The Establishment (), was described by Fenerbahçe S.K. President Ali Koç as an organized system or group that allegedly obstructs the principles of justice, transparency, and impartiality in Turkish football. This term has frequently appeared in debates about referee mistakes in Turkish football, the policies of the football association and the privileging of certain clubs.
Background.
During his presidency, Ali Koç argued that the system, which he referred to as the 'establishment' in Turkish football, hindered Fenerbahçe's success and made it difficult to establish a fair playing field for all stakeholders in the sport.
Alleged incidents.
Referee calls.
Ali Koç claimed that referees favored certain teams and that Fenerbahçe was systematically disadvantaged.
The claim that referees do not act impartially in certain matches forms the basis of the concept of the establishment.
After pulling his team off the field before the completion of the Galatasaray–Adana Demirspor match on February 9, 2025, Adana Demirspor president Murat Sancak stated that foreign VAR referees in the Super League were also linked to the establishment.
Policies of the football association.
It was stated that the Turkish Football Federation was biased and influenced by the establishment. In particular, it was argued that referee appointments and disciplinary board decisions were manipulated by the establishment.
Media and public perception.
It was alleged that the establishment shaped perceptions and manipulated public opinion through the media.
Reactions.
Advocates of the claims.
Those who support Ali Koç's claims believe that unfair practices have existed in Turkish football for many years and that this situation has persisted due to the influence of the establishment.
Critics of the claims.
Others argue that such allegations are not supported by sufficient evidence and are simply an attempt to shift the blame for failures onto another factor.
Aftermath.
Ali Koç's statements about the establishment have sparked a widespread debate on the need for reform in Turkish football. This has worsened trust issues with the federation and the refereeing community.