Acun Ilıcalı's foreign referee proposal to the TFF: 'I am begging the federation'

Following the match where Fenerbahçe defeated Pendikspor 4-1, a game marked by intense debate over refereeing decisions, famous television personality Acun Ilıcalı made notable remarks. Ilıcalı addressed the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and expressed his demand for the appointment of foreign referees.

Media mogul Acun Ilıcalı, known as a Fenerbahçe supporter, participated in a television program after his team's 4-1 win over Pendikspor to share his assessments. In response to criticisms regarding referee performance during the match, he shared his suggestions for the continuous development of Turkish football and the prevention of debates surrounding referees.

"THERE IS ONLY ONE SOLUTION"

Ilıcalı's statements were as follows:

"A player goes down every 1.5-2 minutes. The game isn't being played! This isn't about Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, or Beşiktaş. I have been watching football since I was 10 years old, and I have never seen anything like this. If a player enters the game running at full strength after going to the sidelines, is it possible for us to find that credible? There is no point in adding the lost time to the end of the match here. The solution to this is very simple. In England, if medical teams enter the pitch for a player, the referee does not allow that player back on the pitch for the next two attacks, even if they were dying. There is a solution to this! I am begging the federation; a rule should be adopted stating that 'this player cannot enter the pitch for two attacks.' Football in Turkey has lost its watchability; this only happens in Turkey, it doesn't even happen in Greece. The TFF cannot allow this! A German referee officiated the Olympiakos-Panathinaikos match. In my eyes, even if unintentionally, they are dragging the country into chaos. If peace is desired, there is only one solution; you will bring in foreign referees."

News Source: 12punto