FIFA World Cup Commentator Sacked on the Spot After Using ‘Forbidden’ Soccer Legend’s Name

The match between Canada and Morocco in the ongoing FIFA World Cup proved to be a nightmare for a Turkish commentator. Turkish broadcaster sacked him mid-game and replaced him with another commentator for the second half.

They state the reason behind the sacking to be the mention of the player forbidden. No one would have thought the fourth-minute goal scored by Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech would spark the whole saga during the game.

The mention of the FIFA World Cup record made the commentator sacked

Alper Bakircigil, working for the Turkish TV TRT, was a commentator for the game between Morocco and Canada. The game was important for Morocco, as the win over Canada was all needed to guarantee a spot in the knockout stage.

Morocco started the game on the front foot and scored in the fourth minute when Hakim Ziyech found the back of the net. The goal drew reactions from the commentators and Bakircigil was quick to mention the fastest goal in World Cup history.

The commentator mentioned the long-standing record held by Hakan Sukur. Sukur scored in 11 seconds after the kick-off against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup in a third-place play-off. He further made two assists in the game where Turkey won 3-2 and finished third in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

It was the moment that drew a reaction from the broadcaster who sacked the commentator. Turkey forbid the name of the soccer star Hakan Sukur, which is the main reason behind the sacking. TRT replaced Bakircigil in the second half with another commentator.

Hakan Sukur and the controversy around him

Hakan Sukur, the former Inter Milan, and Galatasaray striker made 112 appearances for the national team. He got 51 goals for Turkey in those appearances. He is still the top-scorer Turkish player in UEFA Champions League with 22 goals and the Turkish League with 249 goals. The striker won the prestigious Golden Foot Legends award in 2014.

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After his retirement, Sukur joined active politics. During this time, the differences between Sukur and the President grew. Sukur later got linked with terrorist activity and fled. He currently stays in the United States with his family and works as a taxi driver. He has always denied the allegations made against him. For these reasons, taking the name of the striker is not a good idea in the country and the commentator paid the price for the same.

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Who would have thought that mentioning a player and the long-standing record of the player in the FIFA World Cup could sack a commentator? Let us know your opinions in the comments below about the complete saga.