Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek Accuses TFF of Bias, Vows to Fight for Justice
Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek has launched a scathing attack on the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following a controversial match against Konyaspor on February 22, 2026. Özbek alleges a biased refereeing decision cost his team a crucial goal and accuses the TFF of fostering an environment of unfairness. The dispute highlights growing tensions between one of Turkey’s most prominent clubs and the governing body of Turkish football.
Controversial Match and Galatasaray’s Outcry
The core of the dispute centers around a disallowed goal during Galatasaray’s 2-0 defeat to Konyaspor. Galatasaray officials claim the goal was legitimate, adhering to the offside rule, but was incorrectly overturned by the VAR official. Following the match, Galatasaray issued a strong statement, accusing the referee and VAR official of bias and questioning the integrity of the league. They even suggested the TFF might attempt to invalidate their potential championship win.
TFF’s Response and Özbek’s Rebuttal
The TFF responded with a single-sentence statement: “Football is not a game of feet, it is a sport.” This minimalist response ignited further outrage from Özbek, who viewed it as dismissive and disrespectful. He countered with a passionate speech at a GSYİAD iftar event, accusing the TFF of protecting certain teams and hindering Galatasaray’s success.
Allegations of a Biased VAR Official
Özbek made a startling claim that the VAR official assigned to the Konyaspor match had not officiated a Super Lig game in four months. He suggested this was evidence of a deliberate attempt to use a less experienced official, potentially predisposed to making unfavorable decisions against Galatasaray. He characterized the current MHK (Central Referee Committee) as being “in a hopeless state.”
A Pattern of Perceived Injustice
Özbek emphasized that this incident is not isolated, stating that Galatasaray has faced similar challenges in recent years. He asserted that the club will continue to fight for fairness and will not allow anyone to undermine their achievements. He confidently predicted Galatasaray would win the league title this season, despite the perceived obstacles.
Galatasaray’s Stance: Justice, Not Privilege
Özbek made it clear that Galatasaray is not seeking special treatment or privileges. Instead, he demanded equal application of the rules for all teams. He vowed to take “necessary actions” to address the situation, leaving the specifics of those actions undisclosed. He also stated that the TFF must either stand with Galatasaray or be seen as complicit in the alleged unfair practices.
The Broader Implications for Turkish Football
This dispute raises serious questions about the impartiality and transparency of refereeing decisions in Turkish football. The accusations leveled by Özbek, if substantiated, could erode public trust in the league and damage its reputation. The situation underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight of the TFF and the MHK.
FAQ
Q: What specifically is Galatasaray accusing the TFF of?
A: Galatasaray accuses the TFF of bias in refereeing decisions, specifically citing a disallowed goal in their match against Konyaspor and alleging the use of a biased VAR official.
Q: What was the TFF’s response to Galatasaray’s accusations?
A: The TFF responded with a single-sentence statement: “Football is not a game of feet, it is a sport.”
Q: What is Dursun Özbek’s position as Galatasaray president?
A: Dursun Özbek is the current president of Galatasaray and has been vocal in defending the club’s interests and demanding fairness in the league.
Pro Tip
Stay updated on Turkish football news through reliable sources like Hurriyet and Haberler to understand the evolving dynamics between clubs and the TFF.
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