is facing one of the most explosive scandals in its footballing history, with more than 1,000 players, 149 referees and even a top-flight club chairman suspended amid a sweeping illegal betting investigation. What began as an audit has spiralled into a multi-layered crackdown touching coaches, commentators, club executives and foreign betting networks while exposing a deeper crisis in Turkish football and society.

• Gambling scandal jolts Turkish football

  What began as an internal probe by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has now morphed into a far-reaching crisis. The initial revelation that 149 referees and assistants were suspected of betting on matches was shocking enough, but the numbers kept growing until the scandal exploded into the public sphere. Authorities have already suspended 1,024 players from all domestic leagues, shuttered the second and third divisions for two weeks, and arrested eight individuals, including the chairman of a top-tier club. The shock escalated when it emerged that 27 players from the Super Lig which included footballers from giants like Galatasaray, Besiktas and Trabzonspor were among those named. With nearly every club in the top 10 pulled into the inquiry except Fenerbahce, the title race has been thrown into disarray.

  Istanbul Chief Prosecutor Akin Gurlek made it clear this was only the beginning. He said new operations could be launched at any time and openly acknowledged that coaches, club executives and even commentators may be pulled into the widening net. Turkish prosecutors are now working with UEFA, Interpol and foreign betting regulators in Montenegro, Cyprus and Georgia to track the international networks used to place illegal wagers.

  "Whoever was involved in cheating, we are chasing them. There will be club chairmen and club executives in the probes … There may be ties between chairmen and referees, coaches and commentators. We are investigating everything," said Gurlek.

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• AFP
  

  Audit finds 371 professional referees hold active betting accounts

  The magnitude of the scandal has left the country stunned. In Istanbul’s traditional hubs of football gossip fans admit they have been left speechless by the scale of wrongdoing. The TFF's own audit uncovered that 371 out of 571 professional referees held active betting accounts, including one official who had placed more than 18,000 wagers alone.

  Sociologists and commentators argue the crisis mirrors wider issues within Turkey. The scandal broke at a time when Turkey is already grappling with politically charged anti-corruption probes, and many citizens believe football is simply reflecting the country’s broader problems. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has insisted that the crackdown proves no one is untouchable under Turkish law, yet critics argue that suspicions and political tensions have clouded the investigation’s integrity.

  Meanwhile, pay levels and financial pressures, once assumed to be the cause, appear to be only part of the story. Some referees were even encouraged to join betting platforms linked to influential business groups, raising uncomfortable questions about oversight, conflicts of interest and how deeply embedded gambling culture had become within the sport.

• Players deny accusations as Turkish football comes under strain

  Several high-profile players, including national team defenders, denied ever betting and were later cleared. FIFA-certified referee Zorbay Kucuk filed a criminal complaint to assert his innocence, insisting he had never placed a single wager.

  Turkey’s refereeing community, already historically targeted by fans, coaches and club owners, now faces public distrust like never before. Past incidents, from physical attacks on referees to public accusations from managers like José Mourinho, have only amplified the sense that the entire officiating system is fragile and vulnerable.

  Turkey’s top clubs have publicly backed the crackdown, calling it a chance to “clean” the sport. Yet among supporters, scepticism runs deep. With Turkey ranked high on global organised crime indexes, many fear the investigation might end with a few high-profile arrests while the core problems remain untouched.

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• AFP
  

  Turkish federation's fight to rebuild trust on the global stage

  The scandal arrives at a time when Turkish football should have been enjoying renewed optimism. The national team’s Euro 2024 run, co-hosting duties for Euro 2032, and a surge of big-money transfers had created a sense of revival. Instead, the sport is now grappling with a crisis that threatens its integrity at the most fundamental level.

  The TFF has quietly asked FIFA for an emergency transfer window to help clubs cope with mass suspensions, signalling just how disruptive the fallout has been. Meanwhile, UEFA is monitoring the situation closely, wary of the integrity risks posed to European competitions. As the legal dust settles, the investigation could reshape Turkish football for years to come, determining which clubs face relegation, which officials receive lifetime bans, and which executives are prosecuted.

Celtic are currently searching for their next permanent head coach after they were rocked by the resignation of Brendan Rodgers last month.

The former Hoops boss decided to move on from Parkhead after a 3-1 defeat to Hearts that left his side eight points adrift of first place in the Scottish Premiership at the time.

As shown in the graphic above, the Northern Irish head coach enjoyed a largely successful second spell with the Glasgow giants, winning four trophies in two full seasons.

Martin O’Neill has been in interim charge of the Hoops since Rodgers moved on from Parkhead, and one manager who has been linked with the permanent role is Lee Carsley.

The latest on Lee Carsley to Celtic

It was recently reported that the Scottish giants are eyeing up the England U21 head coach as a potential replacement for Rodgers in the coming weeks.

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Celtic are said to be long-term admirers of the Irish tactician, who has won two U21 European Championship titles, and that he is one of the names under contention for the job.

However, it was also claimed that Carsley is not one of the frontrunners for the vacant position at this moment in time, which does not suggest that he is likely to arrive in Glasgow in the next few days.

The Hoops board, however, should push to bring the England U21 boss to Parkhead because he could unearth the club’s own version of Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer.

Celtic have their own Cole Palmer in the making

One of Carsley’s biggest selling points is that he has worked with and developed some of England’s finest talents. Per Transfermarkt, he has coached Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Conor Gallagher. Just to name a few.

Palmer delivered five goals and five assists in 17 matches as an attacking midfield player for the head coach at England U21 level, per Transfermarkt, and he has scored 45 goals in 101 games for Chelsea so far.

Celtic could unearth their own version of the England international in Arne Engels, who could take his game to the next level under Carsley, who was hailed as “refreshing” by midfielder Declan Rice

The England U21 manager typically plays a 4-2-3-1 system, per Transfermarkt, rather than a 4-3-3, which would allow the Belgium international to push on and play as a number ten, providing him with more opportunities to showcase his quality in the final third.

Engels, with ten goals and 13 assists in 52 matches, showed glimpses of his attacking quality in the 2024/25 campaign for Celtic, but he has yet to find the back of the net in the current campaign.

24/25 Premiership

Arne Engels

Percentile rank vs CMs

xG

10.05

Top 1%

Goals

9

Top 4%

Shots on target

19

Top 5%

xA

8.46

Top 1%

Assists

6

Top 7%

Chances created

57

Top 3%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the former Augsburg central midfielder excelled among his positional peers as an attacking force in the Scottish Premiership last season.

These statistics suggest that Engels can provide a regular threat at the top end of the pitch as an outstanding contributor, just as Palmer has for Chelsea, with 45 goals and 29 assists in 101 matches, per Transfermarkt.

Engels, who assisted the winning goal against Sturm Graz in the clip above, has the potential to thrive as a natural number ten in Carsley’s 4-2-3-1 set-up.

He is also a young player, aged 22, who has time ahead of him to develop and improve, which is the profile of player that the manager has been used to working with throughout his time with England’s U21s.

Related Better than Ange: Celtic reach out to hire "tactically unbeatable" manager

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Posts 2 ByMatt Dawson Nov 1, 2025

Therefore, appointing Carsley, who has shown that he can win trophies with England’s youth team, could help them to turn Engels into their own version of Cole Palmer in the number ten position, because of his attacking potential.

It wasn't just legendary MLB players getting immortalized on Sunday, as the latest class of Hall of Famers were introduced at Cooperstown. Sunday also marked a special occasion for the mascots of the sporting world.

San Francisco Giants beloved mascot Lou Seal was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame on Sunday, and he received some love and support from his fellow costumed friends from across MLB and other sports leagues. Multiple mascots turned up to Oracle Park for Sunday's game against the Mets, and they sat with Lou Seal in a wholesome moment as the stadium honored his Hall of Fame induction.

Among the notable mascots in attendance were Mr. Met, the Phillie Phanatic, S.J. Sharkie of the NHL's San Jose Sharks, and the Giants' anti-mascot, the Crazy Crab.

Have a look at the conglomerate of costumed friends congratulating Lou on his career achievement:

As for the ceremony itself, Oracle Park got to its feet and went wild for Lou Seal as they were treated to a standing ovation while taking the field, where the mascots and even their parents were waiting for them and dancing as music blared.

A truly momentous occasion at Oracle Park prior to first pitch of the game against the Mets.

علق مايكل أوين، أسطورة ليفربول السابق على تصريحات محمد صلاح الأخيرة بعد مباراة ليفربول وليدز يونايتد ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي.

وخرج صلاح مساء أمس بعد انتهاء المباراة وتحدث لوسائل الإعلام وفتح النار على الجميع وعلى رأسهم مدربه آرني سلوت، بسبب جلوسه على دكة البدلاء لثلاث مباريات متتالية، (للمطالعة على التفاصيل اضغط هنا).

كان ليفربول قد تعادل أمام ليدز يونايتد بثلاثة أهداف لمثلها بعدما كان الريدز متقدمًا بنتيجة 2/0 في المباراة وكل الأمور كانت تسير بشكل إيجابي.

ويتواجد ليفربول في المركز الثامن في جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ليبتعد الريدز تمامًا عن المراكز المتقدمة في المسابقة.

بعدما خرج محمد صلاح وتحدث لأول مرة عن وضعه مع آرني سلوت، انقلبت وسائل الإعلام العالمية وخاصةً الإنجليزية، كما علق الكثير من اللاعبين السابقين مثل أوين.

وكت أوين عبر صفحته الرسمية على موقع التواص الاجتماعي “إكس”: “أوه مو، أنا أتخيل شعورك، لقد حملت هذا الفريق طويلًا وفزت بكل شيء”.

وأكمل: “لكن هذه لعبة جماعية، ولا يمكنك ببساطة قول ما قُلته بشكل علني، ستشارك في كأس الأمم الإفريقية بعد أسبوع، بالتأكيد ستخفي مشاعرك وغضبك، استمتع بتمثيل بلدك، وسترى كيف ستكون الأمور عند عودتك؟”.

Oh @mosalah 🫣 I can imagine how you feel. You’ve carried this team for a long time and won everything there is to win. But this is a team game and you simply can’t publicly say what you’ve said. You’re going to afcon in a week. Surely you bite your lip, enjoy representing your… — Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) December 7, 2025

The San Francisco Giants are hiring Tennessee Volunteers baseball coach Tony Vitello as the franchise's new manager, according to a report from ESPN's Jeff Passan and Pete Thamel.

The 47-year-old Vitello is making history, as he is becoming the first coach to ever jump from the college level to MLB as a manager without any professional coaching experience.

The Giants confirmed the hire on Wednesday afternoon.

"We're thrilled to welcome Tony to the Giants family," Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey said. "Tony is one of the brightest, most innovative, and most respected coaches in college baseball today. Throughout our search, Tony's leadership, competitiveness, and commitment to developing players stood out. His ability to build strong, cohesive teams and his passion for the game align perfectly with the values of our organization. We look forward to the energy and direction he will bring, along with the memories to be made, as we focus on the future of Giants baseball."

It's an outside-the-box hire for Buster Posey and the Giants, who in hiring Vitello are getting an elite college baseball coach. Vitello's teams at Tennessee have made five NCAA regionals, four super regionals, and three College World Series appearances. The program finally broke through in 2024 when they captured the national championship over Texas A&M.

Vitello will finish his career at Tennessee with a 341-131 record in seven seasons.

He will replace veteran MLB manager Bob Melvin, who was fired last month after two seasons.

The visitors had collapsed from 96 for 0 to 125 for 5 in a chase of 175 in Harare

Andrew Fidel Fernando03-Sep-2025Kamindu Mendis’ 41 not out off 16 from No. 6 rescued Sri Lanka from a collapse, and catapulted them to victory in a game that seemed to be slipping away. Sri Lanka needed 46 runs off the last four overs, having slipped from 96 for no loss to 125 for 5.But Kamindu crashed four sixes and a four, the vast majority of those shots coming behind square on the leg side as Zimbabwe’s seamers got their lines wrong at the death. In the end, Sri Lanka cruised home with five balls remaining and four wickets in hand.Higher up the order, Pathum Nissanka struck his third half century of the tour to set the platform for this chase of 176. It was a competitive total given the conditions, with Brian Bennett’s 81 off 57 balls being the primary driver of Zimbabwe’s score.Aside from Richard Ngarava, who took 2 for 19, Zimbabwe’s seamers were expensive.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Tinotenda Maposa’s horror over

With three overs to go and Sri Lanka still needing 34, Zimbabwe needed a quiet over from Tinotenda Maposa, who had bowled well until that stage. Kamindu manufactured a boundary off a wide yorker by reverse-scooping him for four first ball. Then came the horror deliveries. The next one was a chest-high full toss at the body which Kamindu swatted over the deep fine boundary. Maposa followed up that no-ball with a leg-side wide, and finished the over with another leg-side full toss that Kamindu happily deposited over the deep square leg rope. That 18th over cost Zimbabwe 26 runs, and essentially decided the match.

Sri Lanka’s middle-overs wobble

Following Nissanka’s outstanding 55 off 32 in which he was typically strong square of the wicket, Sri Lanka went through a period in which they lost six wickets for 46 runs in seven overs, with several Zimbabwe bowlers striking through this spell. The opening stand of 96 had come rapidly however – Kusal Mendis and Nissanka having scored at more than nine an over. This gave Sri Lanka some cover to weather the collapse.

Bennett holds Zimbabwe together

Although his innings began with some lucky edges through deep third, Bennett powered Zimbabwe through an impressive powerplay in which they reaped 59 – Bennett contributing 32 off 17. The deep third area would continue to be productive for Bennett, who used the seamers’ pace well. He also reverse-swept the spinners behind square on the offside. He was involved in fifty partnerships with Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl, before Dushmantha Chameera took out Bennett’s stumps with the last ball of the 19th over.

Chameera takes three

The best of Sri Lanka’s bowlers was Chameera, who finished with figures of 3 for 30. He was effective both in the powerplay and the death, taking the first wicket, before later sending down a series of excellent yorkers. He was good at reading the batters too – twice batters attempted to spring to the offside to drag him to leg, but found that Chameera had sent a rapid yorker at the base of their stumps and rattled them.

Lionel Messi's Instagram picture of his surprise return to Barcelona has already garnered more likes on Instagram than Cristiano Ronaldo's Nations League celebration post. Messi tearfully bid farewell to Camp Nou in 2021 as Barca's crippling financial crisis left them unable to renew his contract, forcing their greatest ever player to walk away from the club he had called home since boyhood.

Messi returns to Barcelona in dead of night

After leaving Barcelona four years ago, Messi has since donned the colours of Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. However, the heart of the Argentine maestro never truly left the Blaugrana. Messi quietly returned on the hallowed turf of a revamped Camp Nou this week. While Argentina’s national team prepares for a friendly clash with Angola on November 14, Messi and Rodrigo De Paul made an unannounced detour, straight to Barcelona. He was granted private access to the newly renovated Camp Nou, now nearing completion after its extensive facelift. The last time Messi played there was May 16, 2021, in a La Liga match against Celta Vigo. 

AdvertisementMessi overtakes Ronaldo on Instagram

Messi posted a carousel of pictures on Instagram of his Barcelona return with a caption that read: "Last night I returned to a place I miss with my soul. A place where I was immensely happy, where you guys made me feel a thousand times the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to…💙❤️." 

The post has now racked up an astonishing 24.2 million likes at the time of writing, surpassing Ronaldo’s Nations League triumph post, which stands at 23.5 million. From Copa America to the World Cup, Messi has repeatedly shattered records. His 2022 World Cup victory post still reigns as the most-liked Instagram post ever, boasting over 74 million likes.  

However, Ronaldo holds the record for the most-liked comment on Instagram history. His cheeky reply to Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid announcement, reading “My turn to watch. Excited to see you light up the Bernabéu. #HalaMadrid”, has gathered over 5 million likes. 

Messi’s heartfelt words on returning home

Messi spoke to Spanish outlet revealing the depth of emotion he still feels for the Catalan capital.

"I really want to go back there, we miss Barcelona a lot," he said. "My wife and I, the kids, are constantly talking about Barcelona and the idea of moving back. We have our house there, everything, so that's what we want. I'm really looking forward to going back to the stadium when it's finished because since I left for Paris, I haven't been back to Camp Nou, and then they moved to Montjuic."

Messi still feels a lingering pain about his unceremonious Barcelona exit and got emotional again while turning back the pages. He said: "I was left with a strange feeling after leaving, because of how everything happened, because I ended up playing my last years without fans, because of the pandemic. After spending my whole life there, I didn't leave the way I imagined, the way I dreamed.

"I imagined, as I said, playing my whole career in Europe, in Barcelona, and then, yes, coming here like I did, because that was my plan, what I wanted. And well, the farewell was a bit strange too, because of the situation, because of everything. But well, I think the fans' affection will always be there, because of what I said, because of everything we've been through."

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Getty Images SportA proper Barca farewell awaits Messi

Though a comeback for Barcelona now seems impossible, Inter Miami’s co-owner, Jorge Mas, has promised to give Messi a fitting send-off in Catalonia.

"Messi's departure from Barcelona was not to his liking, he could not say goodbye to his club that welcomed him as a child, and I think the circumstances were not what Lionel wanted," he said. "I gave him my commitment that I will do everything possible in the coming years to give him the opportunity to say goodbye to his fans in Barcelona. Inter Miami will go or we will do some kind of match."

Messi’s contract extension with Inter Miami keeps him in Major League Soccer until 2028, taking him past his 40th birthday and is tipped to feature for Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, where the Albiceleste will be looking to defend their crown.

Landon Donovan offered a positive assessment of the United States men’s national team following its 2-1 win over Paraguay during the November 2025 friendlies, noting signs that the squad is beginning to form a clearer identity as it continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil. He commended the team’s continued progress under the current coaching staff, led by Mauricio Pochettino.

Getty Images SportGrowing cohesion and style

Donovan highlighted how each match has shown increased confidence and tactical clarity, noting that despite frequent lineup rotation, players are embracing clearly defined roles that contribute to a more recognizable on-field identity.

“Another excellent performance by the men’s national team,” Donovan said on social media. “Seems like the team is getting better and better, growing in confidence. The roles are clear, even though the players are changing a decent amount, but the roles are clear, and you’re starting to see a clear identity."

AdvertisementPochettino’s imprint taking shape

Donovan also highlighted how the squad’s mentality has evolved under Pochettino. He noted that with questions of attitude and commitment no longer overshadowing performances, the team is now showcasing a clearer tactical identity that reflects Pochettino’s style.

“Now that the fight piece, the pride to play for your national team is no longer a conversation, you’re actually starting to see this team play in a more distinct way that is very Pochettino,” Donovan explained.

Getty Images SportDonovan praises Reyna’s resurgence

Donovan pointed to Giovanni Reyna’s performance as a major positive, noting the midfielder’s first goal and assist for the national team since March 2024. He said Reyna’s 70-plus minutes – highlighted by sharper decision-making and increased confidence – reflect the level the team needs from him.

“That’s the Gio we need, that’s the Gio we want, and why he is so valuable to this team. So hopefully this is a stepping stone for Gio, hopefully he can do it again on Tuesday," Donovan said. 

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for the USMNT after the win

The USMNT will now face Uruguay in their final game of the 2025 international window on Nov. 18. 

After landing in the Bronx via a trade by the Cubs last winter, Cody Bellinger could be on the move for the second offseason in a row after he turned down a $25 million option from the Yankees to pursue a better deal. He should have a number of suitors.

In 2025, Bellinger slashed .272/.334/.489, with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. He had a solid wRC+ of 125 and produced 4.9 fWAR. It was arguably his best season since he was named NL MVP in 2019 as a member of the Dodgers.

Somehow, Bellinger is only 30 years old. He’s a two-time All-Star, has a World Series ring, is a good defender at all three outfield positions, and can play first base. Few players have the defensive versatility he boasts, while also providing pop at the plate.

Bellinger should receive a decent-sized contract this winter, and the following four teams could give it to him. For this exercise, we've ranked them from the weakest fit to the strongest, but all four teams are reasonable possibilities for the veteran free agent.

New York Mets

The Mets need to add to their offense and find another reliable outfielder. Bellinger fits perfectly. As noted, he provides solid defense at all three outfield spots and can play first if needed. New York’s center fielders ranked 27th in OPS (.598) during the 2025 season while slashing .210/.284/.314. An upgrade is sorely needed.

Additionally, Pete Alonso’s knockdown, drag-out free agency saga last season could have left some bruises and might lead both parties to walk away this winter. If that happens, the Mets will need to find a power bat. Bellinger has a career 144 wRC+ at Citi Field and would have no problem fitting in.

New York Yankees

Bellinger obviously fits back with the Yankees, but only if they aren’t totally sold on going full-time with youngsters Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones. Bellinger and Trent Grisham are free agents, as is Paul Goldschmidt. That’s 73 home runs New York has to replace. Bellinger was second on the team in WAR this season (5.1), and he at Yankee Stadium. In 80 home games in 2025, Bellinger slashed .302/.365/.544 with 18 home runs, 55 RBIs, and a wRC+ of 151. The Yankees know what he can do, and he might be a safer bet than going elsewhere in free agency.

Seattle Mariners

With Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez both off to free agency, the Mariners need to solidify their corner infield spots. Bellinger could step right in at first base and give Seattle a left-handed bat with some thump. He could also move to the outfield, as Seattle’s right fielders ranked 28th in OPS (.618) this season, slashing an anemic .222/.281/.337. Bellinger would be an immediate upgrade.

In 11 career games at T-Mobile Park, he is slashing .333/400/.600, with three home runs and a wRC+ of 173. The Mariners came painfully close to reaching their first World Series. If they want to get over the hump in 2026, they’re going to need to spend.

Cleveland Guardians

If Cleveland follows through with trading Steven Kwan, the team’s need for outfield help will be even more dire. Chase DeLauter made his debut in the postseason and should help things, but adding a veteran bat like Bellinger’s would give the lineup a boost. It’s worth noting, he has an .831 career OPS at Progressive Field, with a wRC+ of 109.

Guardians center fielders ranked dead last in OPS this season (.574), and slashed .199/.256/.318, and Bellinger is more than capable of improving on that.