The incident that appears to have been the last straw occurred after Fenerbahce’s recent victory over Trabzonspor. The match ended in chaos as fans invaded the pitch, leading to violent confrontations. Notable players, including Michy Batshuayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, were forced into scuffles as they defended themselves against aggressive supporters, some of whom were armed. This altercation was not an isolated event; it followed a match marred by fans throwing missiles, injuring several players including goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

A History of Grievances

Fenerbahce’s grievances, however, extend far beyond this single event. The club has a long history of feeling persecuted and unfairly treated by both the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and the country’s authorities at large. From controversial matches that have cost them league titles to being embroiled in the 2011 Turkish match-fixing scandal — which saw their former president jailed and the club banned from European competition, despite later being cleared of wrongdoing — Fenerbahce has faced numerous challenges. Additionally, a life-threatening attack in 2015, when their team bus was shot at, leaving the driver severely injured, has only added to the sense of injustice felt by the club and its supporters.

The Proposal to Leave

In light of these challenges, Fenerbahce is now considering an unprecedented move: leaving the Turkish Super Lig and joining another European league. According to Turkish journalist Ertem Sener, the club is eyeing the domestic leagues of Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, France, and Italy as potential new homes. Such a move would be groundbreaking and is fraught with logistical and regulatory challenges, not least the question of whether another domestic league would allow the club to enter.

The Road Ahead

As Fenerbahce prepares to discuss this radical proposal at an Extraordinary General Assembly, the soccer world watches closely. The possibility of a club of Fenerbahce’s stature leaving its national league due to disputes with authorities and seeking refuge in another country’s competition is a scenario that could have far-reaching implications for the sport. It raises questions about the governance of soccer, the power dynamics between clubs and regulatory bodies, and the potential for cross-border league competitions.

Can They Leave?

The feasibility of Fenerbahce’s departure from the Turkish Super Lig and integration into another European league remains uncertain. The logistical, legal, and financial hurdles are significant. Each potential destination league has its own set of regulations and requirements for admission, and the precedent for such a move is virtually nonexistent. Furthermore, the reaction of the UEFA and the potential impact on European competitions would need to be considered.

 

Fenerbahce’s contemplation of leaving the Turkish Super Lig is a testament to the club’s tumultuous relationship with the country’s football authorities and its desire for a fair and stable competitive environment. While the path forward is fraught with uncertainty, the mere consideration of such a move highlights the need for dialogue and reform within Turkish soccer and perhaps beyond. As the situation develops, the implications for Fenerbahce and the broader soccer community could be profound, challenging longstanding norms and inviting a reevaluation of governance in the sport.