Turkish broadcaster Alper Bakircigil was dismissed from his commentary duties at half-time during a 2022 World Cup group match between Morocco and Canada after referencing former Turkey striker Hakan Sukur. The incident occurred while Bakircigil was working for state broadcaster TRT. He was fired later that same day, and his social media accounts were subsequently taken down.
Mention of a Taboo Figure
Bakircigil made the remark after Hakim Ziyech scored for Morocco in the fourth minute. Sukur, 54, is a controversial figure in Turkey. Once celebrated as a national hero and the country's all-time leading scorer with 51 international goals, he now faces a ban from Turkish state media due to his alleged involvement in the 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In a post on social media before his accounts were removed, Bakircigil wrote: "I was cut off from the TRT institution, where I worked proudly for many years, after the event that took place today. Separation is included in love. Hope to see you again. Goodbye."
Sukur's Fall from Grace
Sukur fled to the United States in 2015 and was later charged with being a member of the Gulen movement, designated a terrorist organisation by Turkey. He has worked as an Uber driver in California and reportedly opened a football school for boys. In April 2023, he announced that his family had received green cards, allowing them to live and work in the US indefinitely.
Sukur has maintained his innocence, telling German newspaper Welt Am Sonntag: "I have nothing left. Erdogan took everything. My right to freedom, my right to freedom of speech and my right to work. I never did anything illegal. I am not a traitor or a terrorist." He also claimed that all his assets and property in Turkey had been seized by the government.
Context and Impact
Sukur still holds the record for the fastest goal in World Cup history, scoring after 11 seconds against co-host South Korea in 2002. However, his name has become taboo in Turkish public discourse, especially on state television. The incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity around figures associated with the 2016 coup attempt.
The 2022 World Cup concluded with the final on Sunday at 8pm UK time.
