Dramatic Theft Investigation Follows Turkey-Spain World Cup Qualifier

Turkey’s World Cup qualifying match against Spain ended in a dramatic fashion both on and off the pitch. The Turkish football federation reported that high-value jewelry went missing from their dressing room at La Cartuja Stadium. According to the initial complaint, a watch valued at approximately €200,000 and two rings, each estimated at over €60,000, were discovered missing shortly after the match concluded.

The Turkish delegation became aware of the items’ absence while preparing to leave the dressing room following the 2-2 draw. Stadium personnel indicated they received a routine notice indicating that “the Turkish team had left something behind in the locker room,” which initially seemed to be a common oversight. However, upon further inspection, it became evident that the belongings were not simply forgotten, but potentially stolen, leading to an immediate formal report.

Reports from Marca revealed that police initiated a criminal investigation within hours, treating the incident as a suspected theft in a restricted-access area. The timing of the disappearance and the high value of the items heightened scrutiny surrounding the stadium’s security measures during international events.

Authorities later confirmed that the stolen items had been located and returned to Turkish officials. However, the case had already escalated into a criminal inquiry involving multiple police units. The recovered items alleviated initial concerns about them being removed from the site or trafficked, yet the investigation remained focused on establishing the complete sequence of events.

Spanish authorities announced that “the investigation is ongoing. Efforts are being made to determine exactly how the theft occurred and who is responsible.” This statement highlighted that the recovery of the items did not eliminate the possibility of internal involvement, particularly given that La Cartuja’s dressing rooms are typically accessed only by players, staff, security personnel, and authorized stadium employees.

At least one arrest has been made, and police are assessing whether the individual had legitimate access to the stadium at the time of the incident. Investigators aim to ascertain whether the detainee is a stadium employee or someone who entered the restricted area without authorization, a distinction that could affect the potential legal consequences associated with the case.

While the recovery of the stolen items has eased immediate concerns, both national federations are awaiting the formal outcomes of the ongoing police investigation. Stadium officials at La Cartuja are expected to conduct an internal security audit, particularly regarding locker-room access and surveillance capabilities during significant international matches.

With at least one arrest confirmed and the likelihood of additional arrests, Spanish authorities will continue to explore whether the incident was opportunistic or part of a coordinated effort to target high-value possessions. Further updates are anticipated once forensic analysis and reviews of security footage are completed.

This alleged theft cast a shadow over what had been an exhilarating night of football. Spain secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a tense 2-2 draw against a determined Turkey side, finishing atop Group E despite being pushed to the brink.

Dani Olmo opened the scoring in the fourth minute after excellent wing play from Marc Cucurella, but Turkey’s Deniz Gul equalized in the 42nd minute, puncturing Spain’s previously perfect defensive record in qualifying. Turkey then stunned the home crowd when Salih Özcan put them ahead 2-1 in the 55th minute with a precise low strike following an intricate build-up.

This result extended Spain’s unbeaten streak in qualifiers to 31 matches, maintaining their World Cup qualification streak that dates back to 1978. Meanwhile, Turkey settled for a playoff position, having required an improbable seven-goal margin to secure the top spot in the group.