Controversial Video Leads to Lifetime Ban for Referee Elif Karaarslan

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has taken decisive action by revoking the licenses of referee Elif Karaarslan and observer Orhan Erdemir following the emergence of a controversial video on social media. This incident has sparked significant public interest, leading to Elif Karaarslan addressing the claims and breaking her silence on the matter.

Elif Karaarslan, a 24-year-old referee from Kadıköy, Istanbul, began her involvement in football as a player before transitioning to officiating in lower-league matches. Her journey into refereeing started after stints playing for clubs like Bakırköy Gençlikspor and Beşiktaş, although her playing career was cut short due to an injury at the young age of 16.

Recent online footage led to allegations of inappropriate conduct involving Karaarslan and former Süper Lig referee and observer, Orhan Erdemir. In response, the TFF’s Arbitration Board opted for the harshest penalty by annulment of her license and imposing a lifetime ban, a decision that has attracted widespread reaction.

In a bid to clarify the situation, Karaarslan resorted to Instagram, questioning, “Why do you share outdated news knowing they’re false, and manipulate the public? It’s a senseless method for getting attention.” She asserted that the matches she officiates are non-federation-affiliated special tournaments, thus distancing herself from formal TFF activities.

Further defending her position, Karaarslan stated, “I’ve not commented on the individual who has no connection to me and has attempted to engage with me inappropriately.” She highlighted her academic accomplishments and professional integrity, questioning the motives behind the adverse publicity.

Karaarslan, through her lawyer, claimed that the contentious video was produced using artificial intelligence technologies and was not reflective of her actions, insisting that it was artificially manipulated.