Footballer Mert Hakan Yandaş, who has been detained since December 9, 2025, appeared before a judge for the first time. Yandaş's participation in the proceedings was ensured within the framework of the court session.
Redaksiya reports that to observe the hearing, Fenerbahçe president Saadettin Saran, his predecessor Ali Koç, and a large number of footballers, in addition to the club management, were present in the building where the court session was held, for support. Mert Hakan Yandaş, making his defense statement, denied the accusations, saying, “I did not bet, nor did I make anyone else bet.” The other accused person, Ersen Dikmen, stated that he never received any information from Mert Hakan Yandaş while placing bets.
The court decided to release Mert Hakan Yandaş and postponed the hearing in connection with this. The indictment alleged a significant money flow between Yandaş and Ersen Dikmen, and that Dikmen used that money for betting. Furthermore, a prison sentence of up to 17 years was requested for Yandaş.