Slovenian Referee Slavko Vincic to Officiate Istanbul Derby

ISTANBUL, Turkey — Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will officiate the Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe on Monday, a highly anticipated clash in the Turkish Super Lig. The Turkish Football Federation appointed the experienced official following a request from both clubs amid ongoing concerns about the quality of local refereeing.

Vincic, 45, who officiated the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, aims to bring credibility and impartiality to the top-of-the-table match at 17:00 GMT. This decision follows incidents that have raised questions about officiating in the league, including recent protests by teams. Adana Demirspor publicly contested a penalty awarded to Galatasaray earlier this month, highlighting tensions in Turkish football.

The appointment of an international referee, particularly one of Vincic’s stature, is seen as a necessary step to mitigate accusations of bias. Fenerbahçe, currently trailing Galatasaray by six points with 57 points in the Super Lig, has expressed concerns that local referees may display favoritism toward their rivals.

Fenerbahçe head coach José Mourinho welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of fair play. “I think it’s important for the credibility, for the image of the match,” Mourinho stated. “If it is a top referee, and it’s a top European referee, I am happy with that because I love to win like everybody else but I am a person that needs fair play.”

Galatasaray, coached by Okan Buruk, leads the league with 63 points, making this fixture critical in the race for the championship. The significance of this matchup extends beyond the points; it is a chance for both clubs to showcase their abilities on a national stage, as fans and analysts eagerly await the outcome.

This will also mark a historical moment for Turkish football, as Vincic becomes the first foreign referee to officiate a domestic Super Lig match since 1970. The move is expected to set a new precedent in how officiating is handled in Turkish football, ushering in a new era of fairness and transparency that players, coaches, and fans alike are hoping for.