Halil Umut Meler

Halil Umut Meler, born on August 1, 1986 in Izmir, Turkey, is a football referee who has gained recognition both in his country and in international competitions. Since 2017, he holds the title of FIFA international referee and, in 2022, he was promoted to the UEFA elite. 

Throughout his career, Meler has officiated important matches, including UEFA Champions League games since the 2020/21 season. One of the most relevant matches he refereed was the clash between Manchester City and Olympique de Marseille on December 9, 2020, where the English team won 3-0. 

His refereeing style is characterized by a strict application of the rules, leading him to make controversial decisions at crucial moments. For example, during Euro 2024, he disallowed two goals by the Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku in a match against Slovakia, sparking debates about the strictness of his decisions. 

A significant anecdote in his career happened in December 2023, when, after a match in the Turkish Süper Lig between MKE Ankaragücü and Çaykur Rizespor, he was physically assaulted by then Ankaragücü president, Faruk Koca. This incident led to the temporary suspension of the Turkish leagues and Koca's lifetime ban from football.