In a recent press conference, Fenerbahçe President Ali Koç made explosive allegations against Galatasaray, accusing the club of profiting from black market ticket sales. The claims have sparked widespread debate and led to a formal investigation by the prosecutor’s office.
Koç didn’t hold back, stating, “This is not such a small number. Inspectors came to us, and we said, ‘Examine us.’ A few days later, the chief inspector withdrew from the investigation. Who is protecting it? where does this power come from? Who allows these? Why is the system separate there?” He also referenced a key witness, asking, “There is a lady who testified in the black market investigation. Did no one see that lady’s statement?”
The individual Koç referred to was later revealed to be Ebru Gürsoy, a former Galatasaray employee whose testimony has become central to the case.
Black Market Activities Spanning Two Seasons
Table of Contents
- 1. Black Market Activities Spanning Two Seasons
- 2. Silence Within the Club
- 3. Promotions and Financial irregularities
- 4. Uncovering Alleged Black Market Ticket Scandals at Galatasaray
- 5. The role of UltrAslan and Alleged Irregularities
- 6. club’s Handling of the Allegations
- 7. Resignations and Internal Conflicts
- 8. Financial Irregularities and Accountability
- 9. A Call for Transparency
- 10. Threats and Intimidation: A Story of Standing Firm Against pressure
- 11. “I Was Threatened”
- 12. A Direct Confrontation
- 13. Standing Firm
- 14. Conclusion
- 15. How can individuals and organizations better protect whistleblowers from intimidation tactics and ensure a safe environment for reporting wrongdoing?
- 16. The Broader Context
- 17. A Call for Justice
- 18. The Role of Social Media
- 19. Moving Forward
In her statement, Gürsoy detailed her experiences, saying, “I left my job at Galatasaray Sports Club about two years ago. I worked there for nearly nine years, witnessing six presidents and eight different managements.As a Galatasaray supporter, I feel compelled to defend the club’s integrity on every platform.”
She went on to describe how black market ticket sales have been a persistent issue. “In the past, these activities were conducted using paper tickets.While such practices existed before, they’ve intensified over the last two seasons. As an example, I’ve been deeply troubled by security guards allowing questionable individuals into the stadium. These people aren’t there to watch the match—they’re there to engage in black market activities.”
Silence Within the Club
Gürsoy didn’t shy away from implicating higher-ups. “Many within the club are aware of these activities but remain silent to protect their jobs,” she claimed. She specifically named Alper Narman, Eray Yazgan, and Bora Bahçetepe, alleging they used rooms like the UEFA room for black market dealings. “Alper Narman, who has no official role in the club, was appointed as the director responsible for fans. Eray and Bora are board members, and they’re deeply involved in these operations.”
she further explained, ”Eray Yazgan is the General Secretary, and Bora manages fan associations. They’re in constant contact with fans and handle ticket requests. These three individuals confiscate tickets assigned to the club by Passolig as soon as they’re issued. I don’t know how they do it, but they work closely with Akman Yengin from the Combined department and Devrim Yazıcı from the ticket department.”
Promotions and Financial irregularities
Gürsoy also highlighted suspicious promotions and financial discrepancies.”After Dursun Özbek became president, these individuals were quickly promoted to high-paying roles. Ordinary officials earn 20,000-30,000 TL, but these directors receive 175,000-200,000 TL. akman’s assistant, Emircan Zaptiye, is also involved. He handles communication for these activities and uses multiple bank accounts to manage the illicit funds.”
She concluded her statement by noting, “When these activities came to light, several accounts were abruptly closed, further raising suspicions about the scale of the operation.”
The allegations have cast a shadow over Galatasaray, raising questions about governance and accountability within the club. As the investigation unfolds, fans and officials alike await answers.
Uncovering Alleged Black Market Ticket Scandals at Galatasaray
In recent years, allegations of black market ticket sales have cast a shadow over Galatasaray Sports Club, one of Turkey’s most iconic football institutions. These claims,which have sparked widespread debate among fans and media alike,suggest a systemic issue involving the club’s ticketing operations,especially for high-demand European away games.
The role of UltrAslan and Alleged Irregularities
At the heart of these allegations is UltrAslan, Galatasaray’s prominent fan group. According to sources close to the club, away tickets for up to 5,000 fans are directly allocated to UltrAslan by the club. However, instead of distributing these tickets fairly, they are allegedly sold on the black market at inflated prices. This practice has left many loyal fans unable to secure tickets, despite their close ties to the club.
One individual linked to these activities is Yılmaz Tutuş, the leader of ultraslan.Known for his close relationship with Galatasaray’s president, Dursun Özbek, Tutuş has reportedly entered and exited Özbek’s office without formalities, raising eyebrows among club insiders. Tutuş’s past, including a prison sentence and a surname change, has further fueled speculation about his involvement in these alleged irregularities.
Another figure tied to the group is Cahit, nicknamed “the waterman.” While details about Cahit remain scarce, his association with UltrAslan has drawn attention in media reports.
club’s Handling of the Allegations
When the allegations first surfaced,President Dursun Özbek reportedly sought to assign the investigation to Alaaddin Arkcı,a prosecutor and Galatasaray Club member. However, this attempt allegedly failed, forcing Özbek to personally file a complaint with the Prosecutor’s Office.This move has been interpreted by some as an effort to distance the club from the scandal.
further complicating matters, it has been claimed that the club intentionally withholds tickets from public sale after identifying them thru Passolig, the Turkish football ticketing system. ”A situation where tickets sell out within five seconds defies logic,” a source close to the club remarked, hinting at possible manipulation of ticket distribution.
Resignations and Internal Conflicts
The scandal has also led to internal turmoil within Galatasaray’s governance. Ali Yüce, a board member and son of respected Galatasaray figure Ahmet Yüce, resigned abruptly after reportedly witnessing these alleged illegal activities. Despite his resignation, an official statement was released claiming Ali Yüce had signed off on it, a claim he has since denied.
The Yüce family, known for their ownership of Skoda Turkey, has long been influential within the Galatasaray community. Their involvement in the club’s administration was seen as a legitimizing factor for Dursun Özbek’s leadership. Though, Ali Yüce’s resignation has raised questions about the integrity of the current administration.
Financial Irregularities and Accountability
Allegations of financial misconduct have also emerged,with claims that funds from black market ticket sales were funneled into specific bank accounts. One individual, Emircan, was reportedly transferred to the retail department following the scandal, a move seen by some as an attempt to obscure his involvement in the ticketing operations.
Additionally, it has been alleged that money collected from fans seeking tickets on the black market was deposited into Emircan’s account. “These transactions were reportedly handled in the UEFA room at the stadium,” a source revealed, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation of camera recordings to uncover the truth.
A Call for Transparency
As the allegations continue to unfold, fans and stakeholders are calling for greater transparency and accountability from Galatasaray’s leadership.The club’s reputation, built on decades of success and passionate support, now hangs in the balance. Whether these claims will lead to meaningful change or further controversy remains to be seen.
For now, the spotlight remains on UltrAslan, the club’s administration, and the individuals allegedly involved in these activities.As one insider put it, “The truth must come out, no matter how uncomfortable it might potentially be for those involved.”
Threats and Intimidation: A Story of Standing Firm Against pressure
In a shocking revelation, a local business owner has come forward with allegations of threats and intimidation following his public stance against illicit activities. The individual, who recently opened a café in Karaköy, claims that his outspokenness on social media about black market operations led to unsettling encounters with influential figures.
“I Was Threatened”
the café owner, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared his harrowing experience. “After I tweeted about black market activities, I received a call from someone named Eray Yazgan,” he recounted. “He said, ‘I called you to find a middle ground together. Can we contribute to each other, let’s find a middle ground.’ I was taken aback and immediately rejected his proposal.”
Yazgan allegedly accused the café owner of using his platform for personal gain, stating, “You are using Galatasaray for your personal ambitions.” This accusation left the business owner deeply unsettled. “I was very disturbed by this incident,” he admitted.
A Direct Confrontation
The situation escalated when Serkan Sucu, a longtime acquaintance of the café owner and the nephew of a prominent figure, visited the newly opened café. “He came to my shop and said, ‘ebru, you cannot deal with these people, bad things will happen to you.You have just opened your shop; no damage will be done to it,'” the owner recalled. Sucu allegedly attempted to pressure him, warning, “I will warn you, even I cannot save you. Think about these issues again.”
Despite their 25-year friendship, Sucu’s words carried a menacing tone. ”He threatened me like this,” the café owner said, expressing his disappointment. “I understand Law No. 6284 that you mentioned to me, but I do not request any suspension. I just heard about the KADES program you mentioned, and I will download it to my phone.”
Standing Firm
Despite the threats, the café owner remains resolute.”If any harm comes to me, it won’t be from the people whose names I’ve mentioned, but their servants,” he stated defiantly.his courage in the face of adversity highlights the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out against powerful entities.
Conclusion
This story serves as a stark reminder of the risks individuals face when standing up against corruption and illegal activities. The café owner’s bravery in sharing his experience sheds light on the pervasive issue of intimidation and the lengths some will go to silence dissent.As he continues to navigate this challenging situation, his resolve remains unshaken, inspiring others to speak out against injustice.
How can individuals and organizations better protect whistleblowers from intimidation tactics and ensure a safe environment for reporting wrongdoing?
The café owner’s story highlights the intense pressure and intimidation tactics allegedly employed by individuals connected to illicit activities. His refusal to back down,despite the threats,underscores the challenges faced by those who choose to speak out against corruption and wrongdoing.
The Broader Context
This incident is not isolated. It reflects a broader pattern of alleged intimidation and coercion aimed at silencing dissent and maintaining control over lucrative but illegal operations. The café owner’s experience sheds light on the risks faced by individuals who dare to challenge powerful figures involved in such activities.
A Call for Justice
The café owner’s courage in coming forward has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into the threats and intimidation he faced. Many are urging authorities to take decisive action to protect whistleblowers and ensure that those who engage in such tactics are held accountable.
Social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the café owner’s story, allowing it to reach a wide audience and garner support from the public. However, it also highlights the double-edged nature of online platforms, where individuals can be targeted for their outspokenness.
Moving Forward
As the investigation unfolds, the café owner’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in the face of pressure and intimidation. It also underscores the need for greater protections for those who expose wrongdoing and the importance of fostering a culture of openness and accountability.
In the meantime,the café owner remains resolute. “I will not be silenced,” he declared. “The truth must come out, no matter the cost.” His bravery has inspired many, and his story continues to resonate with those who believe in the power of standing up for what is right.
