Fenerbahce pull players from Turkish national team over coach’s offensive gesture

Fenerbahce, one of the most popular sports clubs in Türkiye, has announced that it will not send any players to the national basketball team as long as Ergin Ataman remains the Turkish national team’s head coach.

This decision follows a provocative gesture made by Ataman during a recent match, which upset Fenerbahce fans and officials.

Turkish national team head coach Ataman’s gesture triggers backlash from Fenerbahce

The controversy began on Sept. 24 during a friendly basketball game in Istanbul between Galatasaray and Panathinaikos, the Greek team coached by Ataman. After the game, Ataman made a hand gesture referencing a recent 3-1 victory by Galatasaray over Fenerbahce in a football match. The gesture, seen as mocking by Fenerbahce supporters, caused widespread anger.

Despite the Turkish national team head coach’s attempt to apologize, Fenerbahce’s management took immediate action. In a public statement, the club condemned Ataman’s behavior, calling it “a significant disrespect to our club and the honor of the national team coach role.” They emphasized that anyone in such a position must act with “respect and impartiality.”

Fenerbahce’s firm response, decision to cut ties with Turkish national team

Following the incident, Fenerbahce held an emergency meeting and announced that they would not allow any of their players to join the national team while Ataman was in charge.

Burak Caghan Kizilhan, the club’s General Secretary, expressed Fenerbahce’s discontent, stating, “The actions of the person whose name I don’t even want to mention are divisive and unacceptable. We have discussed this internally and will take all necessary measures to protect our club’s reputation.”

The club’s statement also criticized Ataman’s behavior as an “insult to the role of the national team coach and the values of the entire nation.” They made it clear that their decision would stand as long as Ataman holds the position, stating, “We will not send our players to the national team under his guidance.”

Who is Fenerbahce not sending to the national basketball team?

Sertac Sanli, a center, and Sehmus Hazer, a guard, have played significant roles in recent matches for the national team. Tarik Biberovic, a small forward, is also part of the national roster.

Their involvement in the team is crucial, and Fenerbahce’s decision not to release them to the national team while Ergin Ataman remains as head coach could have a considerable impact on the team’s performance in upcoming competitions​.

Turkish national team head coach Ergin Ataman’s apology to Fenerbahce

In response to the backlash, Ataman issued a public apology. He said, “I sincerely apologize for my actions and any discomfort I caused to the Fenerbahce community. I never intended to offend anyone.” He explained that his gesture was a spontaneous reaction to the enthusiastic Galatasaray fans and was not meant to target Fenerbahce.

However, Fenerbahce rejected his apology, insisting that it was insufficient to address the seriousness of the incident.

The club reiterated its position, saying, “This gesture was a deliberate provocation, and we cannot tolerate such behavior from someone representing the national team.”

The incident has intensified the long-standing rivalry between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, two of Türkiye’s most prominent sports clubs.

The national basketball team, which relies on Fenerbahce players, could be significantly affected by this conflict.