14.08.2026 15:20
Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu announced that foreign VAR referees will officiate in the Super League in the 2026-2027 season. Haciosmanoglu also announced that the 'connected ball', goal-line technology, and the 'Advanced VAR' system will be used in the new season.
TFF President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, in a message published ahead of the 2026-2027 season, announced his goals for Turkish football and the innovations to be implemented in the Süper Lig.
Hacıosmanoğlu stated that the Süper Lig is the most valuable brand in Turkish football and said they aim to increase competitive quality and economic sustainability. The TFF President stated, "Our goal is to carry this value further with each passing day."
"WE WANT THE GAME ITSELF, NOT NON-FOOTBALL ELEMENTS, TO BE THE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION"
Emphasizing that protecting the credibility of Turkish football and the environment of fair competition is one of their fundamental responsibilities, Hacıosmanoğlu stated they will combat entities that threaten the integrity of football, particularly illegal betting.
Hacıosmanoğlu said, "Acting in cooperation with all relevant public institutions, we will not give any opportunity to attempts aimed at damaging the credibility of our football. We want to create a football climate where the game itself, not non-football elements, is the topic of discussion."
ERA OF THE "CONNECTED BALL" IN THE SÜPER LİG
Announcing that technology will be used more intensively in the new season, Hacıosmanoğlu announced that the connected ball technology, known as the "connected ball", will be implemented in the Süper Lig. Additionally, goal-line technology will be used, and the existing semi-automated offside system will be taken to a further level with the "Advanced VAR" system.
Hacıosmanoğlu stated that with these systems, they aim to speed up decision-making processes, prevent unnecessary time losses, minimize the margin of error, and increase the flow of the game.
ANTHONY TAYLOR WILL WORK FOR TURKISH REFEREEING
The TFF President also announced a notable appointment for the development of referees. Hacıosmanoğlu stated that world-renowned referee Anthony Taylor will serve as the Elite Referee Director of the Central Referee Board. Taylor, who has officiated in major European and world organizations, particularly the English Premier League, will use his knowledge and experience for the development of Turkish refereeing.
FOREIGN VAR REFEREES WILL SERVE
One of the most striking topics in Hacıosmanoğlu's statements was the foreign VAR application. The TFF will benefit from VAR referees appointed by UEFA and FIFA for high-level organizations, within the framework of the determined protocol, in the Süper Lig.
Hacıosmanoğlu stated, "In this process where we adapt to new technologies, we will contribute to the development of our own referees by transferring international knowledge and experience to Turkish refereeing; we will continue to evaluate every option that could benefit Turkish football, our clubs, and our competitions."
MESSAGE OF COOPERATION FOR SPORTS SECURITY
Also touching upon the Sports Security Evaluation Meeting held under the coordination of the Ministry of Interior, Hacıosmanoğlu stated that in the new season, they will act in cooperation with relevant institutions against actions that could overshadow the unifying power of sports, both on and off the field.
AGREEMENT WITH TRENDYOL EXTENDED BY 2 YEARS
Hacıosmanoğlu also announced that the cooperation with Trendyol, the name sponsor of the Süper Lig and 1st League, has been extended for another two years. The TFF President also stated that the TFF Fantasy League application has been launched before the new season, and with the application, they aim to bring millions of football fans together on the same platform.
Hacıosmanoğlu concluded his message with the wish that the 2026-2027 season would be one where Turkish football draws strength from unity, competition elevates quality, and the foundations for new successes are laid.