The Central Referee Board (MHK) of the Turkish Football Federation has issued a statement regarding referee appointments in the Trendyol Süper Lig and Trendyol 1. Lig. Accordingly, Süper Lig appointments are made based on the assessments of MHK Elite Referee Director Anthony Taylor, while 1. Lig appointments are made based on the assessments of Talent & Mentor Program Coordinator Alan Snoddy. The appointments take into account referees’ recent performances, match characteristics, and technical criteria. Taylor, who has been in the role since 4 August 2026, held a FIFA badge from 2013 onward and retired from refereeing at the age of 47 after the 2026 World Cup; his final match was the Spain–Portugal fixture. Over the course of his career, he also officiated UEFA Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup finals.
Why it matters
The statement makes clear that decision-making authority over referee appointments rests with two officials whose names and areas of responsibility are explicitly stated; this clarifies who should be addressed with questions and objections regarding the appointments. The fact that Taylor remained an active referee until after the 2026 World Cup and officiated Europa League and Club World Cup finals means the system has been entrusted to up-to-date, elite-level match officiating experience. In addition to Süper Lig and 1. Lig clubs, referees whose careers depend on these assessments are also directly affected by the arrangement. However, the statement does not specify how recent performance is measured, what the technical criteria cover, or whether there is a mechanism overseeing the two officials’ decisions. The question of whether the system will reduce appointment-related disputes also remains unanswered for now.