Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu has issued a direct appeal for fair play amid rising tensions ahead of the anticipated Süper Lig derby between Trabzonspor and Galatasaray.
During an interview, Hacıosmanoğlu voiced his sole desire that referees remain unnoticed on the pitch, allowing the quality of football itself to take center stage. He emphasized that no team should suffer injustice and that victory must go to the side that earns it through merit on the field.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates about refereeing standards in Turkish football. Hacıosmanoğlu, a former Trabzonspor president, urged all parties to focus on the game rather than the officials. “My only wish is that no one sees the referee on the field, and that the football being played is what is seen. No one's rights should be violated; whoever deserves it on the field should win.”
Hacıosmanoğlu is a Turkish businessman with a long background in football administration. Born in Trabzon, he previously served as the 15th president of Trabzonspor from May 2013 to December 2015.