Fenerbahce president accuses Galatasaray of match-fixing

Fenerbahce President Ali Koc has accused Galatasaray of match-fixing during the previous season, pointing to controversial refereeing decisions as evidence.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Koc referenced former Turkish football star Sergen Yalcin’s explosive claims about referee Abdulkadir Bitigen and alleged systemic bias in favor of Galatasaray.

Why it matters

Koc’s accusations not only target Galatasaray but also raise broader concerns about the transparency and integrity of refereeing in the Trendyol Super Lig. These remarks intensify long-standing rivalries and could lead to renewed scrutiny of football governance in Türkiye.

Details

Sergen Yalcin’s claims

• Koc highlighted comments made by Sergen Yalcin about a Galatasaray-Antalyaspor match when he was coaching Antalyaspor. Yalcin revealed his team lost 2-1 in a game where referee Abdulkadir Bitigen allegedly made controversial calls favoring Galatasaray.
• Yalcin said that weeks later, Bitigen officiated another Antalyaspor match and allegedly confessed: The referee told us, ‘We made up for the mistake we made during the Galatasaray game.’ How can such a thing happen? It’s shameful!”

Fenerbahce’s reaction

• Koc praised Yalcin for his honesty, describing him as “a straightforward, courageous man without ulterior motives.”
• He underscored the seriousness of Yalcin’s allegations: If what Sergen says is true, this should create a small earthquake in the football world. Who will investigate this? This is a case for the judiciary. This is match-fixing!”

Referee Abdulkadir Bitigen

• Koc criticized Bitigen’s controversial role in Galatasaray matches, claiming his decisions have consistently favored Galatasaray. He mentioned instances where Bitigen allegedly failed to call legitimate fouls or made dubious VAR interventions.

Broader context

• Systemic issues:
  • Koc linked these incidents to a history of alleged corruption in Turkish football, referencing the influence of the FETO organization and the lack of accountability in refereeing decisions.
  • He criticized Galatasaray for “dark dealings,” accusing their leadership of manipulating outcomes through behind-the-scenes tactics.

• Super Cup allegations:
  • Koc also raised suspicions about a meeting in Sanliurfa before a Super Cup match, where he claimed Galatasaray Chairman Dursun Ozbek strategized with the then-TFF president to influence the game.

Koc’s broader message

Koc emphasized the need for reform in Turkish football, citing a lack of courage, intent, and determination as obstacles to change.

He called for government intervention and systemic restructuring to restore fairness and trust in the game.

What’s next?

Galatasaray has not yet responded to Koc’s allegations, but these claims are likely to fuel further tension between the two rival clubs.

Ali Koc’s demand for judicial involvement could lead to calls for more oversight of refereeing and governance in the Super Lig.