Acun Ilıcalı appears in court for the first time

Businessman Acun Ilıcalı and 7 others, who were under investigation for allegations that illegal betting advertisements were featured during matches broadcast on TV8 and Exxen, appeared before a judge for the first time. Presenting his defense in court, Acun Ilıcalı stated, "I am here because of broadcasts during matches aired in our country for 10 years, which the broadcaster has no chance to intervene in."

Noting in court that his monthly income is 5 million lira, Ilıcalı said, "I have been in a state of bewilderment over this case for months; I do not understand why I am here. I am here because of broadcasts during matches aired in our country for 8-10 years, which the broadcaster has no chance to intervene in. I cannot do anything about these for the broadcasters. We can see these matches on 6-7 channels, yet we are the ones here. For the first time in my life, I am before you due to an accusation; I am very unhappy and feel pain because of this. No matter how you look at it, there is nothing that can be done; there is no remedy for this, and we could not find one either. I am extremely sorry on behalf of all my friends, and I feel the responsibility for them being here myself.

'WE HAVE NO CHANCE TO INTERVENE WITH UEFA'

Technically, we have no chance to intervene with UEFA. Their federation accepted the advertisements; we only performed our broadcasting duties. A letter arrived from UEFA yesterday regarding this matter, stating that match broadcasts must be conducted in the way they require. I also apologize to my friends. I am before you right now over a very innocent matter like broadcasting a match. What hurts me the most is that the same broadcasts were on last night and I am unable to intervene in them. We paid the money, bought the rights, broadcast them, and in the end, here we are," he said.

It was decided that the illegal betting case opened against Acun Ilıcalı would be adjourned to November 25.

News Source: 12punto