OMM Redaksiyası
The chair of Turkey’s Central Refereeing Committee (MHK), Ferhat Gündoğdu, has been detained as part of an investigation into referees in Turkish football.
“Operative Information Center-OMM”, citing Turkish media, reports that simultaneous operations were conducted in Istanbul, Ankara, Elazığ and Manisa as part of an investigation coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and presented to the public as the “Referees dossier”.
A total of seven suspects, including Gündoğdu, were detained during the operations.
Referees and observers are reportedly among those detained. The investigation primarily examines allegations of “forgery of official documents” and “mobbing”.
When did the investigation begin?
According to Turkish media, the investigation into the dossier began on Sept. 15, 2025, based on a complainant’s statement.
In the subsequent phase, open-source research was conducted, MASAK and HTS data were examined, statements from complainants and witnesses were collected, and expert opinions were obtained. Based on these materials, Ferhat Gündoğdu, some MHK members, referees and observers were assessed as potentially linked to the investigation. Operations were subsequently carried out simultaneously against seven suspects in four cities, coordinated from Istanbul.
Referee appointments and assessments also under investigation
Information released about the investigation indicates that the case is not limited to allegations concerning treatment of referees.
“Euronews”’ Turkish service, citing Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, reported that the investigation covers allegations concerning the classification, appointment, assessment and assignment processes for referees, as well as interference in examinations on the rules.
These reports indicate that the investigation addresses broader issues related to the assessment of referees’ performance and appointment mechanisms in Turkish football.
Who is Ferhat Gündoğdu?
Ferhat Gündoğdu has previously attracted attention in connection with Turkey’s refereeing system.
As MHK chair, he became the subject of extensive debate in 2022 after decisions were made to demote or remove a number of referees and observers from officiating.
At the time, Gündoğdu said the decisions had been based on a system incorporating criteria such as referee performance, observer assessments, the number of matches and the level of difficulty of the games. He said he accepted responsibility for the decision and stated that he had faced no pressure from the Turkish Football Federation, clubs or other individuals.
Gündoğdu also openly voiced concern at the time that some referees could be associated with a criminal organization or illegal activities.
Claims surrounding the dossier had previously been on the agenda
The “Referees dossier” appears to have been discussed in Turkish football even before the latest operations.
In September 2025, Turkish media reported that a number of referees and people linked to the MHK had approached the prosecutor’s office over various allegations involving referee appointments, manipulation, mobbing and official documents. The allegations were reported in the media based on statements by individual journalists and, at that stage, were not all presented as facts confirmed by a court.
Law enforcement authorities are expected to provide a final legal assessment on whether the current investigation is a continuation of those applications and allegations.
Detention of seven people creates new agenda in Turkish football
Seven people have so far been detained as part of the investigation. Referees and observers are reportedly among them, alongside MHK chair Ferhat Gündoğdu.
The investigation focuses on allegations of possible forgery involving official documents, mobbing of referees, and interference in the classification, assessment and appointment processes for referees.
No final decision has yet been made regarding the legal status of those detained. Therefore, the allegations are presented as allegations until they are confirmed by the outcome of the investigation and court decisions.
Turkish media have reported that the dossier could expand further as new details of the operation emerge and statements are taken from those detained.
