30.10.2025 15:11
The President of the Turkish Football Federation, İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, made a new statement regarding the referees referred to the PFDK due to the betting scandal. In the statement published on the federation's official website, it was stated, "Refereeing is a profession of honor. Whoever tarnishes this honor, regardless of who is behind them, that person will not have a place in Turkish football again."
The President of the Turkish Football Federation, İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, made a new statement regarding the referees who were referred to the PFDK due to the betting scandal.
In the statement published on the federation's official website, it was stated, "Refereeing is a profession of honor. Whoever tarnishes this honor, regardless of who is behind them, that person will no longer have a place in Turkish football."
Here are Hacıosmanoğlu's words:
"IT IS A TRUST ISSUE"
"Since the day we took office as the Board of Directors of the Turkish Football Federation, we have repeatedly expressed that we have shown a fair, transparent, and determined attitude in every area of Turkish football. We have never compromised on this understanding, nor will we. The reputation of Turkish football is built on the sanctity of the effort on the field and the inviolability of justice. Every action that betrays these values is not just a violation of rules but a trust issue.
"AN ABUSE THAT POISONS JUSTICE"
Recent investigations have revealed findings that some referees have been involved in betting activities that are completely incompatible with the spirit of football. This situation is not just a violation; it is an abuse that wounds consciences and poisons justice.
"THAT PERSON WILL NO LONGER HAVE A PLACE IN TURKISH FOOTBALL"
As the President of the Turkish Football Federation, I clearly state: The sacred lines of football are not a playground for anyone's interests! Refereeing is a profession of honor. Whoever tarnishes this honor, regardless of who is behind them, that person will no longer have a place in Turkish football.
Our Federation's Ethics Committee and Disciplinary Committee are investigating the matter in all its details. All football stakeholders who receive disciplinary penalties due to betting, regardless of their level, will be subject to sanctions as stipulated by the relevant regulations.
"WE WILL PROVIDE ALL KINDS OF SUPPORT"
Our fight against legal and illegal betting, in which sports stakeholders are involved, will continue without hesitation. In this context, I want it to be known that we will provide all kinds of support to the investigations carried out by the Chief Public Prosecutor's Offices as the Turkish Football Federation.
"WE WILL NOT TAKE A STEP BACK"
No one can tarnish the clean face of Turkish football, and we will not allow it! This is a reckoning: It is a struggle for a clean future with justice and conscience. We will never take a step back from this struggle.
We are also closely following the statements from our football stakeholders. We regret to see that some are evaluating the problems in the refereeing community as an opportunity to gain advantages for themselves or their communities. Let it be known that we will not remain silent against those who want to turn our struggle for a clean football world into a reckoning based on interests.
"CONSIDER IT A TURNING POINT"
No one has the right or authority to undermine this struggle while we aim to provide our society with a clean football system.
Furthermore, we would like to emphasize that we will continue to manage our current leagues with our referee brothers who serve with honor and represent justice with their efforts. We expect all members of our football family to support these referee brothers and join our fight for clean football. We stand firmly behind our referee brothers who perform their duties with dignity. None of us will find peace until we cleanse Turkish football from suspicion, dirty relationships, and webs of interests. Consider this statement not as a warning but as a turning point.
In order to elevate Turkish football to the level that we all long for and deserve, we expect the unity, solidarity, and determined support of our entire football community; we aim to build a stronger, fairer, and cleaner future for football together."