Turkish football player and referee
Şazi Tezcan (1907–1962) was a Turkish football player and referee. He became Turkey's first referee to officiate an international match, and became a FIFA referee in 1948.
Playing career
Born in 1907 in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul),[1] Tezcan played as a goalkeeper for Darüşşafaka, Kasımpaşa, and Beykoz.[2] He was also a physical education teacher at the Commercial High School.[2] In 1928 Tezcan broke his arm, and was unable to continue playing football and working as a teacher.[2]
Refereeing career
In 1932, Tezcan attended the Turkish Football Federation's first training courses for referees, obtaining his diploma and starting his refereeing career.[2] On 28 November 1937, Tezcan officiated a match at the Taksim Stadium between Fenerbahçe and Greek side AEK, which ended in a 3–2 win for AEK.[2] Tezcan expelled Esad'ı of Fenerbahçe, despite yellow and red cards not existing at the time;[3] the referee was punished with a lifetime ban.[2] The Istanbul District Disciplinary Board overturned the decision on 5 March 1938.[3]
On 1 October 1940, a new law was enacted in Turkey where referees were officially licensed: Tezcan was given the first "national referee" license.[2] On 4 May 1947, Tezcan refereed an international game between Lebanon and Syria at the Beirut Municipal Stadium,[4] becoming the first Turkish referee to officiate a match between two international sides.[2] He became a FIFA referee in 1948, earning the FIFA badge.[2]
Death
Tezcan died in 1962.[2]
References
