ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The Turkish Football Federation has suspended 149 referees and assistant referees for their alleged involvement in a betting scandal involving professional soccer leagues.

The federation said Friday it had decided to impose sanctions of between eight to 12 months against the 149 officials, while investigations were continuing against another three.

“The reputation of Turkish soccer is built on the sanctity of the effort on the field and the unwavering integrity of justice. Any act that betrays these values is not merely a violation of the rules, but a breach of trust,” federation president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu said in a statement.

“Recent investigations have revealed that some referees were involved in betting activities in a manner completely incompatible with th

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