Probe launched into use of Bitcoin lookalike coin at Istanbul derby

Referee Arda Kardesler officiated Sunday's Besiktas-Fenerbahce derby that ended in 1-1 tie at Vodafone Park

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The Turkish football authority has launched an investigation into a referee who flipped a Bitcoin-lookalike coin before the kickoff of Sunday’s Istanbul derby, in apparent violation of regulations.

In a Monday statement, the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) said referee Arda Kardesler, 34, flipped a commemorative Bitcoin without the knowledge or approval of the TFF or Turkiye's Central Refereeing Committee (MHK).

Football officials are investigating the incident, it added.

Sunday’s Besiktas-Fenerbahce derby at Vodafone Park ended in a 1-1 tie.

Kardesler is a referee with FIFA, world football's governing body. He has been an international referee since 2020.

Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization and the most popular, has lost over 16% of its value since Wednesday when it closed at $39,690.

Several online shopping websites sell commemorative coins of the virtual currency.

Kaynak:

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