Turkish football faces disciplinary fallout after Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş derby

Following a Beşiktaş victory over Fenerbahçe in the Trendyol Süper Lig, the Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu (TFF) has referred numerous individuals and clubs to the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK). Notable referrals include Fenerbahçe President Aziz Yıldırım and player Kerem Aktürkoğlu for statements deemed to undermine the reputation of football, as well as Beşiktaş player Dusan Vlahovic for alleged insults. Both Fenerbahçe and Beşiktaş clubs were also referred due to incidents involving crowd behavior and pitch disturbances.

The disciplinary actions have sparked significant backlash. Beşiktaş issued a statement calling the referral of Vlahovic “unacceptable” and a sign of management lacking in “justice and equality,” questioning why VAR and broadcasters did not address the provocations from the opposing side.

Amidst these legal tensions, Fenerbahçe faces internal pressure following their recent league losses. Technical director İsmail Kartal is under scrutiny from both management and captain Milan Skriniar regarding tactical decisions. Reports suggest Kartal may implement radical squad changes, including benching several players, ahead of Fenerbahçe’s upcoming UEFA Champions League match against AS Roma.