Ali Tuna speaks out over MHK investigation and disputed referee exam
Former Turkish referee Ali Tuna has spoken about the investigation into the Turkish Football Federation’s Central Referee Board (MHK), after his name became associated with the case over a disputed refereeing examination.
According to Futbolistan, Tuna discussed the examination process and the events that followed after he was informed that he had failed the test.
The investigation, conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, involves allegations concerning the refereeing system, examination procedures and the appointment of referees and observers.
MHK Chairman Ferhat Gündoğdu and several other officials have been detained as part of the investigation.
Disputed examination paper
One of the issues examined in the investigation concerns an examination taken by Ali Tuna in Riva in 2025.
Tuna said he was informed that he had failed the examination but was convinced that he had passed.
He subsequently requested to see his examination paper. After examining the document, Tuna said he believed that some of the handwriting on the paper did not belong to him.
According to Futbolistan, Tuna then filed a criminal complaint with the prosecutor’s office over the matter.
A forensic examination included in the investigation reportedly found no graphological relationship between the handwriting on the examination paper and handwriting samples belonging to Tuna.
The assessment examined various characteristics of the handwriting, including its slope, direction and structural features.
The finding has become part of the evidence being examined in the broader investigation. However, the legal implications of the findings will ultimately be determined by the relevant judicial authorities.
“I was certain that I had passed”
Speaking about the issue, Ali Tuna said he did not want to comment extensively because he was directly involved in the case.
He explained that he had been told he failed the examination, despite being confident that he had achieved a passing result.
After obtaining the examination paper, Tuna said he noticed differences in the handwriting and decided to take the matter to prosecutors.
“I am a party to this process and I am involved in it, so I cannot comment too much,” Tuna said, according to his remarks reported by Turkish media.
Ali Tuna also stated that he does not plan to return to refereeing.
Tuna makes broader claims about Turkish football
Ali Tuna also spoke about what he described as problems within the Turkish refereeing system.
According to Futbolistan, he claimed that certain referees were appointed to specific matches and that he was prevented from progressing to higher classifications because he did not comply with what he described as an existing structure within Turkish football.
“There is a structure in Turkish football. Certain referees were appointed to certain matches. I did not comply with this system, and because of that I was prevented from moving up to the higher classifications,” Tuna said.
Ali Tuna added that he had made significant sacrifices during his refereeing career and expressed hope that the ongoing investigation would result in changes to the system.
His statements represent his own account of events. The claims being examined as part of the MHK investigation have not resulted in a final judicial ruling.
The investigation remains ongoing, with further statements, examinations and assessments expected as the legal process continues.
Source: NationalTurk
