An experienced broadcaster covering the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been suspended for the remainder of the tournament after repeatedly confusing Iran and New Zealand during a live broadcast.
The incident occurred during the Group G clash between Iran and New Zealand at SoFi Stadium, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Veteran Turkish commentator Murat Ekrem Cimen mistakenly identified the two teams and several players for approximately four minutes, leading to widespread criticism on social media.
The mistake quickly gained attention online, prompting Turkish state broadcaster TRT to remove the commentator from its World Cup coverage team.
In a statement, TRT described the error as unacceptable and confirmed that an investigation had been launched.
“The error made during the commentary of the Iran-New Zealand match played this morning at 04:00 Turkish time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is unacceptable according to TRT broadcasting standards.
“We apologize to our viewers and the public for this error.”
The broadcaster added that Cimen had been withdrawn from the World Cup broadcast team in the United States and would take no further part in tournament coverage while the matter is investigated.
“It is unacceptable for TRT that someone with over 30 years of experience in sports broadcasting would make such a mistake.
“TRT does not condone any practices that violate broadcasting standards in national and international events reaching millions of viewers.”
Cimen has worked in sports broadcasting since 1997 and has covered both football and basketball at national and international level.
Following the backlash, reports indicated that the commentator’s social media accounts were heavily targeted, with one of his profiles reportedly disappearing from X.
However, fellow broadcaster Ertem Sener came to his defence, criticising the personal attacks directed at Cimen.
“My colleague made a mistake, yes, but the utterly outrageous personal insults directed at him are deeply upsetting to me.
“He has a family. Murat didn’t commit a shameful crime; he made a professional error.”
The incident is not the first controversy involving Turkish World Cup commentators. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, commentator Alper Bakircigil was removed from air after mentioning former Turkey striker Hakan Sukur during a match between Morocco and Canada.
For TRT, the latest episode has become an unwanted distraction during the opening week of the expanded 48-team World Cup, with the broadcaster moving swiftly to reassure viewers of its commitment to maintaining high broadcasting standards throughout the tournament. Continue to More Sports.
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