Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho received a one-match suspension and significant fines from the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following his critical remarks about the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after Fenerbahce’s 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor. Two second-half penalties were awarded to Trabzonspor after VAR interventions, leaving Mourinho outraged when an apparent foul on Bright Osayi-Samuel was overlooked with the score tied at 2-2.
Expressing his frustration, Mourinho claimed that the Turkish Super Lig “smells bad” and that the league lacks appeal for international viewers. The TFF responded by issuing a statement condemning Mourinho’s comments as contrary to sportsmanship and likely to undermine the reputation of Turkish football, as well as the impartiality of referees.
The TFF imposed a 600,000 Turkish lira ($18,000) fine for unsportsmanlike behavior, along with an additional 58,500 lira penalty for his conduct towards opposing fans. Fenerbahce Vice President Acun Ilicali was also fined for his remarks criticizing officiating, which appeared on the club’s website.
