An audio recording, reportedly of a conversation between Central Referee Board (MHK) President Ferhat Gündoğdu and FIFA Assistant Referee Kerem Ersoy, has emerged during the examination of digital materials seized as part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's Illegal Betting and Sports Crimes Investigation Bureau into the MHK. The statements in the recording appear to contain details regarding the relationship between referee assignments and the management of the MHK.
"Either submit your resignation and quit refereeing, or act like a man"
According to the audio recording, the conversation centered on a message Kerem Ersoy had sent to Gündoğdu after not being assigned to matches for some time. Gündoğdu is heard alleging that Ersoy's father, Fahir Ersoy, had been in contact with certain individuals, stating, "You are doing something wrong and you are making it obvious. Despite this, I continue to give you matches."
When Ersoy replied that he did not understand what was being implied, Gündoğdu stated, "Either submit your resignation and quit refereeing, or act like a man."
"I am on the verge of ending your refereeing career"
As the conversation continued, it emerged that Gündoğdu told Ersoy, "I am on the verge of ending your refereeing career. I am giving you one last chance." Gündoğdu then added, "Either act like a man or leave," while Ersoy reportedly stated during the conversation that he did not understand the accusations directed at him, that he was not acting with any group, and that he was only focused on his refereeing.
"I cannot think of you separately from your father"
In the recording, Gündoğdu is heard mentioning the contacts of Kerem Ersoy's father, Fahir Ersoy, with certain associations and society initiatives. Gündoğdu is heard saying, "I cannot think of you separately from your father. These are things that have happened." Ersoy stated that his father was not involved in any society activities and was not in communication with anyone. In the recording, Gündoğdu noted that he was closely following Ersoy's match performance, stating, "I am following your every step."
"You don't make mistakes in matches, because you are honest"
In the audio recording, Gündoğdu is heard saying regarding Ersoy's refereeing performance, "You don't make mistakes in a match, whether intentionally or unintentionally," and "You are honest."
"The state is watching"
In the audio recording, Gündoğdu is heard saying regarding certain individuals and correspondence, "The state is watching, it is catching them." The recording reflects Gündoğdu claiming that certain people were exchanging messages about him and alleging that these individuals were being monitored by the state.
"Do not speak about the MHK anywhere ever again"
Regarding Kerem Ersoy speaking about the MHK, Gündoğdu is heard saying, "And do not speak about the MHK anywhere ever again. This time my attitude will be different." Stating that this was his final warning, Gündoğdu is recorded as saying, "If you don't stop, pray that I leave. Tell them too, tell them to pray that I leave. That is the only way you will be saved."
"You will lose your refereeing career"
As the conversation continued, Gündoğdu described the MHK Presidency as a "state duty" and, arguing that he had nothing to lose, stated, "It is a state duty. I am doing it. Tomorrow, or in three years, five years, or two days, I don't care at all. But you will lose your refereeing career. Okay, my dear? Don't say anything. Because the things you say lose value in my eyes. Because I don't speak empty words, I back them up. I wait for months, and then I make a decision. So don't speak at all, so you don't lose standing in my eyes. You don't need to deny certain things. Know that your silence will not mean an admission to me either."
Audio recording being examined as part of the investigation
It was stated that the conversation in question was obtained from Gündoğdu's digital materials as part of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. It was reported that the statements in the audio recording regarding the potential termination of a refereeing career, remarks about match assignments, warnings not to speak about the MHK, and the phrase "The state is watching" will be evaluated within the scope of the investigation.
News Source: 12punto
