29.08.2024 20:30
A move has been made regarding the black market ticket allegations that have been occupying the agenda of Galatasaray for a long time and causing a crisis in the team. The president of the yellow-reds, Dursun Özbek, filed a criminal complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office for the investigation of the matter.
The waters are not calm at Galatasaray. A new move has been made regarding the ongoing black market ticket allegations from the yellow-red club. President Dursun Özbek filed a criminal complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the allegations of high-priced resale of Galatasaray Sports Club Football match tickets through the black market and the alleged benefits gained by Galatasaray Sports Club officials, employees, and third parties.
CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FILED
In a statement made by the yellow-red club, it was stated that "Our President Dursun Aydın Özbek applied to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office today at 14:30 and filed a criminal complaint for the investigation of the allegations regarding the resale of Galatasaray Sports Club Football match tickets through the black market and the alleged benefits gained by Galatasaray Sports Club officials, employees, and third parties."
WHAT ARE THE BLACK MARKET TICKET ALLEGATIONS?
The allegations of some individuals in the club selling black market tickets and the club and some individuals gaining unfair profits through this method were first mentioned by Hayri Kozak at the Galatasaray Divan Kurulu Meeting. Kozak did not name anyone, but claimed that some officials were involved in such an action and that the consequences would be very serious for the club. Following this speech, it was alleged on social media that a ticket operation amounting to 54 million euros was carried out. According to the allegations, two methods were used in the operation.
1. METHOD: TICKETS OF BIG MATCHES ARE SHOWN AS 'SOLD OUT' IMMEDIATELY
Especially in matches with high interest such as Champions League matches and Fenerbahçe derby, 10 thousand tickets put on sale by Galatasaray Club are shown as sold out as soon as they are put on sale through a special application. Then, the tickets purchased at the regular price are resold to the fans through the black market method at prices ranging up to 5 thousand euros. It is said that the Galatasaray fan group (UltrAslan) is also used for black market sales. It is estimated that an income of 54 million euros per year is obtained from the tickets sold through this method.
2. METHOD: SEASON TICKETS TRANSFERRED TO THE CLUB ARE SOLD ON THE BLACK MARKET
Season ticket holders transfer their rights for the matches they will not attend to the club. The club puts these season tickets on sale for a single match. 60% of the ticket price is given to the season ticket holder, and 40% goes to the club. According to the allegations, the tickets transferred to the club through this method are also sold on the black market. In this way, both the club and some officials and fan groups gain unfair profits.
ALI YÜCE'S RESIGNATION
Galatasaray Board Member Ali Yüce announced his resignation through a statement on his social media account, stating that the manner and timing of the official announcement made shortly before the Young Boys match forced him to make this decision. Ali Yüce's statement is as follows;
"Dear Galatasaray fans, as a member of the Galatasaray community, I have always considered serving Galatasaray as a duty and I have never had any expectations for a position. I accepted to join the board of directors at Galatasaray Sports Club upon the invitation of our President Mr. Dursun Özbek in the election held on May 25, 2024. Since the day we were elected, I have tried to fulfill all the responsibilities that fall upon me in line with the interests of Galatasaray. During my tenure, I have carefully followed the agenda and expectations of our community and made an effort to express them in Board of Directors meetings. However, I have come to a crossroads due to serious differences of opinion in the management approach and decision-making processes during the time I have shown this effort. Just hours before our Champions League play-off second leg match, which would bring great prestige and financial gain to our club, the manner and timing of the announcement shared from our official account forced me to make a decision. As of today, I have resigned from my position as a member of the Galatasaray Sports Club Board of Directors. As a fan, I will continue to support our club in all sports branches and be by the side of our club whenever needed. Galatasaray is not just a sports club for me; it is the name of an affiliation that I will proudly carry throughout my life. Regards, Ali Yüce"
STATEMENT THAT CAUSED THE RESIGNATION
Galatasaray made a remarkable statement before the critical Young Boys match regarding the 54 million euro black market ticket allegations that have been occupying the agenda for a while and allegedly led to an investigation. Here is Galatasaray's statement;
"From the moment we were elected with the trust of Galatasaray Sports Club members, we had only one goal: to fulfill this duty entrusted to us in the best possible way... At this point, we see that the criticisms directed at our board of directors and our colleagues we work together with have crossed the line and turned into unjust accusations and immoral slanders.
Starting with the lie of an ongoing investigation, followed by the slander that some of our board members were called to testify with this accusation, we invite the owners of these speculations to prove their claims as soon as possible; and if they cannot prove them, we declare that we will fight against them just like we fight against Galatasaray's enemies.
We will share all the actions we have taken and will take on this matter with the public tomorrow.
Before that, we will play one of the most important matches of this season for us and we will win!
Until then, FOCUS!"