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Turkish broadcaster removes commentator over player mix-up during World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 9:11 AM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Turkish broadcaster removes commentator over player mix-up during World Cup
Summary

Turkish state broadcaster TRT has withdrawn commentator Murat Ekrem Çimen from its World Cup team after he mistakenly identified players from Iran as those from New Zealand during a live broadcast. The incident occurred at the start of the Group G match on Monday, leading to a backlash on social media. TRT deemed the confusion "unacceptable" and has initiated a disciplinary investigation. The broadcast error was later corrected, but not before it gained significant viewer notice. TRT has stated that it apologizes for the incident and is currently reviewing the situation.

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Key Details
  • •TRT removes Murat Ekrem Çimen after commentary error
  • •Mix-up occurred in Iran vs. New Zealand match
  • •Broadcaster calls the mistake 'unacceptable'
  • •Disciplinary investigation is now underway
  • •Social media backlash followed the incident
Latest Updates
  • 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — Turkish broadcaster pulls commentator after mixing up Iran and New Zealand at World Cup
  • 10:25 AMYahoo Sports — Turkish state broadcaster drops veteran World Cup commentator over Iran-New Zealand mix-up
  • 9:11 AMYahoo Sports — Turkish state broadcaster pulls commentator over player confusion
What they're saying
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Turkish state broadcaster TRT has removed a commentator from its World Cup roster after he mixed up Iran and New Zealand teams. TRT said in a statement late on Tuesday that the commentator, identified by Turkish media as Murat Ekrem Çimen, had been withdrawn from the World Cup broadcast team in the USA pending investigation. According to reports in Turkish media, Cimen referred to Iran’s attacks as New Zealand’s and described New Zealand’s moves as Iran’s during the opening minutes of the broadcast.

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Turkish state broadcaster TRT removed a veteran commentator from its World Cup coverage after he confused Iran players with the New Zealand team during the opening minutes of a live broadcast. TRT announced on X late on Tuesday that it has withdrawn commentator Murat Ekrem Çimen from its team for the World Cup in North America, pending a disciplinary investigation.

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In the annals of bizarre World Cup broadcast errors, Turkish state broadcaster TRT’s handling of Monday’s Iran-New Zealand match is going to be hard to top. Iran and New Zealand were playing to a 2-2 draw in Los Angeles when TRT commentator Murat Ekrem Çimen started the broadcast with the two teams completely mixed up…

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