Turkish Football Federation rejects Galatasaray’s appeal to fines, bans

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Arbitration Board ruled against Galatasaray’s appeals regarding disciplinary decisions and announced significant measures to address refereeing issues.

The developments have caused heated discussions across Türkiye’s football community, especially among Galatasaray supporters and club officials.

Galatasaray receives fines, fan bans for repeated violations this season

The TFF Arbitration Board dismissed Galatasaray’s objections to 2 fines issued by the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK), amounting to a total of $22,350 (₺795,000). The penalties were related to repeated infractions during matches this season.

The PFDK fined Galatasaray $8,500 (₺300,000) for offensive chants during the Goztepe match, citing it as the second occurrence at a home game this season. The second fine of $14,000 (₺495,000) was imposed due to stairways not being kept clear, a violation the club committed for the seventh time.

In addition, the Board upheld the blocking of electronic tickets for fans in specific sections, preventing them from attending the next home game. These measures targeted the North, South, and East stands, including blocks 105–108, 117–121, and 111–115, among others.

In its official response, Galatasaray criticized the decisions and reiterated its call for the resignation of TFF officials. The club stated, “You cannot silence Galatasaray supporters,” accusing the federation of unjust treatment.

TFF president directly addresses refereeing issues in heated meeting

TFF President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu met with referees in Istanbul, where he discussed several controversial incidents, including missed decisions in key matches.

He questioned referees about their performances, particularly focusing on Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz during the Goztepe game.

Haciosmanoglu confronted assistant referee Deniz Caner Ozaral, asking, “Why didn’t you hear the offensive remarks made by the player?” Ozaral replied:

I was focused on a substitution at the time. My mother is from Trabzon. Would I allow anyone to insult her?

Haciosmanoglu also criticized decisions in other matches, such as the Trabzonspor-Galatasaray and Konyaspor-Fenerbahce games.

He stated, “Those responsible for these mistakes will face consequences. We cannot tolerate actions that damage the credibility of officiating.”

TFF announces new measures to improve refereeing standards

To address ongoing concerns, Haciosmanoglu revealed that foreign Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials would take over in the second half of the season.

He expressed his confidence in this decision, stating, “We trust VAR, but we cannot accept repeated errors. This change aims to improve officiating and ensure fairness.”

Haciosmanoglu also announced that a planned 100% pay increase for referees had been canceled due to declining performance. He explained, “We have warned referees to act without fear and uphold their responsibilities. Those who fail to do so will face accountability.”

These decisions come amid mounting tension between clubs and the TFF. Haciosmanoglu emphasized the federation’s commitment to fairness, adding, “We are striving to improve the system. Clubs must focus on the sport instead of unnecessary rivalries.”