Who is Faruk Koca? Is former MKE Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca in prison, what happened?

Faruk Koca's name came to the fore following the events that took place during the Ankaragücü vs. Çaykur Rizespor match in the 15th week of the Trendyol Super League last season. The trial process for Faruk Koca, who resigned from his position as Ankaragücü president following the on-field attack on Halil Umut Meler, had been ongoing. Former MKE Ankaragücü President Faruk Koca was sentenced to prison for "intentional injury" due to the physical assault on Halil Umut Meler. So, who is Faruk Koca, and has he begun serving his prison sentence? Here are all the details…

WHO IS FARUK KOCA?

Born in 1964 in the Bala district of Ankara, Faruk Koca is a high school graduate. He served as a Member of Parliament for Ankara during the 22nd and 23rd legislative terms in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.

Married and a father of four, Koca was elected president of the Ankaragücü Club on June 11, 2021, receiving 802 votes.

As the pitch became chaotic at the end of the Ankaragücü vs. Rizespor match, Faruk Koca, who was the president of Ankaragücü at the time, went to the center of the field where the referees were located and physically assaulted Halil Umut Meler with a punch.

He resigned from his presidential post following the Ankaragücü vs. Çaykur Rizespor match played on December 11, 2023.

IS FARUK KOCA IN PRISON?

Former Ankaragücü president Faruk Koca was sentenced to 3 years, 7 months, and 22 days in prison in the case regarding the attack on referee Halil Umut Meler.

WHAT HAPPENED?

MKE Ankaragücü Club President Faruk Koca attacked referee Halil Umut Meler after their 1-1 draw against Çaykur Rizespor in the 15th week of the Trendyol Super League.

Footage emerged showing that after referee Meler fell to the ground from the punch, he was kicked by some individuals surrounding Faruk Koca. Halil Umut Meler, who fell to the ground and could not get up for a long time after the attack, suffered bruising to his left eye.

Following the incident, Faruk Koca collapsed to the ground for a while, appearing to be in distress. Club officials tried to calm Koca down. After receiving treatment, Halil Umut Meler was escorted to the locker room under heavy security measures 10 minutes later.