Turkish football authorities face a leadership crisis after an Istanbul court ordered the arrest of Central Arbitration Board (MHK) President Ferhat Gündoğdu and four other officials. The arrests stem from an ongoing Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation dubbed the “Referees File,” prompting swift administrative changes within the national governing body as temporary management takes charge of upcoming domestic fixtures.
Ferhat Gündoğdu and Four Officials Arrested in Istanbul
The legal proceedings began when Istanbul police detained seven individuals on September 29. The initial sweep targeted MHK President Ferhat Gündoğdu, Turkish Active Football Referees and Observers Association Istanbul Branch President Ferdi Karadoruk, former MHK Vice President Ahmet Şahin, former MHK board members Yunus Yıldırım and Sebahattin Şahin, association branch organization manager Alican Sağlar, and Provincial Arbitration Board President Emre Kosif.
Following a three-day police custody period, prosecutors transferred the suspects to the courthouse. The Criminal Judgeship of Peace ordered the formal arrest of Gündoğdu, Kosif, Karadoruk, Yıldırım, and Sağlar. Meanwhile, the court released Ahmet Şahin and Sebahattin Şahin under judicial control provisions, which include a formal ban on leaving the country.
MHK President Resigns Following Custody Order
Following the court’s arrest orders, incarcerated MHK President Ferhat Gündoğdu stepped down from his post. Legal representatives for the outgoing official filed a formal resignation notice with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) effective October 3, 2026.
Defense counsel for Gündoğdu issued a statement clarifying the legal dimensions of the case. The Istanbul 5th Criminal Judgeship of Peace rejected the prosecution’s request for arrest regarding allegations of abuse of office and threats, restricting the detention order specifically to charges of recording personal data, the defense stated. Attorneys added that they are closely monitoring the judicial process and maintain full confidence in their client’s innocence and eventual release.
The legal team further explained the timing of the departure. The resignation aims to protect the Turkish Football Federation from institutional strain and prevent interference with the ongoing judicial process, according to the official statement submitted to the federation.
Hikmet Öksüzoğlu Steps In to Lead Temporary Board
In the wake of Gündoğdu’s arrest and resignation, a temporary committee has assumed control of the Central Arbitration Board. Hikmet Öksüzoğlu and a newly formed interim delegation took over daily operations to prevent administrative disruption within Turkish officiating.
The newly empowered interim board immediately turned its attention to active competition schedules. Öksüzoğlu and his colleagues executed their first official duties by releasing the referee assignments for domestic cup matches.
Turkish Cup Second Round Officiating Assignments Announced
Football fixtures proceed uninterrupted despite the administrative upheaval at the governing board level. The interim MHK released the official referee pairings for the second round of the Ziraat Turkish Cup, covering matches scheduled for October 6, October 7, and October 8, 2026.
The Turkish Football Federation announced plans to convene on Tuesday, October 6, to address the broader structural vacancy and officially announce a new MHK composition following the emergency interim appointments.
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