Justice Minister Akın Gürlek shared new information regarding the investigation publicly known as the “Referees File.” Gürlek stated that the file is being processed under allegations of forgery of official documents and mobbing, noting that 5 people are currently under arrest and 2 are under judicial control in the investigation.
According to Gürlek, the investigation centers on allegations regarding the assignment of certain referees to specific matches, the exclusion of some referees from the classification, and the exertion of pressure on referees. Gürlek stated that MHK (Central Referee Board) President Ferhat Bey has been arrested and that the process is continuing under the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
Noting that allegations regarding referee examinations are also being examined within the scope of the file, Gürlek recorded that claims of exam questions being distributed in advance and pressure being applied through disciplinary processes by giving low grades to certain referees are being investigated. Minister Gürlek said, “As far as I know, two referees have been arrested.”
LATEST STATUS IN THE INVESTIGATION
Gürlek stated that there is evidence in the file such as MASAK reports, HTS records, and WhatsApp correspondence. He said that allegations regarding pressure on referees, the special assignment of some referees to specific matches, and the granting of privileges in exams are being evaluated based on concrete data.
“The number of arrested is 5, the number under judicial control is 2. There is an ongoing process.”
Responding to a question about whether a specific derby match is being monitored within the scope of the investigation, Gürlek emphasized that legal processes are based on concrete evidence and data. Gürlek said that while there may be complaints and reports, concrete data is required to prove that a referee made a rule error intentionally or in exchange for benefits.
Gürlek stated that according to the information conveyed to him, there is no such finding at this stage regarding the derby in question, using the expression, “There is nothing like what you are saying right now.” The Minister reiterated that MASAK reports and HTS records are important for the investigation.
Responding to a question about whether there is a link identified by prosecutors between the betting investigation and the allegations of interference in the refereeing system, Gürlek explained that the files are proceeding under separate headings. Gürlek said that there are allegations of match-fixing and incentive bonuses among referees, and that it is also being investigated whether there are referees who engage in betting.
Stating that the purpose of the investigation is to ensure that Turkish football remains clean, Gürlek expressed that referees must manage matches within the framework of justice and rules. Gürlek noted that the work of the prosecutors is being carried out for the reliability of football.
Gürlek, in his statement following the arrest of those closest to Hacıosmanoğlu, said, "*MHK President Ferhat Bey has been arrested. There is an ongoing process*,” and added, “*Turkish football needs to be clean. I am following it, all our people are following it. We want referees to manage matches within the framework of justice, without being dependent on anyone, and by adhering to the rules. Unfortunately, we have seen in the investigations we have conducted that this is not the case.*”
News Source: 12punto
