Turkish refereeing chief Ferhat Gündoğdu detained in Istanbul investigation

Tuesday 29 September 2026 - 20:00

The head of the Central Refereeing Board (MHK) of the Turkish Football Federation, Ferhat Gündoğdu, was detained on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, as part of an investigation led by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Six other people were also taken into custody during a coordinated operation carried out across four Turkish provinces.

The investigation focuses on allegations including workplace harassment and the suspected falsification of official documents. Authorities are also examining claims concerning possible interference in the management of referees, including referee lists, assessments and appointment procedures.

Coordinated operation across four provinces

The operation was conducted simultaneously in Istanbul, Ankara, Elazığ and Manisa. According to reports from Turkish media, seven suspects were detained in total, including Gündoğdu and several current or former figures linked to Turkey’s refereeing structure.

The investigation reportedly draws on witness and complainant statements, expert assessments and information obtained through investigative examinations. Turkish reports indicate that prosecutors are seeking to establish whether the alleged conduct involved irregularities in the refereeing system.

Refereeing appointments under scrutiny

At the center of the case are allegations that processes connected with the selection and appointment of referees may have been improperly influenced. The inquiry is examining claims involving referee lists and related procedures, according to Turkish media reports.

The case therefore places the administration of refereeing under scrutiny at a time when decisions surrounding match officials remain a particularly sensitive issue in Turkish football.

Investigation remains at an early stage

Gündoğdu’s detention represents an investigative measure and does not constitute a conviction. The allegations remain subject to examination by the judicial authorities, and the legal status of those detained may change as the investigation progresses.

Further proceedings are expected to determine whether the evidence gathered by investigators is sufficient for additional legal action. For now, the case remains at the investigation stage, with no conviction established against Gündoğdu or the other people detained.