Fenerbahçe’s Ertan Torunoğulları Says Galatasaray Call-Up for Derby Depends on Acceptance
Fenerbahçe board member Ertan Torunoğulları has clarified that any potential Galatasaray representative attending the Istanbul derby as a VAR official would only proceed if the rival club formally accepts the invitation.
The statement came following Fenerbahçe’s Turkish Cup elimination by Konyaspor, where Torunoğulları addressed reporters about ongoing discussions regarding match officiating for the highly anticipated fixture.
“We have sent an official letter to the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) regarding the derby. If Galatasaray accepts, we will send a VAR representative,” Torunoğulları said, according to verified club sources.
The Fenerbahçe official emphasized that the initiative originated from his club, with formal communication already submitted to football’s governing body in Turkey.
“We have written an official letter to the TFF,” Torunoğulları confirmed, noting that the move is contingent upon Galatasaray’s response to the proposal.
This development follows recent controversy surrounding VAR decisions in Turkish football, particularly after Fenerbahçe captain Mert Hakan Yandas was released following a betting probe hearing earlier in April 2026.
The Istanbul derby, one of football’s most intense rivalries, has frequently been marred by contentious officiating decisions, prompting both clubs to seek greater transparency in match management.
Torunoğulları’s comments suggest a proactive approach by Fenerbahçe to address longstanding concerns about VAR implementation in high-stakes matches, though the ultimate decision rests with Galatasaray’s acceptance of the proposed arrangement.
When asked about broader VAR criticism in Turkish football, the Fenerbahçe board member indicated that his club’s perspective is not isolated, stating that “except for one club, everyone complains about VAR.”
The specific club to which Torunoğulları was referring was not identified in his remarks, leaving room for speculation about which team might be satisfied with current VAR operations in the Süper Lig.
As of April 22, 2026, Galatasaray has not publicly responded to Fenerbahçe’s official letter to the TFF regarding derby match officiating arrangements.
The next Istanbul derby between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray is scheduled for the 2025-2026 Süper Lig season, though the exact date has not been confirmed by the Turkish Football Federation.
Keep reading
