Fenerbahce coach Jose Mourinho has harshly criticized refereeing in the Turkish Super League, claiming that the league operates in a “toxic” environment.
His comments came after Galatasaray's controversial 2-1 win over Goztepe, a result that left them eight points off the top of the standings.
Goztepe, who felt aggrieved by the refereeing in Saturday's match, issued a statement demanding immediate action.
The club called for a “temporary foreign arbitration regime to be established immediately” and expressed its frustration with the league, saying: “We want a league of deserving winners.”
Speaking after Fenerbahce's 2-1 win over Hatayspor on Sunday, Mourinho commented on the ongoing controversy.
He expressed his frustration, saying: “Everyone was saying the same thing, scandal, scandal. You have learned a new word (in Turkish).
I think some of you (the media) liked it. Even winners like it, which is the worst thing ever. Because winning at all costs and winning this way is the worst thing.
“I've never seen anything like this before, it's a scandal.”
Jose Mourinho launched a scathing attack on referees in Türkiye with Fenerbahce considering boycotting the Turkish Cup in protest 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/YXoeaRVVzf
– Sky Sports News (SkySportsNews) January 6, 2025
“In terms of feeling something toxic, we feel it, we obviously feel it. After 25 years as a coach, 35 years in football, and 10 years as an assistant, I've never seen anything like it.
“It has a dimension beyond anything that can be understood. I don't think this is a situation where one club, fighting, destroys a very strong system and roster.
“This is my league, and I hope it will be my league for at least two years. But this is your league.
“This is the league for every kid who loves football, who dreams of becoming a footballer… If you are happy with this status quo, be happy. I don’t think this is something the club can solve individually.
Mourinho also criticized the refereeing style in Fenerbahce's recent matches, highlighting missed calls which he felt had hurt his team.
He said: “In the last two matches, we were talking about five red cards (that should have been shown) against our competitors.”
“The opponents know how they can play against us, and our players feel it.”
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce in the summer aiming to achieve their first league title in a decade.
However, his harsh criticism of officiating and the league's structure suggests that he believes there are significant obstacles off the field that must be addressed before he can succeed.
