Former female football referee, previously suspended amid alleged intimate video controversy, has been arrested regarding paid social media content reportedly generating £30,000 monthly

Former Turkish football official Elif Karaarslan has been detained by authorities following allegations concerning her Instagram content, which officials described as inappropriate. The 24-year-old ex-referee, who previously received a lifetime suspension from football over claims she appeared in an explicit video with 61-year-old match observer Orhan Erdemir, was among 19 individuals arrested during April 11 operations in Istanbul.

Elif Karaarslan is a former referee in Turkey

According to Turkish media reports, Karaarslan generated approximately 30,000 pounds monthly through paid Instagram subscriptions, with users paying 2 dollars to access exclusive content. More than 20,000 subscribers reportedly joined before the account was deactivated under official pressure. During questioning, she maintained that her posts featured only swimwear photographs, noting that Instagram policies prohibit explicit material, and that all subscribers voluntarily paid for access.

Elif Karaarslan was told to shut down her Instagram page

The investigation has expanded to include alleged substance use. Laboratory analysis conducted at the Forensic Medicine Institute reportedly detected traces of cocaine and methamphetamine in samples provided by Karaarslan. Eight detainees, including the former referee, remain in custody, while 11 others were released pending judicial proceedings.

Elif Karaarslan had been banned by the Turkish FA after she allegedly starred in a sex tape

Karaarslan continues to deny involvement in the alleged video that prompted her football ban and has stated her intention to appeal the Turkish Football Federation decision. Erdemir has acknowledged appearing in the recording but claims it was distributed without his consent. Both individuals have described significant personal and professional consequences resulting from the controversy.

The case has sparked debate regarding content moderation, gender bias, and the boundaries of personal expression on social media platforms.