ANKARA: Turkey's state-run news agency says authorities have issued a warrant for the arrest of former soccer star and legislator Hakan Sukur over his links to a US-based Muslim cleric, accused by Turkey of masterminding last month's failed coup.

Anadolu Agency said the warrant was issued late on Thursday, accusing Sukur of "membership in an armed terror organization."

Turkey has launched a massive crackdown on alleged supporters of the movement led by Fethullah Gulen, detaining some 35,000 people and dismissing tens of thousands of others from government jobs. Gulen has denied involvement.

Sukur, who reportedly left Turkey last year, was a Turkey international who played for Inter Milan and Galatasaray. He was elected to parliament in 2011 but resigned from the ruling party following the government's rift with Gulen.