Hamza Yerlikaya faces federation probe after stepping onto referee at wrestling event
On 25‑26 July 2026, the Minikler Turkey Wrestling Championship was held at Ankara Arena. After his son Cihan Yerlikaya lost his match, Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Hamza Yerlikaya left the spectators’ area, climbed onto the mat and walked over the referee, allegedly pulling the official by the arm in an attempt to remove him from the arena.
The Turkey Wrestling Federation (Türkiye Güreş Federasyonu) announced that it had opened an investigation into the incident. In its statement the federation stressed that any form of pressure, intimidation or disrespect toward referees is unacceptable, regardless of a person’s title, and that independent disciplinary procedures will be followed. It also reiterated its priority of ensuring a safe, fair and ethical environment for the young athletes competing.
MHP deputy chairman Eyyup Yıldız publicly defended Yerlikaya, calling the media coverage a one‑sided campaign and urging more responsible treatment of the former champion’s legacy.
Entities: Ankara Arena · Cihan Yerlikaya · Hamza Yerlikaya · Minikler Turkey Wrestling Championship · Minikler Turkey Youth Wrestling Championship · Turkey Wrestling Federation · Turkish Wrestling Federation
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The federation will follow independent judicial and disciplinary procedures and has recorded minutes from observers and referees. (Stated in the federation’s announcement.)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The federation said the referee was subject to verbal pressure and “unwanted incidents”. (Federation’s press release.)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Turkish Wrestling Federation launched a disciplinary investigation into Hamza Yerlikaya. (TGF announced an investigation after the incident.)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The incident occurred at the Minikler Turkey Youth Wrestling Championship in Ankara Arena on 25 July 2026. (All articles cite the event details.)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Hamza Yerlikaya entered the competition area, walked up to the referee and attempted to remove him from the venue. (Detailed accounts in each article.)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The federation declared that any inappropriate interference with officials is unacceptable, regardless of title. (Official statement quoted in articles.)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Cihan Yerlikaya, the son of Hamza Yerlikaya, lost his match at the championship. (Event description in articles.)