The repercussions of an investigation involving several officials within the Turkish refereeing system continue to develop, after the Turkish Football Federation announced an extraordinary meeting to discuss the latest developments.
The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, at the Riva Center, where officials will discuss the investigation being conducted by the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office through its unit responsible for combating illegal betting and sports-related crimes.
Emergency Meeting to Address Turkish Refereeing Investigation
The Turkish Football Federation is expected to review the latest developments during the extraordinary meeting, including the potential postponement of Turkish league matches amid the ongoing investigation.
The meeting follows judicial decisions involving several officials connected to the refereeing structure, while legal procedures remain ongoing against others.
Officials Ordered Arrested
A court ordered the arrest of several officials connected to the Turkish refereeing system, including:
- Ferhat Gündoğdu, head of the Central Refereeing Committee of the Turkish Football Federation.
- Emre Kosef, head of the Istanbul District Referees Board.
- Ferdi Karadürük, head of the Istanbul branch of the Active Referees Association.
- Yunus Yıldırım, former member of the Central Refereeing Committee.
- Alican Sağlar, organizational director of the Istanbul branch of the Referees and Observers Association.
The measures are part of the broader investigation being conducted by prosecutors in Istanbul.
Judicial Control Measures Against Former Officials
Meanwhile, Sabahattin Şahin, the federation’s Education Coordinator and Fourth Regional Coordinator, and former Central Refereeing Committee vice president Ahmet Şahin were placed under judicial control measures.
The measures reportedly include a travel ban preventing them from leaving the country, along with a requirement to report regularly to the authorities.
Investigation Continues Into Turkish Super League Referee
The investigation also remains ongoing involving Turkish Super League referee Yasin Kol and his assistant Göktoğ Hazar Erel, who were detained as part of the case.
The two officials remain subject to procedures at the Financial Crimes Unit of the Istanbul Police Department as the investigation continues.
Turkish Federation President Expected to Issue Statement
Turkish Football Federation president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu is preparing to issue his first statement regarding the developments after remaining silent for several days.
His statement is expected after Turkey completes its current international-break fixtures, with the national team scheduled to face Italy on October 5.
What Are the Allegations Under Investigation?
The allegations under investigation include alleged betting-related offenses, falsification of official documents, breach of trust and illegally obtaining personal data.
The investigation also includes allegations concerning interference in referee rankings, appointments, evaluations and promotion examinations.
The allegations remain subject to the ongoing legal process, and final determinations will depend on the decisions of the competent judicial authorities.
When will the Turkish Football Federation hold its emergency meeting?
The extraordinary meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, at the Riva Center.
Why is the Turkish Football Federation holding the meeting?
The federation will discuss the repercussions of the investigation involving several refereeing officials and the possibility of postponing Turkish league matches.
Which officials were ordered arrested?
The list includes Ferhat Gündoğdu, Emre Kosef, Ferdi Karadürük, Yunus Yıldırım and Alican Sağlar.
What measures were imposed on Sabahattin Şahin and Ahmet Şahin?
They were placed under judicial control measures that include a travel ban and regular reporting requirements.
What are the main allegations in the case?
The investigation involves allegations related to betting, falsifying official documents, breach of trust, illegally obtaining personal data, and alleged interference in referee rankings, appointments, evaluations and promotion tests.
