The Four-Day Crisis Between the Turkish Football Federation and the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office
Over the past four days, intense discussions have taken place between the TFF and the prosecutor's office regarding the detention of the Central Referee Board chairman and referees, VAR room allegations, and the referral of club executives to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board.
Developments unfolding consecutively over the last four days between the Turkish Football Federation and the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office have triggered a multifaceted process that has resonated widely within the football community.
The Beginning of the Detention Process
Within the scope of the Referees File investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Central Referee Board (MHK) Chairman Ferhat Gündoğdu and seven suspects were detained on September 29.
The Scope of the Allegations
As part of the investigation, allegations regarding interference in the establishment of referee classifications, appointment, scoring, assignment processes, and rule exams are being examined in detail.
Contradiction in VAR Room Statements
Immediately following the operation targeting Gündoğdu, official statements that contradicted each other regarding the inspection of the VAR room were reflected to the public by the two institutions.
Inspection at Riva Facilities
While the TFF announced that an inspection was carried out by police teams in the VAR room in Riva, the prosecutor's office denied this claim, stating that no such inspection had been conducted.
Referral of Executives to PFDK
The TFF referred 448 club executives, identified as having placed bets within the past five years, to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK) with precautionary measures under the Football Disciplinary Instruction.
Warning on Coordination with Judicial Authorities
Judicial sources stated that the TFF did not inform the prosecutor's office prior to this referral decision and that it had been previously warned regarding the establishment of coordination with judicial authorities.
New Detentions Targeting Referees
While inter-institutional debates continued, Süper Lig referee Yasin Kol and assistant referee Göktuğ Hazar Erel were detained on the night of October 1 as part of the investigation.