30.10.2025 11:05
A strong statement has been made by Kocaelispor regarding the top-tier referee Zorbay Küçük, who has been referred to the Professional Football Discipline Board. Kocaelispor stated that Küçük made serious mistakes during the Kocaelispor-Samsunspor match he officiated this season, and announced that they would request a replay of the match if he receives a penalty.
In the second week of the Trendyol Super League, the referral of referee Zorbay Küçük to the PFDK after the Kocaelispor–Samsunspor match played on August 16 has caused a significant stir on the Kocaelispor front. The spokesperson for the Gulf team, Kadir Genç, stated in his remarks that the referee's referral to discipline for "gambling" is a situation that could even affect the league standings.
"HE MADE VERY SERIOUS MISTAKES AGAINST US"
Kadir Genç stated, "It has been announced that referee Zorbay Küçük has been referred to the Turkish Football Federation Professional Football Discipline Board due to 'gambling' in today's disciplinary referrals. It is known that this referee officiated a Trendyol Super League match in which our club played this season and made very serious mistakes against our club, including not awarding a clear penalty despite the VAR referee's call," he said.
In the mentioned match, Kocaelispor was left with 10 players after Samet Yalçın received a red card in the 44th minute and lost the match 1-0.
"IF HE IS PUNISHED, WE WILL REQUEST A REMATCH"
Kocaelispor Spokesperson Genç, continuing his statement, emphasized the "presumption of innocence" and said they would wait for the final decision to be made by the TFF:
"According to the presumption of innocence, we will respect the right of the relevant person to defend themselves. However, if it is concluded by the TFF legal boards that he has engaged in gambling and a penalty is imposed, we will officially request the federation to repeat that match played this season."
"LEAGUE STANDINGS MAY CHANGE"
The Kocaelispor front argued that this decision could be a step that directly affects not only their own club but also the league standings. Club officials stated that this situation is an unprecedented case in Turkish football and demanded that the TFF conduct the process transparently.
THE INVESTIGATION OF ZORBAY KÜÇÜK CONTINUES
FIFA-licensed referee Zorbay Küçük was referred to the PFDK along with 152 referees on charges of "gambling." While the disciplinary process conducted by the TFF continues, it is reported that UEFA is closely monitoring this case and may initiate an independent investigation if necessary.