Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has been handed a one-match suspension and fined by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following his outspoken criticism of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after his team’s 3-2 victory over Trabzonspor in the Super Lig.
Mourinho’s ire was triggered after Trabzonspor were awarded two penalties in the second half via VAR interventions. The most contentious moment came when a challenge on Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel went unpunished while the match was tied 2-2. The Portuguese manager suggested that VAR official Atilla Karaoglan had failed to spot the incident, further claiming that the Turkish league “smells bad” and that international fans had no reason to watch it.
In a statement, the TFF condemned Mourinho’s remarks, calling them “contrary to sportsmanship, sports ethics, or fair-play understanding.” The federation added that his comments aimed to damage the reputation of the TFF, undermine Turkish football, and question the impartiality of referees and other officials.
As part of the sanctions, Mourinho was fined 600,000 Turkish lira (approximately $18,000) for unsportsmanlike conduct, as well as an additional fine of 58,500 lira for his behavior toward Trabzonspor’s supporters. Fenerbahce Vice President Acun Ilicali also received a fine for his own criticism of the refereeing in a statement posted on the club’s website.
Key Points
Jose Mourinho has been suspended for one match and fined by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) for criticizing the performance of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after Fenerbahce’s 3-2 win over Trabzonspor.
Mourinho was angered by two penalties awarded to Trabzonspor through VAR, particularly a challenge on Bright Osayi-Samuel that went unpunished while the score was 2-2.
He suggested VAR official Atilla Karaoglan missed the incident and criticized the Turkish league, calling it “smelly” and questioning its appeal to international fans.
The TFF condemned Mourinho’s comments as damaging to the league’s reputation and impartiality, deeming them unsportsmanlike.
Mourinho was fined 600,000 Turkish lira ($18,000) for unsportsmanlike behavior and 58,500 lira for his conduct towards Trabzonspor’s fans.
Fenerbahce Vice President Acun Ilicali was also fined for criticizing the refereeing in an official statement.
