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2mo ago

Jose Mourinho Faces Four-Match Ban and Legal Battle Over Alleged Racist Comments

The Turkish Football Federation penalized Mourinho for remarks about referees, while Fenerbahce and Galatasaray escalate legal actions over the controversy.

Soccer Football - Europa League - Knockout Phase Playoff - Second Leg - Anderlecht v Fenerbahce - Lotto Park, Anderlecht, Belgium - February 20, 2025 Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho before the match REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
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ISTANBUL, TURKEY - FEBRUARY 23: Head coach Jose Mourinho of Fenerbahce looks on during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at Rams Park Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Soccer Football - Super Lig - Galatasaray v Fenerbahce - Rams Park, Istanbul, Turkey - February 24, 2025 Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho is seen before the match REUTERS/Umit Bektas/File Photo

Overview

  • Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce's coach, was handed a four-match ban and fined 1.6 million Turkish lira ($44,000) by the Turkish Football Federation for 'offensive' comments about Turkish referees following a match against Galatasaray.
  • Mourinho praised the performance of the foreign referee for the game but criticized a Turkish official, using language Galatasaray claims was racist, referring to their bench as 'jumping around like monkeys.'
  • Fenerbahce defended Mourinho, stating his comments were taken out of context and not intended to be racist, while Galatasaray announced plans to pursue criminal proceedings and report the remarks to FIFA and UEFA.
  • Fenerbahce has filed a lawsuit against Galatasaray, seeking damages of 1.9 million Turkish lira ($52,000), claiming an attack on Mourinho's personal rights through 'baseless accusations.'
  • Mourinho has previously faced fines and suspensions for critical remarks about Turkish referees since joining Fenerbahce in 2024 after a high-profile career in European football.