Slavko Vincic to officiate Fenerbahce-Galatasaray derby: Turkish football federation

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate the upcoming Fenerbahce-Galatasaray derby.

As the Turkish Football League is filled with major referee mistakes, TFF aims to incorporate foreign referees into the Turkish Super Lig, aiming to enhance the credibility of officiating, especially in high-stakes matches.

Vincic has been an international referee listed by FIFA since 2010. His experience includes officiating in major European tournaments and domestic leagues, establishing him as a respected figure in international football refereeing.

Why Fenerbahce-Galatasaray derby is important?

The Fenerbahce-Galatasaray derby is one of the most intense rivalries in world football, representing the deep-rooted competition between two of Türkiye’s most successful and popular clubs.

The rivalry is getting more intense this year as Fenerbahce’s President Ali Koc accuses Galatasaray of match-fixing in crucial games. This also created immense pressure on TFF ahead of the crucial Fenerbahce-Galatasaray derby.

What has Slavko Vincic done in his career?

Slavko Vincic’s notable assignments feature his role as an additional assistant referee during UEFA Euro 2012 and as the main referee in UEFA Euro 2020, where he officiated two group stage matches and a quarterfinal.

In 2022, he refereed the UEFA Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers. Most recently, in 2024, he was selected to oversee the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

The TFF’s decision to appoint a foreign referee for the Fenerbahce-Galatasaray derby is part of a broader strategy to address ongoing controversies and allegations of bias in domestic officiating.

By introducing experienced international referees like Slavko Vincic, the federation aims to restore trust and ensure impartiality in critical matches.

This move follows previous initiatives, such as the inclusion of foreign Video Assistant Referees (VAR) in key Super Lig games, to enhance the transparency and professionalism of Turkish football.

Controversy over Slavko Vincic’s appointment resurfaces past legal troubles and UEFA ties

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic’s appointment to officiate the high-stakes Fenerbahce-Galatasaray derby has reignited debates due to his controversial past.

• In 2020, Vincic was detained during a police raid in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where authorities uncovered an alleged prostitution and drug trafficking operation
• The raid resulted in the arrest of 26 men and nine women, with Slavko Vincic among those taken into custody
• While the referee maintained his innocence, claiming he was merely in the wrong place at the wrong time for a business meeting, reports suggest that UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, a fellow Slovenian, played a role in ensuring his release and having the case dismissed

His appointment has sparked criticism from both clubs’ supporters, with some questioning whether his presence will truly guarantee fairness.

• Given the ongoing tensions in Turkish football—exacerbated by allegations of match-fixing and claims of biased officiating—many believe the TFF’s move to assign a foreign referee was meant to reduce controversy
• However, Vincic’s history has instead fueled skepticism, with fans and analysts debating whether his past affiliations and unresolved allegations might overshadow the integrity of the match.

The Istanbul derby, a fixture of significant importance and intense rivalry, has historically been marred by disputes over refereeing decisions.

As some comment that the TFF’s approach in assigning a seasoned international referee is seen as a commitment to fair play and the integrity of the sport, some commentators—condemn the fact that the Turkish league has to incorporate foreign officials to maintain trust in the sport.