The 'resignation commitment' detail regarding MHK President Ferhat Gündoğdu: TFF's room for maneuver has narrowed

A striking detail has emerged in the discussions regarding whether Central Referee Board (MHK) President Ferhat Gündoğdu will step down from his position at the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). According to the allegations, when the TFF appointed the MHK, it obtained resignation letters from 8 members of the board to be used if necessary; however, no such commitment exists for Gündoğdu.

Due to the regulation in Article 43 of the TFF statutes, the MHK President and its members cannot be dismissed unless they resign. For this reason, it is stated that the federation management's room for direct decision-making regarding Gündoğdu is limited.

The report stated that obtaining advance resignation letters from members when forming boards at the TFF has been an unwritten practice for a long time. Previously, statements were made regarding Ahmet Şahin and Yunus Yıldırım, who left the current management, stating that they had left their posts on September 16, 2025.

COMPENSATION AND CONTRACT DETAIL

It was also alleged that Gündoğdu is the first board president in the history of the federation and the MHK to sign a three-year contract. It was stated that the compensation right arising from the contract is at the level of approximately 15 million liras.

This situation has brought with it the debate over whether new dismissals can be made on the board following the investigation topics that have come to the agenda regarding the MHK in recent days. However, current legislation and contract claims are cited as factors that make it difficult for the TFF to take swift action.

Article 81 of the Football Disciplinary Instruction stipulates that in cases of alleged disciplinary violations involving TFF Board members, presidents and members of TFF boards, and TFF employees, an Ethics Committee review must be conducted first. Accordingly, the board of directors refers allegations it deems serious, whether upon notice or ex officio, to the Ethics Committee.

The report to be prepared by the Ethics Committee is submitted to the TFF Presidency. After evaluating this report, the Board of Directors may decide to refer the relevant persons to the Disciplinary Committee for disciplinary proceedings if it deems necessary. This mechanism also makes it difficult for a potential process to be concluded in a short time.

News Source: 12punto