Galatasaray faces Basaksehir amid referee controversies, match-fixing allegations

Galatasaray, still unbeaten in the Super Lig this season, will face Istanbul Basaksehir in an eagerly anticipated clash at Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. (UTC+3), officiated by referee Atilla Karaoglan. The match comes amid ongoing controversy regarding referee decisions, especially following accusations from Fenerbahce President Ali Koc.

What happened

Galatasaray enters the match with an impressive record of 15 wins and 2 draws from their first 17 Super Lig games, remaining unbeaten at the top of the table with 47 points. Istanbul Basaksehir, currently in 7th place with 26 points, will be hoping to challenge the league leaders.

While Galatasaray’s performance has been exceptional, maintaining an unbeaten streak across 18 matches in Super Lig, it has not come without controversy. Recently, Fenerbahce President Ali Koc accused Galatasaray of match-fixing during the previous season, claiming referee bias in favor of the club.

Why it matters

The ongoing referee controversies, particularly the allegations of match-fixing, have brought significant attention to the integrity of the Super Lig. Koc’s accusations, which were raised in a press conference on Wednesday, are tied to controversial officiating decisions that allegedly favored Galatasaray during several matches. These claims have sparked a broader debate about the transparency of refereeing in Turkish football.

In the lead-up to the Basaksehir match, Galatasaray’s players are focused on extending their unbeaten run while also facing the pressure of the match-fixing accusations looming over the league. This match represents more than just a fight for points; it’s a challenge to maintain both their sporting dominance and the integrity of their achievements.

Details

Galatasaray’s unbeaten streak

Galatasaray remains unbeaten in their last 22 matches across the Super Lig, Turkish Cup, and UEFA Europa League, setting a formidable record. The team is also the only one in Europe’s top 10 leagues to not lose a match away from home this season.

• Referee controversies: Fenerbahce’s Ali Koc has accused Galatasaray of match-fixing, referencing former Turkish football legend Sergen Yalcin’s explosive claims about referee Abdulkadir Bitigen. Yalcin, during his time coaching Antalyaspor, alleged that Bitigen had made controversial decisions in favor of Galatasaray. Koc described these allegations as “shameful” and called for a judicial investigation.

Basaksehir’s form

Istanbul Basaksehir has had a mixed season, with 7 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses. They will need to improve on recent performances if they hope to upset the league leaders, Galatasaray.

Zoom in

Koc’s comments, which also touched on the broader issues of referee influence and alleged systemic corruption in Turkish football, have intensified the rivalry between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.

With these accusations, the scrutiny of refereeing decisions has reached new heights as the Turkish football community debates the fairness of officiating in the Super Lig.

Galatasaray’s Okan Buruk will also be watching his players closely, with three key players—Baris Alper Yilmaz, Fernando Muslera, and Abdulkerim Bardakci—on a yellow card suspension watch, meaning they could miss the crucial match against Atakas Hatayspor if booked in this match.

Zoom out

The broader context of these controversies is a growing call for reform in Turkish football. Koc has repeatedly called for transparency in officiating and the restructuring of the governance within the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).

His remarks and the mounting tension could lead to calls for more oversight in the Super Lig and potentially influence how future games are officiated.

As Galatasaray prepares for their crucial clash against Basaksehir, the unbeaten side must navigate both the pressures of maintaining their incredible form and the external controversies threatening to overshadow their success.