Tuzlaspor's exorbitant ticket prices had become a hot topic: TFF responds to 'money laundering' allegations
Following allegations by journalist Murat Ağırel regarding the exorbitant ticket prices of TFF 1st League team Tuzlaspor, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has issued a statement. In its statement, the TFF noted that those who "spread" the news would be sued.
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Journalist Murat Ağırel had alleged that Tuzlaspor was laundering money through its ticket prices. Ağırel stated that tickets reaching 50 thousand liras appeared to be completely sold out via Passolig, but pointed out that the number of people attending the match did not match the ticket sales.
The Turkish Football Federation has issued a statement regarding ticket prices following the money laundering allegations.
"THE NEWS IS UNTRUE"
In the statement made by the TFF, it was stated, "The following explanation has become necessary regarding a piece of news broadcast on a television channel on October 31, 2023, which is false, unresearched, intentionally invites public outrage, and is untrue. The Turkish Football Federation, in accordance with its statutes, instructions, and circulars, does not play any role at any stage regarding match ticket prices, the number of seats offered for sale, the blocks opened for sale, and especially ticket collection. With the Law No. 6222 on the Prevention of Violence and Disorder in Sports, an electronic card and electronic ticket obligation has been introduced for watching certain matches.
"TFF DOES NOT INTERVENE AT ANY STAGE OF THE PROCESS"
Due to this obligation, an electronic ticket sales system has been implemented since 2014 for matches of the clubs in the top two leagues, the Süper Lig and the 1st League. According to the contract made between the clubs and the company responsible for the e-ticket system, the prices of match tickets and the date the tickets will go on sale are determined by the clubs, and after the match, the company responsible for the e-ticket system sends the revenue, excluding the service fee, directly to the host club. The Turkish Football Federation does not intervene in any stage of this process. The Turkish Football Federation reserves its legal rights against individuals and institutions that cause this intentional and false news to be spread on any medium, including social media. We present this to the information of the public with our respects."
TUZLASPOR HAD DENIED THE ALLEGATIONS
Tuzlaspor had also denied the allegations in question. Following the allegations made against Tuzlaspor, the TFF issued a public statement stating that they have no influence on ticket sales.