TFF's decision on foreign referees: 'That happens only once'

Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu answered questions from Zeki Uzundurukan on A Spor regarding refereeing controversies. Addressing the similar requests made by some clubs following the appointment of a foreign referee for the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby, Hacıosmanoğlu emphasized that the season will be completed with Turkish referees.

"WE WILL TRUST TURKISH REFEREES"

Closing the door on the demand for foreign referees in the Süper Lig, where refereeing decisions are constantly debated, Hacıosmanoğlu used the following expressions:

"We will finish the league with Turkish referees. That happens only once... No matter who makes what request, we will trust Turkish referees."

With this statement, it has become clear that the federation will continue to assign only domestic referees for the remainder of the season.

"REFEREES MUST BE COURAGEOUS"

Touching upon the performance of Süper Lig referee Yasin Kol, Hacıosmanoğlu said they expect referees to make brave decisions.

"I liked Yasin Kol's performance. All referees will act with such courage. Regardless of the name or the club, referees will not show mercy to anyone who does something wrong. They will show the card and display the necessary firm stance. We trust these referees," he said.

Responding to a question about whether the yellow card shown to Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera in the last match was excessive, the TFF President supported the referee's decision. 

In response to Zeki Uzundurukan's comment, "Yasin Kol could have been more lenient with the card he showed to Muslera," Hacıosmanoğlu stated that being a captain does not grant the right to constantly protest the referee.

"He protested. Being a captain does not give him the right to protest this much," he said, supporting the referee's decision.