Allegations of explicit footage had surfaced... Elif Karaarslan has graduated from university: She shared her graduation photos

Elif Karaarslan, who was banned for life from refereeing by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following allegations of a sexual video, has made headlines with her academic success.

Announcing on her social media account that she completed her master's degree in the Sports Management department at Marmara University with a GPA of 3.90 out of 4, Karaarslan also shared her graduation photo.

In the message accompanying her post, Karaarslan stated, “After graduating from Marmara University as the top student in my department, I am proud to have completed my master's degree in Sports Management with a 3.90 GPA. While going through the two most difficult and painful years of my life, it was very valuable for me not to compromise on my academic life. Endless thanks to my friends who stood by me during this process. People who have suffered are dangerous, because they know how to fight well.”

CONTROVERSIAL VIDEO ALLEGATION

Following the circulation of a video on social media last season alleging that she had a relationship with 61-year-old observer Orhan Erdemir, the TFF banned both Karaarslan and Erdemir for life. Arguing that the video was a product of artificial intelligence, Karaarslan stated that the person in the footage was not her and announced that she would initiate legal proceedings through her lawyers.

WHO IS ELIF KARAARSLAN?

Born on July 9, 2000, in Kadıköy, Istanbul, Elif Karaarslan was a referee in the lower leagues. The 24-year-old young referee draws attention not only with the matches she officiates but also with the posts she makes on her social media account.

Female referee Elif Karaarslan, who received a lifetime ban from the TFF, suddenly became a trending topic and began to draw attention with her posts.

Karaarslan's posts began to be shared instantly, and her follower count rose rapidly.

Elif Karaarslan currently has 593 thousand followers on Instagram.

WHAT IS THE ELIF KARAARSLAN INCIDENT?

The Turkish Football Federation had banned observer Orhan Erdemir and referee Elif Karaarslan, with whom he was alleged to have had a relationship, from their duties. Referee Karaarslan stated that she would seek her rights legally.

Finally, female referee Elif Karaarslan, who was banned for life by the Turkish Football Federation, reacted to her colleagues on her social media account.

In a post on her social media account, Karaarslan said the following:

Why do other referees never speak up when a referee is treated unjustly?

"Is it so that 'we don't get into trouble'? Who or what are you so afraid of? Those who remain silent against injustice today are the ones who will be subjected to similar injustice tomorrow.

Fear is of no use against fate. Be a little brave.

As long as you continue to be like this, anyone can play with refereeing and referees as they please anyway"

Following the events, Karaarslan launched a paid subscription for exclusive content on her social media account.