Karabük İdman Yurdu advanced to the fourth round of the Ziraat Türkiye Kupası after their opponent, İskenderunspor, failed to appear for their third qualifying round match on October 28, 2026. The match was awarded as a 3-0 forfeit victory to Karabük İdman Yurdu, İHA reported.

İskenderunspor fails to appear at Dr. Necmettin Şeyhoğlu Stadium

The fixture was scheduled to begin at 15:00 local time at the Dr. Necmettin Şeyhoğlu Stadium. While the home side, Karabük İdman Yurdu, took their positions on the pitch, the visiting İskenderunspor squad was absent. Following the absence of the guest team, the match referee officially recorded a forfeit victory in favor of the home side, according to reports from İHA.

Karabük İdman Yurdu competes in the TFF 3. Lig, while İskenderunspor represents the TFF 2. Lig. Despite the difference in league tiers, the match ended without a single minute of play.

Communication breakdown before kickoff

The issues began hours before the scheduled start. Karabük İdman Yurdu informed supporters via official social media channels that an İskenderunspor representative failed to attend the mandatory match organization meeting held that morning, İHA reported.

Following the missed meeting, Karabük officials contacted the visiting club by telephone. During those conversations, İskenderunspor representatives notified the home club that they would not be participating in the match, as detailed by Ajansspor and İHA.

Unconfirmed reports on İskenderunspor’s absence

While the forfeit is official, the specific reason for İskenderunspor’s decision to skip the match remains unverified. Local reports suggested the club is facing economic difficulties, but it has not been confirmed that financial issues were the direct cause of the absence.

As of the latest reports, the visiting club has not issued a formal statement explaining why they failed to travel or appear for the fixture.

TFF registers Karabük İdman Yurdu win by forfeit

The match has been registered as a 3-0 win for Karabük İdman Yurdu. However, reports noted that at the time of their filing, the official online fixture list of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) had not yet updated the final result to reflect the forfeit.

The TFF is expected to finalize the official records and determine if any further disciplinary actions will be taken against İskenderunspor for failing to fulfill their fixture. Karabük İdman Yurdu now awaits the draw for their opponent in the fourth qualifying round.

Common questions regarding the Karabük İdman Yurdu forfeit

What is the official score of the match?
The match was awarded as a 3-0 forfeit victory (hükmen) to Karabük İdman Yurdu.

Which leagues do the two teams play in?
Karabük İdman Yurdu plays in the TFF 3. Lig, while İskenderunspor plays in the TFF 2. Lig.

Did the match start at all?
No. The referee declared the forfeit after İskenderunspor failed to arrive at the stadium by the 15:00 kickoff time.

İskenderunspor, Türkiye Kupası Maçına Çıkmadı!Ziraat Türkiye Kupası 3. Eleme Turu’nda Karabük İdman Yurdu ile karşılaşması planlanan Ekinciler İskenderunspor, mücadeleye çıkmadı..https://t.co/91EGKDPRML@iskenderunspor_ @karabukiyfk pic.twitter.com/12Pjrfn3fi

— https://x.com/metin_dingil/status/2115448933195604036