( CNN ) -- Turkish champions Fenerbahce have been withdrawn from the European Champions League group stage by the Turkish Football Federation ( TFF ) in relation to bribery and match fixing allegations . In July more than 30 people were arrested and jailed over claims that several football matches , as many as 19 , in the Turkish first and second divisions had been manipulated . The highest profile figure arrested in the scandal was Fenerbahce 's president Aziz Yildirim . Fenerbahce won last season 's title on goal difference from Trabzonspor . But as the arrests mount the TFF decided to withdraw Fenerbahce before UEFA , European football 's governing body , was forced to act on its behalf . `` Regarding the heavy disciplinary sanctions both Fenerbahce and the Turkish Football Federation ( TFF ) , which means Turkey might encounter , it is decided to ban Fenerbahce Sports Club from the UEFA Champions ' League this season , '' read a statement posted on the TFF 's official web site . The move took place 24 hours before Thursday 's group stage draw . European football 's governing body acted swiftly to end speculation over who will replace Fenerbahce by announcing that Trabzonspor , who finished second in the Turkish league last season , will take the final group stage berth . After a meeting of UEFA 's Emergency Committee on Wednesday evening it was also agreed that Spanish club Athletic Bilbao will no longer need to take part in a qualification match against Trabzonspor on Thursday and will go straight in to the Europa League instead . `` The panel considered that the Turkish Football Federation took the right decision to protect the game , fully in line with our zero-tolerance policy against match-fixing , '' said UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino in a statement posted on UEFA 's web site . `` The Turkish Football Federation has shown with this decision that it takes its full responsibility in the fight against corruption . ''
Turkish champions Fenerbahce withdrawn from the UEFA Champions League . The decision was taken by the Turkish Football Federation . Second place team Trabzonspor to take their place in tomorrow 's draw . The move is connected to Turkish match fixing allegations .