Super Lig Investigation and Legal Evaluations
Following the Central Referee Board operation, the future of the Super Lig and the legal process were discussed in detail by sports lawyer Fatih Şaşıoğlu.
As the deepening investigation continues in the Super Lig with the detention of MHK President Ferhat Gündoğdu and certain referees, sports lawyer Fatih Şaşıoğlu made important statements regarding the possibility of postponing the league and potential legal sanctions.
Investigation Process and Detentions
Central Referee Board President Ferhat Gündoğdu and six suspects were detained and referred to the courthouse within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, and the statement-taking process was initiated against them.
Referee Yasin Kol, who officiated the friendly match between Trabzonspor and Drogheda United, along with assistant referee Göktuğ Hazar Erel, were detained on charges of violating Law No. 7258, forgery of official documents, and abuse of office.
Statements and Correspondence
While detained referee Yasin Kol defended himself by stating that he did not gamble and only transferred money to individuals asking for loans, correspondence emerged in the investigation file indicating that irregular referee appointments were made.
In the correspondence reportedly exchanged between Ferhat Gündoğdu and Yasin Kol, appointment evaluations involving the names Ali Şansalan, Mehmet Salih Mazlum, and Sarper Barış Saka were identified.
Status of League Postponement
Sports Lawyer Fatih Şaşıoğlu stated that postponing the league might be appropriate in terms of public conscience, but there is no rule in current legal regulations that makes this mandatory.
It was pointed out that a vacancy in bodies is not included as a ground for postponement in the TFF Football Competition Instruction, and therefore the Turkish Football Federation Board of Directors must manage the process with new appointments.
Foreign Referees and International Institutions
Fatih Şaşıoğlu emphasized that there are no legal obstacles to appointing a foreign Central Referee Board president or foreign referees.
Stating that UEFA or FIFA are not expected to directly intervene, the expert recalled that in similar past incidents, international institutions only offered recommendations.
Past Matches and Registration Status
As a result of the ongoing investigation and developments, it is anticipated that potential cancellations of registrations regarding matches played in the past will not reflect on the standings or the championship.