Turkey's match-fixing case continues in Istanbul
Ntvmsnbc.com
Fenerbahçe fans gather in front of the Çağlayan courthouse in Istanbul. DHA photo
Suspects in Turkey’s landmark match-fixing case are expected to present their defenses in an Istanbul courthouse today during ongoing hearings, broadcaster NTV reported on its website.Fenerbahçe Chairman Aziz Yıldırım was present at a hearing this morning as fans gathered outside the courthouse to show support. Yıldırım will present his defense tomorrow, which he claims will "shock Turkey."
Prosecutors allege that there are deep-rooted ties between the sport and mafia and that there were several attempts to manipulate games in the country’s top-flight football championship last year. The case is pivotal as it is the first time that officials from leading Turkish clubs are being tried.
Olgun Peker, the former chair of Giresunspor, was set to defend himself first in today's hearing.
