The Elif Karaarslan viral video involves a scandal that shook Turkish football in late 2024. Elif Karaarslan, a 24-year-old referee and former Beşiktaş player, was handed a lifetime ban by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) after an intimate video allegedly featuring her and Orhan Erdemir, a 61-year-old referees’ observer, was leaked. Both parties deny consent and dispute the identities shown in the footage, but the TFF acted swiftly, citing reputational damage and zero tolerance.
Karaarslan has vowed to appeal the decision, stating: “I will stand by my cause until the end. I am just one of many who are being harmed—I hope I am the last.”
