The main referee of the match between FC Yelimay and FC Ordabasy, Arman Ismuratov, has been held administratively liable and sentenced to five days' arrest. The corresponding decision was made by the administrative court of the city of Semey.
WHAT DECISION DID THE COURT MAKE
According to the head of the centre for supporting the policy of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on combating corruption in the Abai region branch, Serik Baigaliyev, representatives of FC Yelimay left the hall of the administrative court of the city of Semey after the verdict was announced.
"Representatives of the football club Yelimay have just left the hall of the administrative court of the city of Semey. The judge announced the verdict — five days' arrest for referee Ismuratov," reported Serik Baigaliyev on his page on Instagram.
WHAT ADDITIONAL MEASURES DID THE COURT TAKE
In addition, the court issued a special ruling addressed to the Football Federation of Kazakhstan (KFF).
The court recommended that the federation consider the matter and take action against Arman Ismuratov. It is not specified in the documents what specific measures might be taken.
Serik Baigaliyev also noted that he considers the court's decision to be fair.
"I hope everyone will draw conclusions that this cannot be done on the sacred land of Abai. We believe the decision is fair," he stated.
CONTEXT
After the match of the 13th round of the Kazakhstan Premier League (KPL) between FC Yelimay and FC Ordabasy, a controversy arose surrounding the actions of the main referee, Arman Ismuratov. The head coach of the Semey club, Andrei Karpovich, publicly criticised a number of the referee's decisions and alleged unethical behaviour by the official. After the match, the team's fans also expressed their dissatisfaction, appealing to the akim of the Abai region, Berik Uali, with a request to organise an objective review of the situation.
Later, Berik Uali reported that he had discussed the situation with the president of the KFF, Marat Omarov. According to him, the federation decided to set up a special commission to investigate the circumstances. Also, information appeared in the media and social networks about the detention of Arman Ismuratov after his return from Semey, although the nature of any potential charges was not specified at the time.