23.02.2026 09:20
Galatasaray's management is preparing to apply to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for foreign referees and VAR, which they previously opposed, following reactions to referee decisions; it is stated that the priority could be the derbies.
After the shocking 2-0 defeat against Konyaspor, the management of Galatasaray, which reacted to the referee's decisions, is taking action. It has been learned that the yellow-reds are preparing to apply to the Turkish Football Federation for a request for foreign referees and VAR, ignited by head coach Okan Buruk.
SANE'S GOAL SPARKED CONTROVERSY
The cancellation of Leroy Sane's goal during the away match against Konyaspor received a strong reaction from the yellow-red side. After the match, Okan Buruk responded to the question about foreign referees and VAR by saying, "Our club will make the necessary initiative."
The Galatasaray management believes that there is a difference between the referee performances in European matches and league matches, and they think there is no margin for error in the championship race.
DERBIES MAY TAKE PRIORITY
It is expected that the yellow-reds will officially apply to the TFF, which previously appointed foreign referees and VAR for some matches upon Fenerbahçe's request. If a negative response is received, there is an option on the table to narrow the request to only cover derby matches.
IT WAS ALSO ON THE AGENDA LAST SEASON
At the beginning of last season, Galatasaray's Secretary General Eray Yazgan requested the continuation of the foreign VAR application, but this request was not accepted. Later, the foreign VAR application was reactivated.
MESSAGE FROM TFF
The TFF responded to Galatasaray's statements made after the Konyaspor match on social media without naming names. The federation's post stating, "Football is not a foot game, it is a sport," was interpreted as a reference to the yellow-red club.