According to Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has released an official statement regarding the detention of Ferhat Gündoğdu, chairman of the Central Referee Committee (MHK). The TFF stated that it has previously filed multiple criminal complaints with the prosecutor's office concerning match-fixing and illegal gambling, and will continue to cooperate with the ongoing judicial investigation.

Related reading: Sport: Turkish referee committee chairman and 7 others arrested for alleged interference in refereeing

Reports indicate that seven suspects, including Gündoğdu, were detained in an operation centered in Istanbul and spanning four provinces. Additionally, records from the Turkish Active Football Referees and Match Observers Association were seized.

In response to this incident, the TFF stated that its board, elected through popular vote, has been working continuously since taking office to meet public expectations and uphold social justice while strengthening the principle of "clean football and fair play."

The TFF's statement read: "In these efforts, our management has resolutely addressed match-fixing and illegal gambling issues, coordinating with the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to provide all necessary support. Our investigation and cooperation with the relevant authorities are ongoing."

The statement revealed that since April 2025, the TFF board has filed multiple criminal complaints with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, seeking legal resolution of the relevant issues.

Meanwhile, documents requested by the relevant authorities have been placed in sealed envelopes and handed over to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The TFF also requested that these materials be sent to the forensic committee for fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, and other necessary examinations.

The TFF stated: "Since taking office, the TFF board has taken all necessary measures to fulfill its responsibilities and has maintained a responsible attitude throughout the entire process."

"As the Turkish Football Federation, we firmly believe in the rule of law, the independence of judicial authorities, and the ability of judicial processes to proceed normally and fairly."

Finally, the TFF urged the public to rely only on official statements from authorized institutions for judgment while the judicial process remains ongoing.

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