Fenerbahce accuses Galatasaray of wrongdoing, files 7 complaints
Players of Galatasaray during the Turkish Super Lig 5th week match between Galatasaray and Caykur Rizespor at Rams Park in Istanbul, Türkiye on September 14, 2024. (AA Photo)
Fenerbahce filed complaints against Galatasaray with seven different authorities, including the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Finance Ministry.
Fenerbahce accuses Galatasaray of tax evasion, illegal advertising, and underreporting player salaries.
- Fenerbahce’s Legal Affairs Board Member, Fethi Pekin, said, “Despite many illegal actions taking place one after another, no sufficient official steps have been taken.”
Why these violations matter
The accusations come just days before the highly anticipated derby between the two clubs, both leading the Super Lig standings. Galatasaray holds the top spot with 15 points, while Fenerbahce is in second place with 13 points.
Details
Fenerbahce claims that Galatasaray has violated financial regulations by:
- Underreporting player salaries to bypass spending limits.
- Inflating ticket prices by transferring a large number of season tickets to a corporate entity.
- Displaying the logo of an illegal betting company on their jerseys.
What they’re saying
Galatasaray Vice President Metin Ozturk responded, calling the accusations an attempt to “manipulate the agenda” ahead of the derby. “This is an effort to distract and sabotage our club,” Ozturk said during the Divan Committee meeting.
Sponsorship controversy, other violations
Galatasaray suspended its sponsorship deal with the news website meritking.news after allegations emerged that the site is linked to illegal betting. Deputy Chairman Niyazi Yelkencioglu stated, “We made this agreement with a legitimate company. We are not tax inspectors.”
- Galatasaray received part of the payment before the controversy emerged, but decided to put the sponsorship on hold until further information becomes available.
What’s next
The tension between the clubs adds to the stakes of this weekend’s derby, which could influence the title race. The Turkish Football Federation is expected to address the complaints and ensure fair play as the season progresses.
