Ferhat Gundogdu Explained the New MHK System

TFF President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu and MHK President Ferhat Gundogdu presented the “New MHK System” to the public. Before the meeting held in Riva, Haciosmanoglu mentioned a 27% increase in the subscriber count of the broadcaster this season, saying, “I informed the clubs, and if 51% don’t want me, I will resign.” Gundogdu then explained the “New MHK System” under four main headings:

1. New Training System: UEFA was consulted, and an agreement was made with Portuguese Vitor Melo Pereira for referee training. He will work as the referee development director.

2. Communication Strategy: We have social media initiatives and will use it for updates, especially for crisis management.

3. Performance Management: Post-match evaluations often spark debate. For particularly controversial incidents, we will conduct an assessment within 24 hours. If necessary, we will seek evaluations from UEFA. Any mistakes made by referees, MHK, or observers will be shared publicly, and penalties will be applied.

4. Referee Assignment System: There was a proposal by the Club Association regarding referee assignments. We will establish a system to inform all stakeholders.

AI in Assignments to Continue with Changes
MHK President Ferhat Gundogdu stated, “The AI application will continue with modifications. The scoring system will be updated. Previously, top-class referees always ranked higher, leaving no room for alternatives. Now, we have made changes in the scoring system and will re-evaluate it after January.”
Let’s Discuss Referee Development, Not Scores

• QUESTION: Vitor Melo Pereira has been watching league matches for three weeks. What score would he give Turkish referees?
• ANSWER: I don’t want to give scores. I would say there are areas for development.

Foreign VAR Was Like a Colonial Practice

As part of the New MHK System, TFF signed a three-year contract with MHK President Ferhat Gundogdu. One of Gundogdu’s most significant actions was ending the foreign VAR system. When asked about this, he gave an interesting response, saying, “I see this as a colonial practice.” The new MHK also abolished the television observer system introduced by the previous TFF administration and ended the Referee Academy. Commenting on the Referee Academy, Gundogdu stated, “This system looked like an alternative institution to MHK.” He also shared updates on their work: “Together with two referee coaches, we are monitoring 80 referees across Turkey. We have launched a referee development and talent program, aiming to train referees who can rise from the BAL League to the Super League within 1.5-2 years. We’ve acquired a referee module, allowing our referees to manage matches and make decisions off the field in their daily lives.”

TFF PRESIDENT IBRAHIM HACIOSMANOGLU: WE’VE LEFT BEHIND THE STRONG-ARM TACTICS; NOW WE EMBRACE MEVLANA

• QUESTION: Did you storm the Arbitration Board meeting to end the careers of some referees?
• HACIOSMANOGLU: We’ve left behind strong-arm tactics. We are now like Mevlana. I do what my position requires. When it came to refereeing, Rosetti tried to speak indirectly; I didn’t allow it. I said, “We’ve closed that matter, and we will provide you with bright, young referees with no ulterior motives.” No one gives instructions to the Arbitration Board.
• GUNDOGDU: If we are parting ways with a TFF employee, we are not obligated to provide an explanation.

I Invited Gundogdu to MHK

• QUESTION: Mr. Gundogdu, did you take on this role again to complete the operation you left unfinished in the referee community on March 8, 2022?
• ANSWER: Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu: Let me answer that. Mr. Ferhat did not take on this role out of personal ambition. I personally invited him, not so he could settle unfinished business from March 8.

I Wanted the VAR Room Broadcast Live, But UEFA Didn’t Allow It

• TFF President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu commented on the controversial VAR recordings, stating, “I wanted the VAR room to be broadcast live, so that those watching the match could also watch the VAR room in real time. But UEFA didn’t permit this.”

Okan Should Welcome That Referee with Flowers

• QUESTION: You faced quite a bit of criticism on social media regarding Okan Buruk.
• ANSWER: I’m not affected by criticism. Okan said to the referee, “You can’t officiate here.” What he should do is greet that referee with flowers.