Elif Karaarslan, a 24-year-old Turkish football referee, has addressed the public for the first time since her suspension by the Turkish Football Federation’s refereeing commission over allegations involving a sex tape with a match official. The suspension followed reports suggesting she appeared in a video with 61-year-old refereeing observer Orhan Erdemir.
Karaarslan took to social media to deny the accusations, stating that the purported video featuring her and Erdemir was not genuine but generated using Artificial Intelligence. She emphasized her intent to pursue a legal battle to clear her name, expressing gratitude for the support she has already received. “I have a long legal journey ahead, but I will face it with strength and determination. I hope for your support and love during this process,” she wrote.
She candidly described the emotional toll of the accusations, stating that she is determined to stay strong and maintain her dignity. “Crying, screaming, and being sad are not my ways of dealing with this; that’s not who I am,” she remarked, underscoring her resilience.
Karaarslan voiced her intent to stand up for herself and others who face similar accusations. She expressed hope that her case would be the last of its kind, stating, “I am just one of many who are suffering, and I hope to be the last.”
Clarifying the situation further, she reiterated that the alleged video is neither genuine nor of acceptable quality. “I am not the person in that video, and to face such serious accusations is an attack on a woman’s honor,” she added.
Since the scandal emerged, Karaarslan’s social media following has skyrocketed to nearly half a million as she continues to advocate for her innocence and seek justice.
