By Bosphorus News Sports Desk
On October 4, 2026, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) confirmed the resignation of Ferhat Gündoğdu, chairman of its Central Refereeing Board (Merkez Hakem Kurulu, MHK), a day after a court ordered him remanded in custody in an investigation involving current and former refereeing officials.
The TFF said Gündoğdu submitted his resignation in writing, citing the need for the judicial process to continue without disrupting the MHK's work. His lawyers said the resignation took effect on October 3.
The federation had already started forming a new MHK after his detention. Until the new board is appointed, referee assignments for Turkish Cup matches on October 6, 7 and 8 will be handled by MHK Deputy Chairman Hikmet Öksüzoğlu and four remaining members.
Five suspects remanded in custody
Gündoğdu was among seven people detained on September 29 in an operation spanning Istanbul, Ankara, Elazığ and Manisa.
The initial investigation also brought in current and former officials linked to the TFF and refereeing bodies.
On October 3, a court ordered Gündoğdu, Ferdi Karadoruk, Yunus Yıldırım, Alican Sağlar and Emre Kosif remanded in custody. Sebahattin Şahin and Ahmet Şahin were released under judicial control and barred from leaving the country.
Gündoğdu's lawyers said the court rejected requests to detain him over allegations of abuse of office and threats, but ordered his detention over an allegation of recording personal data. They said he denies wrongdoing.
No finding of guilt has been made.
Records seized as investigation widens
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office's Illegal Betting and Sports Crimes Bureau is conducting the investigation.
Authorities have examined open-source material, Financial Crimes Investigation Board (MASAK) records, phone traffic data, witness and complainant statements and expert findings.
Police also searched the Istanbul branch of the Türkiye Active Football Referees and Observers Association and seized 125 folders containing examination documents, financial records and other association files.
The investigation widened on October 1 when Süper Lig referee Yasin Kol and assistant referee Göktuğ Hazar Erel were detained. Their detention followed further examination of seized digital material and MASAK records.
Prosecutors have also filed a civil case seeking the dissolution of the association's Istanbul branch, alleging that its activities had become unlawful.
TFF starts rebuilding the MHK
The TFF said on October 3 that it had begun work on a new MHK after Gündoğdu was remanded in custody. Sebahattin Şahin, the board member responsible for the fourth region, was released under judicial control with a travel ban and also left his post.
Until a new board is named, Öksüzoğlu will handle Turkish Cup referee appointments with Ali Zağlı, Kamil Abitoğlu, İbrahim Çınar and Ziya Çetin.
The federation has not said when the new MHK will take office.
Gündoğdu's resignation removes the head of Türkiye's refereeing system while the investigation continues. Five suspects remain in custody, two more referees have been detained and records seized from a referees' association are still under examination.
Sources: Turkish Football Federation, TRT, Bosphorus News review and reporting.