Critical application from Fenerbahçe to the TFF before the derby! 'Let's see if Galatasaray accepts it'

Fenerbahçe, which faced Konyaspor in the Ziraat Turkish Cup quarterfinals, was defeated in extra time after the match ended goalless in regulation. The Yellow-Navies bid farewell to the tournament after losing 1-0 following a penalty goal in the 120+2nd minute.

Following the match, Fenerbahçe Board Member Ertan Torunoğulları made evaluations regarding the current agenda.

Starting his remarks by congratulating Konyaspor, Torunoğulları said, 'We congratulate Konyaspor. They fought well and won.'

REACTION TO VAR DECISIONS

Touching upon the penalty position awarded in extra time, Torunoğulları expressed his criticisms regarding VAR practices.

"Would VAR have intervened if it were in our favor? Would there have been the same rapid work? In many positions like this, VAR did not intervene and we lost points. In the Antalyaspor, Kasımpaşa, and Rizespor matches... There is ill intent in VAR. We explain this in all our conversations. Would VAR have called for a review and would a penalty have been given if it were in our favor?"

APPLICATION TO TFF FOR THE DERBY

Speaking about the application they made to the Turkish Football Federation regarding the derby, Torunoğulları stated that the process is ongoing.

"We wrote an official letter to the TFF. We want both our representative and Galatasaray's representative to be in the VAR room to see the conversations, the footage, and what comes and goes... We are waiting, let's see if Galatasaray accepts it? Both clubs must agree to send representatives to VAR. We are waiting."

VAR RECORDS REQUESTED

Stating that they have requested the VAR records regarding the Rizespor match, Torunoğulları expressed that they have made an official application to the federation.

"We made an official application. We want to go to the TFF and listen to all the conversations between the referees and VAR in the Rizespor match. We have applied for this, we are waiting for the TFF. Hopefully, they will accept. The TFF president had said at the beginning of the season, 'A referee can make a mistake, it is an instantaneous event, VAR cannot.' Our request from the TFF president is that if he learns the referee and VAR dialogues, we would be pleased if he tells us as well."

“NOTHING CHANGES AFTER REFEREE PUNISHMENT”

Making evaluations regarding referee errors and the penalties given, Torunoğulları argued that the current system does not produce results.

"We talk and talk about the referee, VAR... We go to the TFF, they say, 'We will punish the referee.' What does it matter if the referee gets punished after we lose the championship? The whole season is gone. Not just for Fenerbahçe, what does it matter if a referee gets punished after any team is relegated! All clubs are already in a debt trap. Everyone sees what is happening in the Anatolian clubs. Everyone is complaining about the referees and VAR. No solution is being found. We talk and talk, but in the end, nothing changes. I am not talking about whether it is a penalty or not. Believe me, if the same position were in our favor, VAR would not have intervened."

“EVERYONE EXCEPT ONE CLUB IS COMPLAINING”

Drawing attention to the general picture in Turkish football at the end of his statements, Torunoğulları emphasized that criticisms of the VAR system are widespread.

"Except for one club, all clubs in the Super Lig and the 1st Lig are complaining about VAR. If everyone is complaining, there is a problem. The TFF is the one that will solve the problem. Unfortunately, it is not happening. On the weekend, we talk about referees instead of football on all channels. We have been talking for years. Nothing changes. Why is Turkish football not developing, why is its brand value falling! With these referees, the brand value will only be this much. Even if you transfer the world's biggest stars, nothing will happen with these errors."