'Hostile mentality based on revenge' - Fenerbahce release furious statement as Turkish disciplinary board members resign after allegedly mocking Jose Mourinho and Istanbul giants in leaked WhatsApp messages

Fenerbahce on Tuesday released a furious statement calling out the 'WhatsApp correspondence' of the members of the Turkish Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PDFK) and urged the president of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) to take strict actions. The accused members of PDFK have already handed in their resignations for allegedly mocking Fenerbahce as well as their head coach, Jose Mourinho, in WhatsApp messages that have been leaked.

According to information from Turkish publication Ajansspor, the PDFK members exchanged inappropriate messages on WhatsApp targeting Mourinho and Fenerbahce. "Mourinho is being given too much leeway. If this continues, he’ll pay the price for it next year," read one of the texts among other anti-Fenerbahce messages exchanged. Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, the president of the TFF, requested the resignation of those involved in the WhatsApp scandal, with the board members of the PDFK, including their Chairperson, already stepping down from their roles.

Speaking on the controversy, Fenerbahce wrote on X: "Impartiality questioned: Regarding the exposed correspondence of PFDK members.

"Our club has made an official application to the Turkish Football Federation in response to the correspondence that has been made public today and is claimed to belong to members of the Professional Football Disciplinary Board. We believe that this hostile mentality, which clearly violates the principle of impartiality and is based on showdowns and revenge, has no place in Turkish Sports."

The statement goes on: "In light of the information and findings that emerged today in public, it has been observed that certain messages were shared in a WhatsApp group allegedly involving members of the Professional Football Disciplinary Board (PFDK), which openly targeted Fenerbahçe Sports Club and clearly violated the principle of impartiality."

The club go on to addres specific allegations, such as "Hostile expressions" aimed at Fenerbahce, "Sentences that clearly show a breach of the principle of neutrality," and messages hinting at "revenge in the upcoming season".

Fenerbahce continue: "If these allegations are true, it would not only seriously damage the impartiality of the relevant board but also the institutional reputation and public trust of the Turkish Football Federation. For individuals who are part of one of the most critical bodies tasked with ensuring justice in Turkish football to engage in such discourse — reducing the concept of “discipline” to mere inactivity — constitutes a blatant attack on the principles of impartiality and equality."

Mourinho has been involved in quite a few incidents since arriving in Turkey. His most recent episode of ill-discipline and unprofessional behaviour saw him pinch the nose of Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk in April, following Fenerbahce's loss to their rivals. He has also been accused of having a problem with Turkish players.

It is likely that a thorough investigation will take place, despite the fact that many members of the PFDK have already resigned from their posts. Mourinho and his troops are currently enjoying vacation and will return to action next month to begin their pre-season, with the Special One confirmed to continue in Istanbul for another season.