MEET Elif Karaarslan, the stunning referee accused of being at the centre of a sex tape scandal that shocked Turkish football.
The female official has been slapped with a lifetime ban after allegedly appearing in an X-rated clip with a referees’ official nearly three times her age. She claims the video was made with AI.
Elif, 24, has denied being the woman in the video filmed having sex with referees’ observer Orhan Erdemi, 61, and is prepared to fight to clear her name and appeal the decision.
“I will have a long road ahead legally, but will overcome in the strongest and most robust way,” she said.
“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.”
Elif’s legal team has suggested the video has been fabricated using AI.
“A montaged video was published on social media, created entirely through AI from someone else’s social media account, with no relation to my client,” her lawyer said in a statement.
It added: “Taking into consideration this montage video, created with malicious and deliberate intentions, poses a threat to anyone facing similar accusations in the future.”
For the moment, it has halted Elif’s promising career as a referee.
However, she could’ve followed a different career.
Promising player
Growing up Elif dreamed of being a footballer, herself.
She started playing for local side, Libade Sports Club before pro clubs pursued her.
Elif then starred for Bakirkoy Genclikspor and Besiktas.
It was an interest in the beautiful game that formed her career.
However, contrasting reports suggest she got into being an official for two reasons.
One claim is that she struggled with injury and had to quit playing. It was said she tore her anterior cruciate ligament at the age of 16.
Another report said she was inspired to be a referee after being inspired by a foreign female official.
Her first match was as a assistant referee in 2020.
She has gone on to referee plenty of U17 games for the top Turkish teams.
Social media hit
Because of her good looks and football skills, Elif has become a firm favourite on Instagram.
She boasts a staggering 387,000 followers on the platform, where she shares a glam lifestyle.
Not only does she share her adventures on the football pitch, she also gives fans a glimpse into her life.
A keen fashionista, she often shares photos in revealing outfits that show off her amazing curves.
Football’s loss will clearly be social media’s gain, if the Turkish FA uphold Elif’s suspension.
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