A New Era in Turkish Football: Strategic Cooperation Between the Turkish Football Federation and Yeditepe University for Referee Education!

A comprehensive cooperation protocol shaping the future of Turkish football has been signed between the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and Yeditepe University. The agreement aims to introduce scientific methods, technology-based practices, and academic standards into referee education.

The signing ceremony took place at the TFF Riva Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp and Training Facilities, with the participation of TFF President İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu, İSTEK Foundation and Yeditepe University Founder and Honorary President Bedrettin Dalan, TFF Board Members, Yeditepe University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman, as well as university executives, academics, and members of the press.

TFF President İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu emphasized that education is the cornerstone of the development of Turkish football and stated:

“We will make no concessions in protecting Turkish football from corruption and unethical relations. Through this cooperation, we are restructuring our refereeing system; with Yeditepe University’s strong scientific foundation, we are providing referee candidates with a comprehensive training process that combines theoretical and practical education. Within the framework of the project developed in line with the scientific findings of the Central Referee Committee, candidates will be evaluated through performance analyses, and their physical and psychological development will be closely monitored. With training programs designed to enhance endurance, concentration, and decision-making skills, Turkish refereeing will enter a new era.”

Bedrettin Dalan, Founder and Honorary President of the İSTEK Foundation and Yeditepe University, underlined the essential role of science and ethics in the future of sports:

“Today, as in every other field, science and technology play a crucial role in sports.

In the spirit of Atatürk’s words, ‘I like the athlete who is intelligent, agile, and moral,’ it is our collective responsibility to establish a refereeing system based on ethical values and scientific principles. Not only referees but also football players will benefit from scientifically grounded training programs. Football players should be trained to European standards — from nutrition to physical endurance. With our scientific infrastructure, we are ready to contribute to Turkish football in this field as well.

The step we have taken today is not just a cooperation; it marks the beginning of a new era in which ethics, discipline, and science will guide Turkish football.”