The investigation into referees in Turkish football has brought a post made by former referee Fırat Aydınus some time ago back to the agenda. It was stated that Central Referee Board (MHK) President Ferhat Gündoğdu was among those detained as part of the investigation conducted under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
In the "Referees file" investigation carried out by the teams of the Istanbul Police Department's Anti-Financial Crimes Branch, allegations that some suspects were involved in the crimes of "torment" and "forgery of official documents" are being investigated.
Following the operation, Aydınus’s X post dated August 8, 2026, began circulating on social media again. Aydınus, who served as a referee in the Süper Lig for many years, had claimed in the post in question that Ferhat Gündoğdu would be dismissed before the first half of the season arrived.
“Anthony Taylor will solve Turkish football and the refereeing climate in a short time. He will master the dynamics of the system, learn who is doing what and who is managing what. Ferhat Gündoğdu will be sent away before even half the season is over. Afterwards, Director Taylor will become the sole authority and person responsible for everything related to the refereeing system, including referee and VAR appointments, until the next TFF election.”
Anthony Taylor, who is mentioned in Aydınus’s post, had started his duty as the Elite Referee Director at the Turkish Football Federation Central Referee Board as of August 2026. The role that the former English professional referee Taylor will assume regarding the refereeing system and VAR appointments is being closely followed by the football public.
While the official process regarding the scope of the investigation and the detention procedures continues, the assessment Aydınus made previously has become one of the most talked-about topics in the football agenda following the operation.
News Source: 12punto
