Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce’s manager, has been fined and sanctioned by the Turkish Football Federation, TFF, for his post-match criticism of VAR official Atilla Karaoglan following their dramatic win over Trabzonspor.
Mourinho’s side secured a thrilling victory with a stoppage-time goal from Sofyan Ambrabat, but the manager was unhappy with the VAR decisions, particularly two contentious penalties awarded to Trabzonspor.
He made comments that were deemed unsportsmanlike, sparking the TFF’s action.
The TFF punished Mourinho with a significant penalty, imposing a discretionary fine of 900,000 TL (£20,178) and an additional fine of approximately £1,300.
Mourinho also received a one-match ban, prohibiting him from the dressing room and touchline.
According to the TFF, Mourinho’s comments damaged the reputation of Turkish football, questioned referees’ impartiality, and contravened sportsmanship and fair play principles.
The decision reflects the federation’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards in the sport.
Mourinho’s outspoken remarks have resulted in substantial consequences, highlighting the importance of managerial conduct in professional football.
TFF issued a statement, saying: “The post-match flash interview and press conference are evaluated as a whole; the statements in question are contrary to sportsmanship, sports ethics or the concept of fair play, damage the reputation of the TFF, aim to diminish the value of Turkish football, cast a shadow over the impartiality of the referees and other match officials, and are therefore punished with a discretionary fine of 900,000 TL (£20,178) in accordance with Article 38/4-a of the FDT due to Unsportsmanlike Statements.”
