Sports Law Experts on Mourinho Case: “Not Racism”

After Galatasaray accused Fenerbahçe head coach Jose Mourinho of racism, sports law experts shared their opinions. What do they say about Mourinho’s remarks?

“Not Racism”

Sports law expert Attorney Hüseyin Karaahmetoğlu stated: “These words are a metaphor, similar to saying ‘he runs like a cheetah’ or ‘he tears apart like a lion.’ They are by no means racist but are ethically inappropriate. Previously, a club president calling his Black player a ‘cannibal’ was not considered racism. There is no racist behavior or discourse in our country. Interpreting Mourinho’s words as racism is against the law and disciplinary regulations.”

“I Don’t Consider It Racism”

Human Rights Law expert Orhan Kemal Cengiz commented: “Mourinho’s use of harsh and offensive expressions toward another team’s fans may not be ethically or morally appropriate in sports. However, I don’t believe this situation warrants criminal sanctions or qualifies as racism. Instead of a criminal case, it should be addressed as a civil lawsuit. At most, it could be investigated as an insult under Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code through an exaggerated interpretation.”

“Harsh Statements, But Not Racism”

Professor Dr. Devrim Güngör from Ankara University’s Faculty of Law, Department of Criminal and Criminal Procedure Law, added: “Although Mourinho’s statements are strong and attention-grabbing, they should be considered an emotional reaction given in the heat of the moment after a match, as long as they are not taken out of context. It should not be regarded as a criminal act.”

“Calling It Racism Is an Overreach”

CAS and EuroLeague Arbitration Judge Attorney Emin Özkurt noted: “A detailed legal analysis of Mourinho’s words shows that interpreting them as racism would be a forced argument. Of course, this comparison is inappropriate, unacceptable, and deserves punishment, but any penalty must be fair and proportionate. Legally, instead of evaluating it under Article 42 of the Disciplinary Regulations concerning racism, it should be assessed under Article 41, which covers ‘attacks on personal rights, insults, threats, and spitting.’ It is highly likely that Mourinho will receive a three-match ban for insult rather than racism.”

“Galatasaray Has No Legal Right to File a Complaint”

Özkurt concluded: “Galatasaray has no legal right to file a complaint against Mourinho for racism. Taking the issue to international bodies is also legally impossible, and there is no basis for UEFA or FIFA involvement. In such cases, the primary responsibility lies with the Turkish Football Federation and its committees.”