Match fixing puts Turkish soccer economy on hold


An investigation into match-fixing in Turkey’s national soccer league has cast a pall of uncertainty over the country’s $720 million a year soccer economy, Turkey’s Hurriyet newspaper reported.

Citing company executives, the paper said that companies including mobile-phone operator Avea Iletisim Hizmetleri AS, landline operator Turk Telekomunikasyon AS, sweets producer Ulker Biskuvi Sanayi AS and broadcaster Digiturk had put decisions on soccer-related investments and sponsorships on hold pending the outcome of the probe.

Istanbul’s major three clubs -- Fenerbahce, Galatasaray and Besiktas – had a combined total income last year of more than $370 million. Digiturk pays $420 million a year to broadcast league matches, Hurriyet said.

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