Galatasaray suspends $14M sponsorship citing illegal betting claims
Davinson Sanchez (6) of Galatasaray greets fans after the Turkish Super Lig 3rd week match between Galatasaray and Gaziantep FK at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Türkiye on September 17, 2024. (AA Photo)
Galatasaray announced it has suspended its two-year sponsorship contract worth $3.15 million per year, totaling $14.06 million for two seasons with Serwin Global Solutions until allegations and related information are clarified.
The Turkish football club released a statement explaining that its sponsorship deal, linked to the promotion of the digital sports news platform “meritking.news,” has been put on hold. The suspension will remain in effect until the club receives further clarification regarding the claims and documents associated with the deal.
“We have suspended the sponsorship agreements with Serwin Global Solutions SDN BHD until the information and claims provided to us are clarified,” Galatasaray stated. “We will continue to ensure that our collaborations are conducted in a manner that protects the interests of our club.”
The move comes amid controversy surrounding Galatasaray’s decision to feature Meritking.news as a sponsor during a recent match against Caykur Rizespor. The sponsorship drew criticism due to allegations linking the website to illegal betting activities.
Several social media users voiced their concerns over the association with a site allegedly connected to an illegal gambling platform. Galatasaray’s Vice President Niyazi Yelkencioglu defended the club’s position, stating that the agreement was with the news portal alone and not with any illegal betting operations.
Yelkencioglu emphasized that the club included a clause in the contract allowing for unilateral termination should any illegal gambling content be discovered. He reassured that the contract had been reviewed thoroughly by both the club’s legal team and external experts.
Despite the backlash, Galatasaray highlighted the financial benefits of the deal, which was valued at $3.15 million per year over two seasons. The sponsorship was intended to cover the men’s football team’s appearances in the Türkiye Trendyol Super League and Türkiye Ziraat Cup.
