03.03.2026 19:35
An investigation is ongoing regarding the players' interference with the opponent's ability to score based on the scores of other matches being played simultaneously in the 1st Amateur League play-off matches that will determine the team to be promoted to the Super Amateur League in Kocaeli. Defenses have been obtained from all athletes of 4 teams via email, and defenses have also been requested from the managers in the investigation conducted by the TFF Ethics Committee.
Kocaeli 1st Amateur League Play-Off Group A matches, which started simultaneously, featured Tavşancılspor - Uzuntarla Belediyespor and Çerkeşlispor - Bekirpaşa Başaranspor. The matches, played in a single round-robin format, had significant moments in the final minutes that left a mark on the game, as the team finishing first in the group would secure a spot in the Super Amateur League.
PERMISSION TO SCORE AFTER RECEIVING A GOAL NEWS
While the teams played their own matches, they kept an eye on the score of the other match, allowing the opponent to score based on the news of the goals they received, which drew a lot of reactions.
DEFENSE REQUESTED FROM ATHLETES AND OFFICIALS
Following the images from Derince Artificial Turf Stadium, which caused a wide reaction in the sports community and initiated an ethical debate, the Kocaeli Football Provincial Representation referred the matches to the disciplinary board after the submission of referee and observer reports. The file related to the matches, which was transferred from the provincial representation to the Legal Consultancy of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), was sent to the Ethics Board to conduct the necessary investigation. After reviewing the existing reports and footage in the last week of January, the board requested additional reports and then sought defenses from all players in the squad via email. The club officials followed the defenses submitted by the players digitally. The Ethics Board, which received the defenses of all athletes and requested defenses from the officials, is expected to make a decision in March.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MATCHES?
Tavşancıl was leading 2-0 against Uzuntarla Belediyespor, while there was a 1-1 draw between Çerkeşli and Bekirpaşa Başaran on the other side. Tavşancıl's lead and Bekirpaşa Başaran's draw would promote Tavşancıl to the Super Amateur League, which would not be favorable for Başaran. Çerkeşli took the lead 2-1 with a goal in the 90+4th minute against Bekirpaşa Başaran, and this news quickly reached the match between Tavşancıl and Uzuntarla in Derince. Subsequently, Uzuntarla scored 3 goals between the 90+5th and 90+7th minutes, suddenly making the score 3-2. Uzuntarla's victory and Başaran's defeat were promoting Uzuntarla to the Super Amateur League. This score was also unfavorable for Çerkeşli. This time, Bekirpaşa Başaran found the equalizer at 90+8, making it 2-2. With this news reaching the other match, Tavşancılspor scored 2 consecutive goals to take a 4-3 lead, and the match ended that way. Since this score was not favorable for Bekirpaşa Başaran, Çerkeşlispor managed to score 3-2 in the 90+10th minute, and the match concluded with this score.
Following these results, Çerkeşlispor advanced from the group on the basis of the head-to-head record. The events that occurred in the final moments of the Tavşancılspor and Uzuntarla Belediyespor match were captured on camera. What marked the match was the teams allowing their opponents to score by leaving their goals unprotected according to the scores in the other match. The footage showed players standing still, goalkeepers lying on the ground due to injuries, turning their backs to the field, and allowing the ball to go into the net.