Former Turkish club president jailed over referee punch

Faruk Koca has been handed a prison sentence of three years and seven months, according to reports in Turkey.

Faruk Koca, President of MKE Ankaragucu, striking referee Halil Umut Meler after the Turkish Super Lig game between MKE Ankaragucu and Rizespor in Ankara in 2023. Pic: Emin Sansar/Anadolu

A former Turkish club president has been sentenced to more than three years in jail for striking a referee following a Turkish Super Lig match in December 2023, the Anadolu news agency reports.

Then MKA Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca was seen rushing onto the pitch following a 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor. 

He approached referee Halil Umut Meler and punched the official.  Several other officials continued the attack.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) suspended Super Lig matches for eight days following the incident.

Koca eventually apologised and resigned as club president, while the TFF instigated criminal charges.

On Monday Anadolu reports that Koca has been sentenced to three years and seven months for "intentional injury to a public sports official" as well as six months and 20 days for "making threats".

He has also been given a five-month suspended sentence for "violating the law on violence prevention in sports".

Three other officials have also been handed prison sentences. 

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