Yasin Kol Assigned VAR duty Following controversial Galatasaray-Beşiktaş Derby
October 6, 2025 – Referee Yasin Kol has been assigned Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties for the Sarıyer-Sakarya match, just days after officiating the highly contentious Galatasaray-Beşiktaş derby. This decision by the Central Referee Committee (MHK) signals a continued vote of confidence in Kol despite significant post-match scrutiny following the Istanbul derby.
The Galatasaray-Beşiktaş match, played on October 4th at 8:00 PM local time, generated considerable debate regarding Kol’s officiating. both Galatasaray and Beşiktaş reportedly expressed concerns over several decisions made during the match, sparking ongoing discussion even 24 hours after the final whistle.
Despite the controversy, the MHK appointed kol to VAR for the Sarıyer-Sakarya match, which took place on October 5th at 1:30 PM local time. This assignment suggests the committee believes Kol can effectively perform his duties under pressure and remains a valuable asset to Turkish football officiating. The swift return to duty,albeit in a different role,indicates the MHK is prioritizing consistency and experience within its refereeing ranks.
This decision is highly likely to continue fueling debate amongst fans and pundits regarding the standard of refereeing in the Turkish Süper Lig. Further analysis of Kol’s performance as VAR in the Sarıyer-Sakarya match will be closely watched.
Keywords: Yasin Kol, Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, Süper Lig, Turkish Football, Referee, VAR, MHK, Sarıyer, Sakarya, Derby, Football Officiating.