17.06.2026 11:40
A video sent by TRT commentator Murat Ekrem Çimen, who was dismissed after mixing up teams for about 4 minutes during the Iran-New Zealand match, to a friend from Los Angeles Stadium before the match has emerged. The footage caused a wide reaction on social media.
The match played between Iran and New Zealand in the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to the agenda due to a commentator error during the TRT broadcast.
In the first minutes of the match, Iran's attacks were reported as New Zealand's, and New Zealand's attacks were reported as Iran's. The confusion lasting about 4 minutes drew criticism from football fans.
TRT later described the error as "unacceptable" in a statement and announced that commentator Murat Ekrem Çimen was withdrawn from the World Cup broadcast team in the USA as part of the review process.
VIDEO HE SENT BEFORE THE MATCH SURFACED
While the debates continued, a video Murat Ekrem Çimen sent to a friend before the match surfaced. In the footage taken from Los Angeles Stadium, the experienced commentator was seen saying, "Greetings to my brother Ahmet. Here are the images from Los Angeles Stadium. The match will start shortly."
HE HAD ALSO BEEN ON THE AGENDA BEFORE
Meanwhile, some images shared on social media brought back to the agenda moments when Murat Ekrem Çimen described a goal replay as if it were a new goal in a match from past years. After the confusion in the Iran-New Zealand match, it drew attention that these images were recirculated.
TRT MADE A HARSH STATEMENT
TRT stated in a statement after the incident that no practice contrary to broadcasting standards would be accepted and announced that the necessary administrative processes had been initiated. The institution also announced that Murat Ekrem Çimen would not take part in World Cup broadcasts.