Female referee Elif karaarslan and a former FIFA referee face ban for alleged involvement in viral sex tapes

A female referee has refuted claims of appearing in a compromising video with an official almost three times her age after both individuals were penalized by the Turkish Football Federation.

Elif Karaarslan, 24, and Super League referee inspector Orhan Erdemir, 61, received suspensions on October 4.

Their appeals were turned down by the Turkish Football Federation arbitration board, and Karaarslan was handed a 90-day suspension from football-related activities.

It has been reported that Erdemir has been suspended for 45 days due to alleged involvement in a sensitive matter. Additionally, Referee Elif Karaarslan, 24, has received a 90-day ban from the Turkish Football Federation but denies any involvement in the alleged incident. Referee observer Orhan Erdemir, 61, has also been linked to the same alleged video.

Karaarslan to fight for Justice 

Karaarslan is grateful for the support of her family and friends. She has expressed her determination to overcome the challenges and not dwell on the situation. 

"I look forward to your full support and love in this process. Crying, screaming and being sad are not things I would do. That is not me. 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," she said.

A statement released by Karaarslan's lawyer on social media suggested that the video in question was likely manipulated using AI technology. 

The lawyer further clarified that the video circulating on social media is fake and was likely created using AI, as indicated by the unclear images within the video. 

"When the video is examined, it is very clear that the image is not clear and that the parties to the relationship were completely edited by computer. Taking into consideration this montage video, which was created with malicious and deliberate intentions, of a video belonging to completely other people, for material and moral gain, will leave everyone facing a similar situation tomorrow," the lawyer added.

Erdemir, a former Fifa referee, has expressed concerns that the case has had a negative impact on his reputation.