Turkish referee removed from FIFA list due to pregnancy, UEFA takes action

FIFA 1st Category referee Gamze Durmus Pakkan was removed from the FIFA referee list by the Turkish Central Referee Committee (MHK) because of her pregnancy.

This decision created widespread debate and criticism from UEFA, as Gamze Durmus Pakkan is reportedly the only football referee in Europe excluded from the FIFA list for this reason.

Turkish Referee Committee’s decision heavily impacts Gamze Durmus Pakkan

UEFA appealed to MHK to reconsider the decision, but MHK refused. Dagmar Damkova, UEFA Referees Committee’s member responsible for women referees, expressed her shock.

I can’t believe it. How is removing a referee from the list due to pregnancy any different from being fired from a job?

Dagmar Damkova said.

Damkova also called Gamze Durmus Pakkan to offer support during this challenging time.

Gamze Durmus Pakkan’s career is significantly impacted by this decision.

• As a FIFA 1st Category referee, she was on track to be promoted to the Elite Category
• Now, she must reapply next year, starting from the lowest category.
• This setback will delay her career progression by at least 3 years.

Criticism grows as UEFA’s fair treatment of other referees contrasts with Pakkan’s case

This decision contrasts sharply with how UEFA handled other cases.

• For example, Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan, who suffered a heart attack in 2022, retained his position on the Elite Category list despite being inactive for 18 months

• UEFA even celebrated Hategan’s return to officiating in 2023.

Critics argue that Gamze Durmus Pakkan’s position should have been frozen rather than revoked, just as Hategan’s was.

Gamze Durmus Pakkan’s statement on the pressures faced by women referees

In a January 2023 interview, Gamze Durmus Pakkan emphasized the unique pressures women referees face in male-dominated sports.

We don’t have the luxury to make mistakes; we always have to manage matches well. When male referees make mistakes, they are tolerated or expected to improve, but that’s not the case for women referees.

Pakkan said

She explained that women referees often start at a disadvantage on the field, as they must constantly prove their competence.

Pakkan added that the scrutiny is relentless.

A good performance might earn recognition more easily compared to male referees, but a single mistake can overshadow years of effort.

Pakkan said

The pressure to consistently perform without errors creates a challenging environment, compounded by societal biases and the expectation for women referees to excel beyond the standards applied to their male counterparts.

Allegations of retaliation, threats intensify scrutiny of MHK and its decisions

Reports suggest that Gamze Durmus Pakkan’s husband, Burak Pakkan, who is also a referee, has faced professional challenges since this controversy emerged.

Following a penalty decision he made during a match involving Trabzonspor, he has not been assigned as a VAR or on-field referee. Some believe this may be retaliation tied to his wife’s case.

Additionally, claims have surfaced that the Pakkan family received threats to prevent them from speaking publicly about this issue. UEFA has maintained hope that Gamze Durmus Pakkan will be reinstated to the FIFA list, emphasizing the need for fairness and transparency.

Broader calls for gender equality, policy reforms to protect women in sports

The controversy has led to widespread calls for action from Turkish authorities and sports organizations. Dagmar Damkova and other UEFA officials have urged Turkish politicians, including female members of parliament, as well as NGOs, to address this issue.

Critics argue that this decision not only damages Gamze Durmus Pakkan’s career but also raises concerns about gender equality in sports.

This case has pointed to systemic issues, particularly the challenges women face in balancing personal milestones with professional careers in sports. Observers stress the importance of implementing reforms that allow women in sports to pursue their careers without fear of penalty due to life changes such as pregnancy.

MHK and the Turkish Football Federation have come under intense scrutiny over their handling of this matter. Many are questioning the fairness and ethics of their decisions, calling for more supportive and transparent policies for referees.