Galatasaray-Fenerbahce derby: Vincic’s appointment as referee under scrutiny
Referee Slavko Vinčić during Bayern Munich v Lazio in the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League (UEFA)
The season’s most critical derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce has sparked controversy even before the match kicks off, following the appointment of a foreign referee.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced that Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will officiate the match at Rams Park. This decision has led to differing opinions from both clubs.
Vincic’s impressive international credentials
The TFF had previously announced that a foreign referee would be appointed for this derby. Turkish media reported that the referee in question would be Slovenian Slavko Vincic, the home country of UEFA President Alexander Ceferin. Following this, it was revealed that Vincic had officiated the recent UEFA Champions League match between PSV and Juventus, where PSV triumphed 3-1 to advance to the next round.
Vincic has become one of UEFA’s most prominent referees in recent years. His career includes officiating at the 2021-22 Europa League final, the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League final, and the semi-final of the 2024 European Championship. Additionally, he has refereed Galatasaray’s 0-0 draw against Club Brugge in the 2019-2020 UEFA Champions League and Fenerbahce’s 1-1 draw with Benfica in the 2018-2019 Champions League qualifiers.
Galatasaray challenges decision, sends invitation to UEFA President
Galatasaray, opposing the appointment of a foreign referee for the derby, has filed an appeal with the Turkish Football Dispute Resolution Committee to annul the decision.
Galatasaray argues that Turkish referees should have been appointed for the domestic derby, emphasizing that appointing a foreign official damages the brand value of Turkish football.
In addition to their legal appeal, Galatasaray’s management also sent an invitation letter to UEFA President Ceferin, urging him to witness the derby in person and observe the ongoing situation.
The letter read, “We invite you to the derby to witness what has transpired.”
On the other hand, Fenerbahçe supports the decision to appoint a foreign referee, believing it ensures a more impartial approach to the match.
The decision to appoint a foreign official has become as significant a topic as the derby itself, continuing to dominate discussions in Turkish football.
