Emphasis on equality from İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu: 'Let female referees officiate derby matches'

The Turkish Football Federation organized an event at the TFF Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp and Training Facilities to mark International Women's Day on March 8. The event featured a panel titled "Women Decision-Makers in Turkish Football" and a discussion titled "Women's Refereeing Training."

In his speech at the event, Football Federation President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu stated that he desires derby matches to be officiated by female referees. Hacıosmanoğlu said, "I believe in the importance of gender equality. Instead of having foreign referees officiate derby matches, my greatest dream is for a female referee from among us to take on this duty."

CHALLENGES FACED BY FEMALE REFEREES

Central Referee Board President Ferhat Gündoğdu drew attention to the challenges faced by female referees. Gündoğdu stated, "Our female referees experience more difficulties than their male colleagues. However, their perseverance and determination are commendable."

Stating that there are a total of 610 female referees in Turkey, Gündoğdu emphasized that this number needs to be increased. He also pointed out the requirement for female referees to pass the men's fitness test in order to officiate in professional leagues and praised the efforts shown by female referees in this regard.

Gündoğdu said, "In January, we included 42 of our female referees in the classification rosters. Our goal is for our female referees to take part more on the pitch and to be able to serve in the VAR team as well." He also noted that efforts are ongoing to ensure that at least one female referee officiates in the A League next year.