Turkish authorities arrest head of refereeing body amid investigation

Authorities in Türkiye have arrested the head of the country's football 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 Federa