Fenerbahce board member, prominent Turkish businessman dies at 67
File photo shows a close-up of the Fenerbahce emblem on the team's iconic yellow and navy blue jersey. (AA Photo)
Mehmet Salih Dereli, a prominent Turkish businessman and board member of the Turkish sports club Fenerbahce, died at the age of 67.
Fenerbahce announced Dereli’s passing on Saturday, extending condolences to his family.
“Mehmet Salih Dereli, who provided valuable services to our club, remained an active member of the board of directors even while facing health challenges. May God have mercy on Mehmet Salih Dereli; we offer our condolences to his grieving family, relatives, and our community,” the club stated on X.
About Mehmet Salih Dereli
Dereli was born in 1957 in Istanbul. He completed his primary and secondary education at Isik High School and pursued university studies in the United States.
He was a partner in one of Türkiye’s largest piston manufacturing facilities in Izmit, Kocaeli, which operates as a joint venture with U.S.-based auto parts manufacturer Federal-Mogul.
In 1992, Dereli was among the founders of the 1907 Fenerbahce Association, and in 2000, he helped establish Fenerium, the club’s official licensed merchandise retailer.
The businessperson underwent a liver transplant in 2016 and was hospitalized in September 2024 due to health complications.
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