Fenerbahçe files criminal complaint against illegal betting sites over unauthorized use of club name

Turkish football club Fenerbahçe announced that its name and corporate identity had been used without its knowledge or consent on three separate websites belonging to illegal betting platforms. According to the club's statement, these sites falsely portrayed themselves as the "official sponsor" of Fenerbahçe. The club stressed that this constituted a completely unauthorized and misleading practice.

In its statement, Fenerbahçe made clear that it has no sponsorship agreement, business relationship, or cooperation of any kind with the company in question or with any illegal betting platform. Club officials emphasized that they would not tolerate their name and emblem being associated with such illicit activities. Legal action was said to have been initiated immediately in response.

Fenerbahçe filed a formal criminal complaint against those responsible with the Istanbul Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, noting that the process is moving forward swiftly. Following a ruling by the Istanbul Anadolu 1st Criminal Court of Peace dated September 23, 2026, under file number 2026/10330 D. İş, access to the websites in question was immediately blocked. The prosecutor's office is said to be continuing its investigation into the matter without delay.

Fenerbahçe's management reiterated its firm stance against illegal betting, stating that the legal process is being closely monitored by the club. The club once again emphasized that it would show no tolerance toward activities that contradict the fundamental values of sport and its sense of social responsibility. It added that all necessary legal measures would continue to be pursued and that the matter would remain under close observation.