Support message from TFF for local referees: Will a local referee be appointed for the derby?

Turkish Football Federation (TFF) 1st Vice President and Board Member in Charge of the Süper Lig Mecnun Otyakmaz made statements regarding referee selection ahead of the Fenerbahçe-Galatasaray derby to be played in the Ziraat Turkish Cup quarterfinals. Otyakmaz stated that having local referees officiate such important matches would be beneficial for them to gain experience.

(TFF 1st Vice President Mecnun Otyakmaz)

Speaking to members of the press after the Ziraat Turkish Cup quarterfinal and semifinal draw held at the TFF Riva Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp and Training Facilities, Otyakmaz used the following expressions:

''May our draw be auspicious. Exciting matches await us in the Turkish Cup. There were some criticisms regarding the format determined last year, but we can say that this year's format provides opportunities for exciting encounters. We plan to continue with an elimination system starting from next year.''

Responding to the question of whether a foreign referee would be used in the derby to be played between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, Otyakmaz stated the following:

'This is my own opinion; I think it would be good for our local referees to officiate such matches to gain experience. We will evaluate this according to the wishes of both teams and the decision of our board of directors.'

News Source: 12punto