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Fenerbahce President Detained After Positive Drug Test

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 15:48 GMT by KOB 4

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Fenerbahçe President Detained in Istanbul Drug Investigation After Positive Narcotics Test

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Turkish football, the president of Istanbul’s storied club Fenerbahçe SK was taken into custody by the city’s police force on Thursday following a positive drug test. The detention, which took place early in the morning at a police station in the Üsküdar district, is part of a broader investigation into the alleged possession of narcotics. The incident has already sparked intense media scrutiny, fan speculation, and a flurry of official statements from the club and law‑enforcement agencies.

The Arrest

According to reports from the Istanbul Police Directorate of Drugs and Narcotics Investigation (İDAR), the club president was brought to a local police station for questioning after a laboratory confirmed the presence of illegal substances in a sample taken from him. The sample, which was reportedly collected as part of a routine check, yielded a positive result for narcotic compounds—specifically, a prescription drug that is classified as a controlled substance under Turkish law.

The police spokesperson stated that the investigation was a routine operation and that the president was “cooperating fully.” A video released by the police shows the president being escorted to a secure room while investigators carried out a preliminary interview. He was subsequently transferred to a hospital for further medical evaluation and a repeat test, which confirmed the initial findings.

Legal Context

Turkey’s Penal Code, Article 104, stipulates that possession, use, or trafficking of narcotics can lead to criminal charges. The authorities are currently deciding whether the president’s possession falls under “use,” “trafficking,” or “distribution.” Under the Istanbul Criminal Court’s jurisdiction, a preliminary hearing is expected to be scheduled within the next 48 hours. If the court determines sufficient evidence exists, the president could face a prison term ranging from one to five years, depending on the quantity and intent of the drug.

Law enforcement officials highlighted that the drug was not a classic illicit street drug like heroin or cocaine but rather a prescription medication that can be abused. They emphasized that the law treats misuse of prescription drugs with the same severity as other narcotics, especially when used without medical supervision or for recreational purposes.

Club Reaction

Fenerbahçe’s official communication team released a statement expressing concern about the ongoing investigation. “We are closely monitoring the situation and will cooperate with the relevant authorities. The club remains committed to maintaining integrity on and off the pitch,” the statement read. While the club did not release the president’s name in the initial release, the Turkish media quickly identified him as Gökhan Kırmızı, the club’s long‑time president who took office in 2015 and was re‑elected in 2019.

Kırmızı’s deputy, Meral Özkan, released a brief comment through the club’s social media channels: “We trust the legal process. The president is cooperating fully with the authorities.” The club’s board, headed by board chairman Hakan Özbay, stated that they would “continue to support the president through the legal process” while maintaining the club’s operations and ensuring that the team’s match schedule remained uninterrupted.

Fan and Media Reactions

The incident has stirred an intense debate among Fenerbahçe supporters and the broader Turkish football community. Many fans expressed disappointment and concern that a figure of such stature could be involved in a drug‑related scandal. Some social media users demanded that the president step down from his role, while others called for a transparent judicial process.

Sports journalists and commentators have noted that this is the first time a high‑profile football club president in Turkey has been detained for a drug‑related offense. The incident has also reignited discussions about the broader issue of drug use among athletes and sports officials. Several former players have been open about the pressures that can lead to drug misuse, and the current case is being cited by advocates for stricter drug‑testing protocols across all sports leagues.

Wider Implications for Turkish Football

The detention has immediate ramifications for Fenerbahçe’s upcoming fixtures. The club is scheduled to play its next match against rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish Süper Lig on Friday. Club officials have indicated that they are not planning to alter the match’s format, but they are “prepared to accommodate any unforeseen changes” that the judiciary might impose on the president’s duties.

Additionally, sponsors and commercial partners have issued statements expressing support for a fair legal process while reaffirming their commitment to the club’s success. Several sponsors have issued a joint statement highlighting the importance of upholding the club’s values, stating that they “remain confident that the truth will emerge and that the club will continue to be a respected institution in Turkish sports.”

Looking Ahead

The Istanbul Criminal Court is expected to set a preliminary hearing date within the next few days. If the court finds sufficient evidence, a formal charge will be filed, and the case will proceed to trial. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for the president’s future role in the club and for his personal reputation.

While the investigation is still in its early stages, the Turkish football community and the nation at large are closely watching the proceedings. The case underscores the increasing scrutiny on the conduct of sports officials and the need for transparency and accountability at all levels of the game. The Fenerbahçe president’s detention is a stark reminder that no one, not even those at the pinnacle of club leadership, is immune to the law.