Seven Turkish Football Officials Referred for Arrest
The İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has referred seven football officials and administrators to court with a request for their arrest following an investigation into illegal betting and sports-related crimes. The suspects, including Central Referee Board (MHK) President Ferhat Gündoğdu, were processed at the İstanbul Police Department’s Financial Crimes Bureau before being transferred to the Çağlayan Courthouse. The seven suspects were detained on September 29.
Core Figures Facing Judicial Action
The individuals facing potential arrest include MHK President Ferhat Gündoğdu, TFF Active Referees Association President Ferdi Karadoruk, and former TFF MHK Vice President Ahmet Şahin. The list also includes former MHK member Yunus Yıldırım, TFF Education and 4th Region Coordinator Sebahattin Şahin, TFF Referees and Observers Association İstanbul Branch Organization Coordinator Alican Sağlar, and TFF Referees and Observers Association İstanbul Provincial Referee Board President Emre Kosif.
The investigation, managed by the Prosecutor’s Office for Illegal Betting and Sports Crimes, centers on allegations of “forgery of official documents,” “breach of trust,” and “unlawful acquisition of personal data.”
Investigators Recover Messages Requesting Referee Removal
Digital materials seized during the investigation have provided new details regarding the inner workings of the MHK. Investigators recovered WhatsApp correspondence allegedly between TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and Ferhat Gündoğdu. The messages show Hacıosmanoğlu requesting the removal of referee Özgür Yankaya from matches and VAR duties, stating, “We do not want this man.” The messages are evaluated as Hacıosmanoğlu conveying a request from Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan that Yankaya not be assigned to Trabzonspor matches or VAR duties. In response, Gündoğdu provided technical evaluations of two controversial plays, noting that one action was on the limit and correctly ignored by VAR, while another penalty claim was too simple, adding that Erman Toroğlu shared their view.
A recovered audio recording between Gündoğdu and FIFA assistant referee Kerem Ersoy was also detailed. In the recording, Gündoğdu warns the referee about his future, stating, “I am on the verge of ending your refereeing career,” and claims that the state is tracking the individuals involved. Gündoğdu further instructs Ersoy not to speak about the MHK, warning that his “attitude would be different” if the behavior continued. Gündoğdu alleged that Ersoy’s father, Fahir Ersoy, had contacted certain people, telling Ersoy, “You are doing something and making it obvious. Despite this, I continue to give you matches.” He further told Ersoy to either submit a petition to quit refereeing or “be a man.”
Financial Scrutiny Reveals Thousands of Transactions
Financial scrutiny by MASAK (Financial Crimes Investigation Board) has become a focal point of the proceedings. Investigators questioned Gündoğdu regarding 5,773 transactions between 2007 and 2026, totaling over 294 million TL. Gündoğdu stated that the high volume of cash movement was related to property acquisitions.
The scope of the investigation expanded to include other officials, such as Süper Lig referee Yasin Kol and assistant referee Göktuğ Hazar Erel. Yasin Kol was detained following a match in Trabzon. In his initial statement, Kol denied involvement in illegal betting, claiming the financial transfers in question were personal loans provided to acquaintances. Kol and Erel face charges of “misconduct in office,” “participation in the forgery of documents,” and violation of Law No. 7258.
Defense Arguments on Referee Classifications
During his testimony, Gündoğdu addressed the controversial 2022 decision to remove numerous referees and observers from their classifications. Gündoğdu maintained that the decision was a “collective” action approved by the TFF management and based on legal evaluations rather than personal animosity. He argued that the shifts in 2024 were driven by performance needs and organizational requirements. Gündoğdu denied acting with personal hostility or a desire for revenge. He also denied having authority or influence over TFFHGD referee exams.
Gündoğdu admitted to calling some referees before matches, claiming he did so to provide morale or learn about important agendas. This followed witness statements suggesting Gündoğdu knew who referees were meeting with or mentioned access to HTS records.
What Are the Primary Charges Against the Detained Officials?
What are the primary charges against the detained officials?
The suspects are being investigated for “forgery of official documents,” “breach of trust,” and “unlawful acquisition of personal data.” Additionally, other involved referees face allegations under the law regarding illegal betting and sports crimes.
How many people have been questioned in this investigation?
Authorities have taken the statements of 44 individuals, including various referees, MHK members, and observers, as part of the ongoing “referee file” inquiry.
What happened to the records at the referee association headquarters?
Police teams conducted a search at the Turkish Active Football Referees and Observers Association center in Üsküdar. During the operation, authorities seized 125 folders containing examination documents, income-expense records, and various association registrations.
Is it known why the investigation into the MHK began?
The investigation was initiated by the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office following allegations of “torture” and “forgery of official documents.” Authorities utilized open-source research, MASAK financial data, and witness testimonies to link the MHK leadership to potential criminal activity.
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