Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho has been handed a four-match touchline ban and fined €42,500 after making disparaging remarks about rival club Galatasaray. The Disciplinary Committee of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced the decision following the controversial incidents that unfolded on Monday, February 24, after the goalless draw between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce in the highly anticipated Istanbul derby.
The Portuguese tactician came under fire for his post-match comments, which were seen as an attack on Galatasaray. Following the game, Mourinho entered the referee’s dressing room to congratulate Slovenian match official Slavko Vincic. However, in doing so, he took a veiled dig at Turkish referees, using Vincic’s presence as a means to criticize local officials while also aiming indirect jabs at Galatasaray.
The TFF Disciplinary Committee deemed Mourinho’s actions as “unsportsmanlike conduct”, issuing two separate bans—a two-match suspension for inappropriate comments about the opposition and an additional two-match ban for entering the referee’s dressing room. Combined, these penalties mean Mourinho will be barred from the touchline for four games. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay a €42,500 fine.
This marks the first time in 55 years that a Turkish Super Lig match has been officiated by a foreign referee, a decision made in response to mounting controversies over Turkish match officials. Fenerbahce, currently second in the league with 58 points—six points behind leaders Galatasaray, had previously requested the TFF to bring in foreign referees, citing dissatisfaction with local officiating.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray had initially threatened to file a criminal complaint against Mourinho, although the Istanbul-based club has yet to issue an official statement regarding any further action.
In addition to Mourinho’s punishment, Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has also been sanctioned. Buruk received a one-match suspension and was fined €40,000 after referring to Mourinho as “a crybaby” in the post-match fallout.