Alleged WhatsApp messages from TFF officials leaked, targeting Mourinho.
Fenerbahce is calling for answers after controversial messages, allegedly from the Turkish Football Federation’s (TFF) disciplinary board, surfaced online. One of the leaked messages appeared to target manager José Mourinho, stating, “We will make him pay for this next season.”
Following the viral leak, TFF disciplinary committee president Celal Nuri Demirturk, along with the entire board, stepped down immediately. Their mass resignation now throws the football body’s credibility into deeper doubt.
Fenerbahce Calls for Accountability
In a strongly worded statement, Fenerbahce confirmed they had formally contacted the TFF, demanding clarity. They slammed the leaked remarks as proof of “revenge-driven and biased mentality” that should never exist in Turkish sports.
Fenerbahce General Secretary Burak Kizilhan added his voice, saying the content of the messages, if true, “destroys any sense of impartiality.” He pushed for an open and thorough investigation to protect trust in Turkish football.
The leaked messages appear to trace back to an earlier clash involving José Mourinho, who criticised refereeing after a February draw with Galatasaray. That game saw Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic brought in to replace local refs due to ongoing bias claims.
Post-match tension rose when Mourinho accused Galatasaray staff of “jumping around like monkeys.” The club responded by accusing him of racism, which led to a four-match ban and a hefty £35,000+ fine for Mourinho.
Though the ban and fine were reduced on appeal, Mourinho hit back by suing Galatasaray over the racism accusation. The tensions did not stop there, continuing into other derby games throughout the season.
Fenerbahce ended the season trophyless after another loss to Galatasaray in the Turkish Cup quarter-finals. After the match, Mourinho confronted Gala coach Okan Buruk, playfully grabbing his nose — a move that earned him a three-game ban.
Despite the controversy, bans, and a season without silverware, Mourinho is expected to continue as Fenerbahce’s manager. The club seems to be standing by him, even as chaos swirls around Turkish football.
