Istanbul police detained nine suspects before the Galatasaray-Barcelona match following an investigation into the illegal sale of tickets

Istanbul police detained nine people suspected of involvement in the illegal sale of tickets ahead of the match between Galatasaray and Barcelona, scheduled for Tuesday at RAMS Park in the Champions League. The investigation was launched amid huge interest in the game, with all stadium seats sold out.

The checks were coordinated by the Istanbul Police sports security unit and the city’s Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. After receiving information about tickets being sold outside authorized channels, investigators identified nine suspects and established their addresses. The subsequent operation ended with the detention of all those targeted.

Turkish authorities have not yet specified how many tickets were allegedly sold illegally, how much money was obtained, or what judicial measures will be taken. According to the Spanish publication Sport, some officially sold tickets reached approximately €1,500.

The match also has significant financial stakes for Galatasaray. The daily Milliyet estimates that the Istanbul side could collect around 250 million Turkish lira, approximately €5 million, from tickets and official merchandise. Barcelona, coached by Hansi Flick, is expected to face an intense atmosphere at RAMS Park.