Turkish Soccer Chief Sentenced for On-Field Referee Attack

Former MKE Ankaragucu president Faruk Koca received a prison sentence of over three years for assaulting referee Halil Umut Meler during a soccer match. The incident, occurring after a tie with Caykur Rizespor, led to global outrage and a temporary suspension of Turkish league games.

A Turkish court has handed down a significant sentence to Faruk Koca, the former president of MKE Ankaragucu, for assaulting a referee during a heated Super Lig match.

The incident occurred last year when Koca punched referee Halil Umut Meler following a contentious 1-1 draw with Caykur Rizespor, sparking outrage and sparking halts in league play.

The court sentenced Koca to three years and seven months in prison for 'intentionally wounding a public official,' with additional convictions for threatening behavior and violating sports violence laws.

(With inputs from agencies.)