Waters remain turbulent in betting scandal: Pressure on TFF member to resign

Developments behind the scenes in the football world following the betting scandal continue to come to light. According to a report by Ekonomim newspaper columnist Atilla Türker, it has been claimed that pressure is being exerted on Servet Sarıkaya, a member of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Representative Board, to "resign." Allegations that Sarıkaya was not allowed into the TFF's headquarters in Beykoz, Riva, have also drawn attention.

PRESSURE TO RESIGN AND EVENTS IN RIVA

Türker stated that TFF officials asked all members of the Representative Board whether they had engaged in betting, and that some members decided to take this question to the Constitutional Court. Türker claimed that Sarıkaya resisted by saying, "I am not resigning," but that certain individuals are pressuring him to vacate his seat so they can install their own people. Insider information was also provided, stating that "many people, starting with the Metropolitan Land Registry Director, are in line."

SARIKAYA DENIED ENTRY TO MEETING

The tension surrounding Servet Sarıkaya's attempt to go to the TFF's headquarters in Riva was notable. Türker reported that security guards turned Sarıkaya away, saying, "There is an order, we cannot let you in." Following an argument that broke out while Sarıkaya was trying to enter, officials arriving at the TFF building reportedly told him, "Today's Representative Board meeting has been canceled, you cannot enter." When Sarıkaya asked when the next meeting would be held, he was allegedly told, "We will let you know."

Türker also touched upon the statements made on television channels by retired police chief Haydar Özdemir, a member of the Representative Board, regarding the betting scandal. Reporting that Özdemir was sent to the Ethics Committee by the TFF for flimsy reasons and subsequently referred to the Disciplinary Committee, Türker stated that in his defense, Özdemir said, "I participated in these programs with the permission of our Representative Board Chairman and supported the betting investigation."

HAYDAR ÖZDEMİR PENALIZED

Haydar Özdemir was sentenced to a 4-month ban from football-related activities by the TFF by a majority vote. Türker stated that if the Arbitration Committee also approves this penalty, Özdemir's membership on the Representative Board will be terminated.

News Source: 12punto