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Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has been suspended for three matches and fined approximately 6,000 pounds by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) following an altercation with Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk during a recent Turkish Cup quarter-final. The incident occurred after Fenerbahce's 2-1 home defeat, when Mourinho was seen grabbing Buruk's nose, prompting Buruk to fall to the ground. As a result, Mourinho is prohibited from entering the dressing room and the bench for Fenerbahce’s upcoming official matches against Trabzonspor, Sivasspor, and Kayserispor. This is not Mourinho's first disciplinary issue in Turkey. In February 2025, he received a four-match ban and a fine for making derogatory comments about Turkish referees, which were deemed to violate sports ethics and potentially incite disorder.
The recent nose-grabbing incident has intensified scrutiny of Mourinho's conduct and raised questions about his future at Fenerbahce. Reports suggest that the club's management is contemplating his dismissal, which could involve a severance package of up to 40 million euros. he TFF's decision to impose a three-match ban, rather than the standard five to ten matches for such offenses, has sparked controversy. Critics, including officials from clubs like Trabzonspor, Galatasaray, Besiktas, and Basaksehir, have accused the federation of favoritism towards Fenerbahce, the only team supporting the current TFF administration.
Crucial games up ahead for Fenerbache as title race heats up
In response to the incident, Galatasaray's Vice President, Metin Ozturk, condemned Mourinho's actions and indicated that internal sanctions might precede federation penalties. The altercation has further strained relations between the two clubs, especially following previous accusations of racism against Mourinho by Galatasaray in February.
As Fenerbahce prepares for this pivotal run of fixtures, the stakes are even higher given the fiercely competitive title race unfolding in the Turkish Super Lig. Neck to neck with arch-rivals Galatasaray, Fenerbahce cannot afford any slip-ups, especially during Mourinho’s absence. Without their charismatic and controversial manager on the sidelines, Fenerbahce will first lock horns with Trabzonspor, a clash that promises intensity given the heightened scrutiny surrounding the club.
