Selçuk Dereli's reaction to Mehmet Büyükekşi regarding Halil Umut Meler: 'Just 1 month ago, in front of Beşiktaş fans...'

Following the MKE Ankaragücü – Çaykur Rizespor match played in the 15th week of the Süper Lig, the president of the home team, Faruk Koca, physically assaulted referee Halil Umut Meler.

After the scandalous incident, Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca was arrested and referred to the PFDK (Professional Football Disciplinary Committee).

While the physical assault on Halil Umut Meler received extensive coverage in the world press, notable statements came from former referee Selçuk Dereli.

"POLITICS DETERMINES EVERYTHING FROM CLUB PRESIDENTS TO REFEREE CLASSIFICATIONS"

According to a report by Fatih Saygın from Gazete Duvar; Selçuk Dereli, who is a candidate for the Çankaya District Mayor nomination from the CHP, stated that the problems in Turkish football will not end until the politicization is resolved.

Expressing that the autonomous structure of the TFF is only on paper and that individuals pointed out by politics are appointed to head these institutions and organizations, Dereli emphasized the need for serious change.

Stating, "Politics uses football, and unfortunately, football uses politics," Dereli noted that the management style is effectively by appointment, adding, "Everyone knows how club presidents, the TFF President, and boards come into office. Clubs cannot even hire a coach without getting approval from someone. It is constantly discussed that politics has a significant influence on the determination of referee classifications as well."

Stating that every board being determined by politics causes 'tails to get tangled,' Dereli said, "There is a need for a serious change in Turkish football, starting from the process of TFF elections. Someone points, and that person becomes the TFF President. However, the TFF should be managed by a federation president and administration determined by the free will of referees, footballers, fan associations, the clubs union, coaches, and other grassroots unions."

CRITICISM OF BÜYÜKEKŞİ: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH FOR YOU!

Noting that it is not in anyone's interest to talk about the current structure in football, Dereli stated that what happened should be discussed in every aspect. Pointing out that one should not be surprised that TFF President Mehmet Büyükekşi displays this management style as an appointed president, Dereli said, "That day, TFF President Mehmet Büyükekşi comes out and shouts 'Enough, enough!' It is actually Mehmet Büyükekşi who needs to be told 'Enough.' Just 1 month ago, in front of Beşiktaş fans, you threatened the Beşiktaş President with your finger. If you do this as the TFF President, a club president will do this to a referee. The future of this was clear."

Inviting authorized institutions and individuals to solve the problems instead of just issuing condemnations, Dereli stated that if the necessary actions are not taken, nothing will change and what happened will be forgotten in a week.

Stating that football is a sport played with feelings of peace and brotherhood, Dereli said, "As a physical education teacher, I have taught this to my students for years. There is no party politics in sports. If club presidents, the TFF President, referee staff, and coaching staff are determined according to the political views of individuals, this will not work. If you do not give the right messages through sports and chase after other things, the results will be this. It is a pity for our football to bring it to these points by using footballers in the 'Yes for a stronger Turkey' campaign during the referendum."