Fenerbahçe Files Criminal Complaint Over Galatasaray–Meritking Sponsorship

Fenerbahçe demands investigation into alleged “illegal betting site–Galatasaray connection”

Istanbul — Fenerbahçe Sports Club has filed a formal criminal complaint regarding allegations that rival club Galatasaray entered into a sponsorship agreement with Meritking, a brand allegedly linked to illegal betting operations. The club stated that it took this step due to the “serious public concern” raised by the reports and has requested that judicial authorities launch a full investigation.

According to journalist Ali Fuat Duatepe’s post on X, the complaint highlights that Galatasaray’s alleged involvement in a sponsorship deal with a betting brand — and the subsequent public statements by club officials — are considered “damaging to public trust.” Fenerbahçe also confirmed that it has submitted letters to several government institutions, including the Spor Toto Organization Directorate, urging that the matter be “examined with the utmost sensitivity.”

The controversy stems from earlier claims that the Spor Toto Organization itself had previously filed a complaint against both Galatasaray and the Meritking brand over “websites operating illegal betting activities.”

Fenerbahçe has also criticized the prosecutor’s decision to issue a non-prosecution ruling (Nolle Prosequi) in a short period of time, arguing that the decision was made “without adequate investigation or evidence review.” The club urged the public to closely follow the judicial process and emphasized its commitment to transparency.

Meanwhile, the legal proceedings have extended to Galatasaray’s side as well. A Criminal Court of Peace reportedly overturned the earlier non-prosecution decision and referred the case to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, requesting that charges be filed against the executives who signed the sponsorship deal.

In response, Metin Öztürk, Galatasaray’s Vice President, stated:

“The agreement was made with the approval of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). Our club has not derived any financial gain from this process.”

He also noted that the investigation is expected to continue in a broader scope.

These developments have once again reignited debates over sponsorship ethics and regulatory oversight within Turkish football — particularly concerning partnerships linked to betting and gaming platforms.