17.06.2026 08:30
TRT announcer Murat Ekrem Çimen, who was removed from the World Cup broadcast team for mixing up the teams in the Iran-New Zealand match, was previously seen describing a goal replay as a new goal.
The broadcast error during the Iran-New Zealand match in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup caused a major uproar. On TRT 1, commentator Murat Ekrem Çimen initially described Iran's attacks as New Zealand's and New Zealand's attacks as Iran's during the early minutes of the match. The confusion, lasting about four minutes, did not escape the attention of football fans.
TRT REMOVED HIM FROM DUTY
Following the incident, TRT issued a written statement declaring the error "unacceptable." The institution announced that Murat Ekrem Çimen was withdrawn from the World Cup broadcast team in the USA and would not be involved in the tournament broadcasts.
OLD FOOTAGE BACK ON AGENDA
After the Iran-New Zealand match, a clip from the commentator's past broadcasts also resurfaced. In the footage, Murat Ekrem Çimen is seen describing a replay of a goal as if it were a live goal. The experienced commentator, mistaking the replay for live action, soon found his commentary being shared again among football fans.
CONSECUTIVE ERRORS DRAW ATTENTION
Mixing up the two teams and the revelation of his previous goal replay error increased debates in the sports community. The mistakes made by the experienced commentator, who has a nearly 30-year broadcasting history, drew even more attention in a high-level organization like the World Cup.
STRONG MESSAGE FROM TRT
In its statement, TRT stated that the situation was incompatible with the institution's broadcasting philosophy and noted that necessary administrative and inspection processes have been initiated. The institution also emphasized that broadcast standards would not be compromised in events followed by millions.