Fenerbahce President Ali Koc has voiced concerns about the Türkiye Football Federation’s (TFF) decision to introduce foreign VAR referees in the second half of the Super Lig season.
The TFF announced earlier on Monday that foreign VAR officials would be used temporarily, but Koc criticized the lack of clarity in the implementation.
“We don’t know the specifics of how this will work, and the announcement remains ambiguous,” Koc said. “If foreign VAR referees are not applied to all matches, we will not support this decision.”
The TFF’s statement indicated that the foreign VAR initiative would be implemented “on a temporary basis,” but no further details were provided regarding the duration or scope of the program.
Fenerbahce Türkiye Cup participation tied to VAR decision
Koc revealed that Fenerbahce’s decision to participate in the Türkiye Cup was closely linked to the TFF’s move on foreign VAR referees. “If today’s decision on foreign VAR referees hadn’t been announced, we would not have participated in the cup,” Koc stated.
Fenerbahce had initially informed the TFF on December 6 that they would not take part in the Türkiye Cup, alongside Kasimpasa SK. While Kasimpasa later confirmed its participation, Fenerbahce requested additional time to decide. Despite the uncertainty, Fenerbahce was included in the cup’s draw and is scheduled to face Kasimpasa on January 9.
Koc added that the team would not field its U-19 squad but instead a lineup chosen by the coach. However, he emphasized the club’s conditional stance: “We reserve the right to withdraw if things take a turn for the worse.”
When asked whether the timing of the TFF’s decision, with a match looming, might impact the team’s preparation, Koc dismissed such concerns. “Our players are working hard at Samandira (training facility),” he said. However, when pressed on when players were informed of the developments, he admitted, “As of now.”
Uncertain reception of VAR reforms
The TFF’s announcement has sparked debate within Turkish football, with Fenerbahce emerging as a vocal critic of inconsistent officiating. Koc’s comments highlight ongoing tensions over VAR usage, with the introduction of foreign referees seen as a test for restoring trust in officiating standards.
Fenerbahce’s participation in the Türkiye Cup and their stance on VAR reforms underline the club’s broader concerns over transparency and fairness in Turkish football.
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