The president of Turkish football club Ankaragucu, Faruk Koca, who is in custody for attacking a referee on Monday, resigned from his position, saying he regretted his actions.
“Any attitude that obscures fair play [jogo limpo]including mine, should not be present at stadiums or pavilions,” the director admitted in a statement announcing his resignation.
“to avoid further harm” to the club, fans and his own family.
After Monday’s game against Rizespor (1:1), Faruk Koca hit referee Halil Umut Meler in the face, which spread around the world, and today a Turkish court ordered his preventive detention.
“I would like it to be known that I deeply regret that the club I manage, the football community and our country are remembered by such an event and image,” Koca concluded.
Faruk Koca and two other suspects in the attack on Umut Meler were arrested in Ankara on charges of “causing bodily harm to a referee in the performance of official duties” and violating the law against violence in sports.
In addition, the Islamic AK Party, which has ruled Turkey since 2002, initiated a disciplinary process to oust Faruk Koca, a member of its party and a lawmaker between 2002 and 2011.
The Turkish Federation (TFF) has suspended play in all of the country’s football leagues without specifying a resumption date and is expected to meet on Wednesday to decide how to continue competitions.
The Turkish Judges Association also issued a statement expressing its solidarity with Umut Meler and announcing that it would meet soon to determine its position.
Today the FIFA president described the attack on the referee as “totally unacceptable”: “This type of behavior cannot take place in football. Referees, players, fans and officials must be safe to enjoy the game. I call on the competent authorities to ensure that security is implemented and respected at all levels.”
This year, Umut Meler played for Benfica and Sporting Braga in the Champions League, as well as for Bosnia-Herzegovina-Portugal in the Euro 2024 qualifying stage.