Elif Karaarslan is a former Turkish football referee and former football player who gained significant international attention due to a controversial career shift and a highly publicized legal battle with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
Here is a breakdown of her profile and the recent events surrounding her:Footballer: Born in Istanbul in 2000, she played for Beşiktaş but was forced to retire early due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Refereeing: After her injury, she transitioned to officiating and served as a referee and assistant referee in the lower Turkish leagues (such as the Women’s 3rd League and youth leagues).
Social Media Influencer: She has leveraged her visibility to become a major social media personality. As of early 2026, she has a massive following on Instagram (where she often shares fitness and lifestyle content) and other platforms.
Brand Ambassadorship: Reports from March 2026 indicate she has transitioned into full-time content creation and brand partnerships, effectively “turning the page” on the refereeing scandal to build a new professional identity.
