Central Referee Board investigation leads to detention of MHK President

Central Referee Board Turkish football scandal Ferhat Gündoğdu illegal betting investigation referee corruption

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting a major investigation into the Central Referee Board (MHK) regarding illegal betting and sports crimes. The probe has led to the detention of MHK President Ferhat Gündoğdu and several other suspects.

Digital evidence recovered from Gündoğdu includes a voice recording of a conversation with FIFA assistant referee Kerem Ersoy. In the recording, Gündoğdu is heard using threatening language, telling Ersoy, 'I am giving you a last chance' and 'Either submit your resignation, quit refereeing, or be a man.' The dialogue also touches on Ersoy's father and potential consequences for his career.

Testimonies from various referees and observers have surfaced as part of the investigation. Former referee Ali Tuna testified regarding alleged irregularities and potential document tampering during rule exams. Other witnesses, including Süleyman Abay, Taner Gizlenci, and Emre Altun, provided statements alleging that referee classifications and assignments were manipulated based on past matches or personal affiliations rather than sporting performance. A total of 54 individuals have been questioned as witnesses or complainants in the ongoing case.

Entities

Ali Tuna · Central Referee Board · Ferhat Gündoğdu · Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office · Kerem Ersoy · Turkish Football Federation

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Former referee Ali Tuna testified to the prosecutor regarding alleged irregularities in exam documents. www.kentgazetesi.com
[● 15 SOURCES] The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office is conducting an investigation into the Central Referee Board (MHK) regarding illegal betting and sports crimes. www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.kentgazetesi.com · www.konhaber.com · www.cumhuriyet.com.tr · spor.haber7.com · +9 more
[● 7 SOURCES] In the recording, Gündoğdu told Ersoy, 'I am giving you a last chance.' www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.konhaber.com · www.f5haber.com · onedio.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Gündoğdu stated in the recording that 'the state is following' certain communications and individuals. onedio.com
[● 9 SOURCES] MHK President Ferhat Gündoğdu has been taken into custody as part of the investigation. www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.kentgazetesi.com · www.sozcu.com.tr · www.konhaber.com · ajansspor.com · +2 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Gündoğdu told Ersoy to either submit his resignation, quit refereeing, or 'be a man.' www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.konhaber.com · www.f5haber.com · onedio.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ali Tuna alleged that he was subjected to mobbing and hostility by MHK members. www.kentgazetesi.com
[● 8 SOURCES] A voice recording was discovered on Ferhat Gündoğdu's digital materials involving FIFA assistant referee Kerem Ersoy. www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.konhaber.com · onedio.com · www.f5haber.com